Quality Improvement Coach

Description

The Quality Improvement Coach partners with clinical and operational leaders to improve patient outcomes, strengthen clinical workflows, enhance documentation quality, and support regulatory excellence across Haymarket Center's continuum of care. Using data analysis, process improvement methodologies, and change management principles, this role helps teams identify barriers to performance, implement sustainable solutions, and create cultures of continuous improvement. The Quality Improvement Coach serves as a trusted advisor, facilitator, and educator who helps staff translate quality and compliance requirements into practical processes that improve care delivery while maintaining fidelity to evidence-based treatment models.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

This position directly influences the quality of care provided to individuals seeking Haymarket services. By helping teams improve systems rather than simply identifying deficiencies, the Quality Improvement Coach will:

· Improve documentation quality and regulatory compliance.

· Increase staff engagement with quality improvement activities.

· Reduce recurring audit findings and corrective action plans.

· Improve consistency in treatment planning and discharge planning processes.

· Build the organization's capability to sustain changes over time.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Quality Monitoring & Clinical Review

· Conduct reviews of clinical records to evaluate compliance with treatment standards, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.

· Review treatment and recovery plans to ensure patient needs, goals, interventions, and progress are appropriately documented.

· Monitor clinical documentation to assess patient progress toward treatment objectives and support quality care delivery.

· Validate medical necessity and continuing stay criteria while helping ensure appropriate levels of care are maintained.

· Review discharge documentation and continuing care plans to ensure continuity of care and alignment with treatment goals.

· Document audit findings in a timely manner and identify opportunities for quality improvement.

Quality Improvement & Performance Excellence

· Help teams translate audit findings, outcome measures, and compliance indicators into meaningful improvement projects. Collaborate with staff to develop action plans that address identified gaps and support sustainable improvement.

· Participate in quality improvement projects that strengthen clinical performance, documentation accuracy, and operational processes. Make use of structured improvement methodologies such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, root cause analysis, and process mapping.

· Conduct follow-up reviews to measure progress and ensure corrective actions have been successfully implemented. Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of quality initiatives and recommend process improvements based on findings.

Coaching & Change Management

· Serve as the link between Haymarket trainings and day-to-day sustained implementation of lessons learned during those trainings.

· Help develop tools, resources, and educational materials that support regulatory compliance and clinical excellence.

· Serve as a coach and partner to supervisors, managers, and frontline staff during quality improvement efforts. Facilitate problem-solving discussions that help teams identify barriers, test solutions, and learn from results.

· Apply change management principles to support successful implementation of new processes and practices. Help staff understand the purpose behind quality measures, documentation requirements, and operational processes.

· Develop collaborative relationships that encourage engagement, accountability, and ownership of improvement activities. Promote a culture of continuous learning and continuous improvement across programs and departments.

Regulatory & Accreditation Readiness

· Monitor adherence to policies, procedures, and established standards throughout treatment programs and service areas. Support standardization of procedures across teams.

· Maintain familiarity with applicable federal, state, payer, licensing, and accreditation requirements.

· Support organizational readiness for audits, site visits, accreditation reviews, and regulatory surveys.

· Identify potential areas of risk and communicate findings to appropriate leadership.

Organizational Support

· Maintain a regular presence within treatment programs, clinics, and service areas to develop collaborative relationships and better understand operational workflows.

· Prepare reports, summaries, and quality monitoring documentation for leadership review.

· Support departmental administrative functions and assist with special projects as needed.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or licensed by IDFPR with SUD experience
• Certified Content Expert (CCE) of Certified Healthcare Compliance (CHC) (Preferred)  
• At least 2 years of record keeping experience with a substance abuse treatment facility or a combination of skills and qualification (preferred).
• Familiarity with Administrative Code Part 132, 140, 2030, 2060, 2090, and CARF Behavioral Health Standards (knowledge of Joint Commission standards will also be considered).
• Familiar with Health Center Program Standards as set forth by HRSA and CCBHC standards as set down by the State of Illinois and SAMHSA.
• Must be detailed oriented and demonstrate proficient written and verbal skills, 
• Relate well with others. 
• Work independently with minimal supervision