Protective Services Quality Assurance Specialist (#SM5 )
$45.34-$57.39 hourly / $7,858.78-$9,947.41 monthly / $94,307.20-$119,371.20 yearly

Email Me when a Job Opens for the above position(s)

Definition

Under general direction, to carry out qualitative case review activities for the Protective Services programs by assessing and monitoring the quality of services provided; implementing quality assessment and quality improvement measures to ensure that services are performed efficiently and in accordance with laws, regulations and quality standards.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is responsible for functions involving the assessment of compliance with Federal, State and local guidelines regarding Protective Services. Incumbents are expected to use assessment and interviewing skills, possess significant program knowledge and experience, understand regulatory requirements and perform continuous quality improvement and assessment for Protective Services. Incumbents are expected to exercise considerable independent judgment. This position is distinguished from the Senior Social Worker in that it does not provide direct services, although, in monitoring the delivery of services provided, the position may have client contact. This position is distinguished from the Social Work Supervisor classifications in that the latter is responsible for planning, organizing and supervising the work of Social Workers.

Typical Tasks

Assess protective services compliance with Federal, State and local guidelines;
Ensure conformity with regulations;
Review the practice habits, decisions, adequacy of documentation, application and accuracy of assessment tools and the impact on outcome measures;
Assess the appropriateness of social worker decisions and the quality of services;
Evaluate the effectiveness of social work practice in Protective Services;
Identify safety issues;
Identify program strengths and areas needing improvement in relation to services provided to families in crisis;
Make recommendations for changes in policies and procedures and participate in the development and implementation of these policies and procedures;
Conduct in-depth qualitative Protective Services case reviews including in person and telephone interviews with clients; foster families; service providers; collaterals; social work staff and other stakeholders; home visits with clients; and case file reviews (both physical files and case recording database programs);
Document case files and review findings utilizing case review system software and other database programs, as well as forms and templates provided by the State and/or the County;
Participate in the development and implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement processes;
Monitor and evaluate quality assurance standards;
Analyze, organize and communicate case review data to various audiences for multiple purposes including compliance and quality improvement;
Identify potential systemic issues that may impact outcomes such as child or adult safety and well-being;
Identify gaps in information;
Participate in developing procedures and tools to design and implement County specific case reviews in the area Protective Services;
Work with stakeholders to utilize case review data to improve the functioning and overall effectiveness of Protective Services programs.

Employment Standards

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

Protective services programs serving children and families and/or the elderly and disabled;
Social work theory, principles and practices in the field of protective services;
Interviewing and case documentation principles and practices.

Working knowledge of:

Program review techniques using quantitative and qualitative data;
Data collection skills, including quantitative and qualitative analysis;
Practices and procedures related to Continuous Quality Improvement.

Some knowledge of:

Initiating and maintaining collaborative interpersonal relations;
Microsoft Office tools (e.g.: Excel, Word, and Power Point);
Communication and writing skills;
Public speaking and effective communication with a wide range of diverse audiences, including managers, supervisors and front-line program staff;
Web-based online applications used to enter case review responses and information.

Ability to:

Prepare clear and concise oral and written reports;
Access, input and analyze data using a computer;
Initiate and maintain collaborative relationships;
Collect, review and compile data to establish/identify compliance and/or quality management issues;
Evaluate program activities and recommend policy and procedure changes;
Analyze information from a variety of sources;
Recommend programmatic changes to enhance effective service delivery and improve outcomes;
Interview clients, service providers, collaterals, staff and other stakeholders;
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Four years of protective services casework experience equivalent to a Senior Social Worker in Santa Cruz County

OR

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in Social Work, Social Welfare, Human Services or one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences and three years of protective services casework experience

OR

A Master's degree in Social Work or a Master's degree from a two-year counseling program from an accredited college and one year of protective services casework experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS

Certain positions may require Case Review Certification per State requirement within six months of hire.

Background Investigation: Ability to pass a background investigation. Fingerprinting is required.

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.

EST: 6/15 REV: Analyst: EM

Miscellaneous

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 66

Worker’s Comp Code: 0285