QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN

Definition

Under direction of the Quality Assurance Coordinator, Department of Human Services and Department of Health, performs quality assurance functions to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, and related standards for optimum clinical care and patient service delivery; performs other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Reviews clinical records, treatment team functions, and hospital programs and services for compliance with policies, procedures, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAHO), and other related standards to assure optimum clinical care.
• Collects and assesses risk management, infection control, and utilization review data to determine utilization of resources.
• Assists in the development of new program proposals which will better meet the mandated goals and objectives.
• Conducts research and efficiency studies. Performs surveys, audits, and inspections.
• Assists in the development of health data management programs and information systems for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information in such areas as workforce planning and staff development, specialized programs and services review and evaluation, health facility utilization, patient care services, and health status.
• Prepares for facility inspections, quality control reviews and surveys by the JCAHO, Medical Review Teams, Bureau of Standards and Inspections, and other organizations.
• Participates in internal audits and investigations and other special projects as assigned.
• Identifies problems and recommends changes in clinical necessity for hospital services, quality of services rendered, timeliness of care, and incident review.
• Analyzes data to develop forecasts, determine feasibility of program success, assess impact of actual and proposed legislation on health delivery systems, and recommends corrective action when appropriate.
• Assists in the development of quality assurance standards and procedures to effectuate compliance with program mandates. Monitors compliance with mandated standards.
• Performs statistical work involved in procedural analysis and prepares accurate work flow charts, graphs, tabulations, and sound, concise reports and interpretations.
• Evaluates program administration, goals and objectives, efficiency, effectiveness, and suitability to current conditions, costs, and accomplishments.
• Develops methods for assessing the relative merits of specified program options, program structures, and reporting and management control systems.
• Reviews and evaluates current clinical records management procedures and retention schedules and may inventory record groups.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Keeps abreast of new and revised policies, regulations, directives and laws and monitors the implementation thereof.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Two (2) years of administrative experience providing assistance in staffing, fiscal management, office administration or other support services in a business or government agency.

PLUS

Three (3) years of experience in resident care work involving the review of clinical records, monitoring patient care and treatment measures, and the determination of treatment goals.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Possession of a valid registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of modern business and administrative practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, materials and supplies and their adaptation to technical requirements of a large organization.
• Knowledge of administrative and other problems involved in managing a large volume of equipment, supplies and materials, and the application of inventory control procedures.
• Knowledge of modern nursing skills and techniques and their application to patient care and treatment.
• Knowledge of clinical care procedures utilized in treatment of the mentally ill and drug dependent clients, and medical/surgical patients.
• Knowledge of medications and their dangers and the use of medication fact sheets.
• Knowledge of clinical records management.
• Knowledge of therapeutic interventions and the ability to evaluate their effectiveness to individual treatment plans.
• Knowledge of the physical, mental, and emotional needs of mentally ill and drug dependent clients, and medical/surgical patients.
• Knowledge of health care ethics and possible legal ramifications as they relate to facility program activities and services.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and utilization review methods.
• Knowledge of programs and services offered by public and private agencies utilized to augment existing or proposed facility programs and services.
• Knowledge of modern research methods and data collection procedures.
• Knowledge of computer operations and the ability to assist in the development and organization of a health data collection and retrieval system.
• Ability to comprehend complex technical and administrative problems involved in planning and coordinating support services and programs. Ability to gather organizational and operational facts and to interpret and analyze their significance in the development of standards, guidelines, procedures and policies designed to accomplish desired goals and objectives.
• Ability to organize assigned administrative work, analyze the problems arising therein, and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to conduct health evaluation studies to identify program needs and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret JCAHO and other related standards and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to interpret statistical facts, health trends, and economic forecasts and determine the impact on facility programs and service delivery systems.
• Ability to prepare statistical tabulations, analyses, charts and graphs.
• Ability to prepare organizational charts and administrative plans for fullest utilization of available staff and equipment.
• Ability to plan, organize, and conduct assigned investigations, surveys, studies, and research activities.
• Ability to develop measurable health care standards and procedures.
• Ability to determine various ways to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and service delivery systems.
• Ability to analyze competencies of program staff and provide guidance and direction in the development of training and instruction.
• Ability to work harmoniously with clinical staff, resident care staff, patients, and others associated with the facility.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.