WIC Quality Assurance Specialist - Phoenix, AZ

POSITION SUMMARY

The WIC Quality Assurance Specialist ensures the WIC program operates efficiently, complies with federal and state regulations, and provides high-quality services to eligible participants. This position focuses on reviewing and monitoring the program’s activities, ensuring adherence to quality standards, and implementing improvements to enhance service delivery. This position will work with the Nutrition Services Manager, WIC Services Manager and Director of WIC to identify opportunities for quality improvement and oversee performance improvement initiatives. This position will work closely with WIC training Coordinator and WIC operations to implement process improvement and monitor process improvement changes.

EXPECTATIONS

Every Adelante Healthcare employee will strive to maximize their performance and contribution to Adelante Healthcare and the community we serve every day.  Employees are expected to work in a manner that demonstrates a commitment to quality, patient safety, employee engagement, innovation, and the highest standards of personal integrity, professionalism, and competence.

OUR CORE VALUES

• Inclusion
• Nurture
• Service
• Purposeful
• Integrity
• Resilient
• Engaged

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of WIC program guidelines, data analysis and reporting, quality assurance and compliance monitoring, strong communication and problem-solving skills, experience in training staff, attention to detail, time management, interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and experience with data management systems and working with vulnerable populations.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferred. Prior experience in quality assurance, data collection, and communications can be considered in place of formal degree
• Experience in managed care with knowledge of HEDIS and STARS Quality Metrics preferred
• Quality Assurance: Experience in quality assurance or continuous improvement, including evaluating programs and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Supervisory or Leadership: Some roles require experience in managing teams and overseeing quality improvement processes.
• Knowledge of WIC and WIC Policy: Familiarity with federal and state WIC regulations and certification standards is essential.
• Certification to perform cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for the Health Care Professional (CPR) and AED through courses that follow the guidelines from the American Heart Association and Red Cross (cognitive and skills evaluations)
• Valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety for all specialty behavioral health locations
• Proficiency in developing and presenting analytic reports both written and verbal, data collection, sampling, analysis, and presentation
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications includes Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Must be able to write analytic reports integrating multiple data elements and perspectives
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality, privacy, and security of protected information
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers
• Travel to all health centers is required

POSITION REPONSIBILITIES

• Create and foster working relationships with internal and external customers that facilitate accreditation/regulatory Quality Improvement program success
• Plan and implement various special projects related to quality improvement as assigned
• Leads (Clinical Quality Improvement) CQI interdisciplinary sessions with sites as needed when compliance opportunities are identified
• Collaborates with the Quality Director and the Quality Assurance Manager (QAM) on the development and implementation of the Quality Management Plan annually
• Collaborate with the WIC Director, Nutrition Services Manager, and the WIC Services Manager on the implementation and evaluation of policies and procedures
• Collaborates with the WIC Director on the implementation of Policy and procedures.
• Collaborate with site leadership on the development of actions plans to improve quality metrics
• Maintain knowledge of updated changes in The WIC and Adelante Healthcare regulations
• Participate in Quality Assurance audit
• Prepare WIC for annual management evaluation program state audits
• Manage and follows up on Quality Incidents through Ethics point or other quality reports
• Monitor Program Compliance: Ensure WIC services meet federal, state, and local regulations by conducting regular audits of participant records and service delivery.
• Conduct Quality Assurance Reviews: Perform regular evaluations of WIC services, including eligibility determination, nutrition assessments, and certification processes, to ensure high standards of service.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Collect, analyze, and report on program performance data, identifying trends, areas for improvement, and ensuring compliance with quality indicators.
• Provide Training and Support: Develop and deliver training materials to staff on compliance, program updates, and best practices in nutrition education and service delivery.
• Address Non-Compliance Issues: Identify issues related to non-compliance, investigate root causes, and implement corrective action plans in collaboration with management.
• Collaborate with WIC Staff: Work closely with WIC staff to ensure proper documentation, resolve concerns, and ensure the efficient operation of the program.
• Prepare Reports: Compile and present detailed reports on program audits, findings, corrective actions, and quality assurance improvements.
• Support Customer Service: Assist in resolving participant complaints or concerns, ensuring that services are provided in an efficient and respectful manner.
• Stay Updated on Regulations: Keep up-to-date with changes in WIC policies, federal and state regulations, and program best practices. Other projects as requested by the Director of Quality

NONESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to read and write in more than one language
• Master’s degree preferred

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Other duties as requested or assigned

Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and Integrated Care Team (ICT)

All employees are responsible for promoting and participating in interdisciplinary communication and collaboration to enhance the delivery of quality across the health care system. Employees should maintain an environment which supports and engages patients and co-workers in a caring team-based model to promote wellness and improve health outcomes.

Adherence to Compliance and Code of Conduct

All employees are required to comply with Adelante Healthcare’s written standards, including its Compliance Program and Code of Conduct, policies and procedures and reporting of any conduct that potentially violates Adelante’s legal or compliance requirements. Such compliance will be an element considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit for long periods of time, is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb steps/stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; smell; manage stress as it relates to essential job functions.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance and may occasionally be required to lift or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time when traveling to various clinic sites.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be subject to health hazards (contagious diseases, blood borne pathogens, etc.) when working in the clinic area.

In any organization or job, changes take place over time. Although an effort will be made to keep job-related information current, this is not an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities.  Adelante Healthcare, Inc. reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the business need arises.  In compliance with EEOC 29 CFR part 1630, if the essential functions of this position cannot be performed in a satisfactory manner by the employee, further accommodations shall be made if it does not constitute undue hardships upon this organization.