Quality Improvement Specialist

Youth Counselor (S)

The Department of Public Safety's mission is to safeguard and preserve the lives and property of the people of North Carolina through preparation, prevention, and protection with integrity and honor. Our agency houses many public safety divisions, including Emergency Management, Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Alcohol Law Enforcement, Samarcand Training Academy, and the North Carolina National Guard. Join us along with our more than 3,000 employees and 12,000 National Guard members in providing exceptional public safety services to the citizens of North Carolina.

The Quality Improvement Specialist is responsible for evaluating, monitoring, and enhancing operational practices within juvenile justice facilities to ensure compliance with established standards, policies, and best practices. This role focuses on supporting the improvement of facility-based practices, service delivery, promoting accountability, and supporting the overall mission of the Department through data-driven quality assurance initiatives. The Quality Improvement Specialist communicates clearly and effectively through both written reports and verbal presentations, including the facilitation of training sessions for diverse audiences. This role requires the capacity to design and deliver engaging, effective training programs that support compliance and continuous improvement across juvenile justice facilities. The position involves regular use of data management systems and the Microsoft Office Suite to track, analyze, and report performance metrics, while independently managing multiple projects through strong organization, prioritization, and time management. Success in this role depends on building collaborative relationships with facility staff, management, and cross functional teams, while exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality in sensitive situations. The position also requires flexibility to travel to multiple facilities and adapt to varying operational environments in support of statewide quality assurance efforts.

Core duties to include:

• Conduct comprehensive quality and compliance reviews of critical facility operations, including on-site practices, video footage, physical and digital files, case notes, and logbooks.
• Prepare detailed reports of findings and develop corrective action plans to address deficiencies and improve compliance with standards and policies.
• Design, develop, and facilitate training programs aimed at improving compliance and the quality of practices implemented within juvenile facilities.
• Serve on designated committees to advance departmental goals and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the development and implementation of quality assurance frameworks and processes across juvenile justice facilities.
• Collect, compile, and analyze key data and performance metrics; disseminate findings to management to monitor progress and inform decision-making.
• Provide on-site support within facilities to assist staff with training and the implementation of effective practices.

Salary Range: $39,244-$68,679

DPS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.

The Minimum Education and Experience (E&E) are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. All work history and education (including accurate dates of employment/attendance) must be documented on the application. Supplemental Questions are also a required part of the application: answers must reference education or work experience listed on the application. A complete, all-inclusive application maximizes an applicant's potential to qualify for the position, as well as the highest possible salary. Salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. State Government Application Resources | NC Office of Human Resources

Management Preference: These skills are not required but managers may choose to interview/select applicants who demonstrate Management Preferences.

• Understanding of juvenile justice standards, policies, and/or compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of quality assurance principles, auditing practices, and/or corrective action planning.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data collection, analysis, and/or reporting methodolgies
• Strong analytical skills combined with critical thinking to identify gaps, recommend improvements
• Knowledge of conducting thorough compliance reviews and interpreting complex regulations.

NEW STEP PAY PLAN!

Youth Counselor's enjoy annual salary increases with a step pay plan! Your initial salary is based on your total months of related education and experience above the minimum requirements (Bachelor's degree and 24 months of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience (6 years)). Please list all work experience in order for you to receive maximum credit. This will help determine the correct salary and step for potential candidates. Candidates will only receive credit for experience documented on the state application. Once hired, your pay will continue to increase as you gain more related experience up to step 6 and you may also qualify for other promotional opportunities. There are many opportunities for promotional advancement within Juvenile Justice!

• Step 0- $41,558
• Step 1- $44,468
• Step 2- $47,137
• Step 3- $49,494
• Step 4- $51,473
• Step 5- $53,017
• Step 6- $54,078

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position. These positions are required to work shift work and will vary depending on the need of the facilities. Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evenings.

Benefits:

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with State Benefits, including paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, retirement, and health insurance. To view an example of total compensation, please click here NC OSHR: Total Compensation Calculator