Quality Improvement Specialist Jobs
Quality Improvement Specialist jobs are open across healthcare, manufacturing, government, and insurance, from entry-level analyst roles to senior and director positions, with specializations in process improvement, clinical quality, and regulatory compliance. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Quality Improvement Specialist- Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services Men's Residence- Full Time- Days
When two established local health systems unite as one collaborative network, healthcare becomes so much more. Centralus Health, an affiliation of Arnot Health and Cayuga Health, is focused on our region's changing needs and your wellbeing. More than a group of experienced caregivers, Centralus Health is a partnership of advocates who strive to eliminate barriers to better health, innovating and evolving services in our communities for enhanced holistic care close to home. Beyond clinical outcomes, it's strengthening community connections and setting a higher standard for quality that's exceptionally personal.
Centralus Health is central to wellness-for all of us.
Job Summary
The Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS) for Substance Use Disorder and Behavioral Health will serve the Cayuga Addiction Recovery Service programs by providing operational and tactical leadership in advancing the quality, safety, and compliance of programs and entities governed and credentialed by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Reporting to the Sr. Director of Operations, this position executes the organization's quality and performance improvement initiatives within behavioral health and substance use disorder entities, including Cayuga Addiction and Recovery Services for the Ithaca, Cortland, and Trumansburg Programs. The QIS partners with clinical, operational, and data leaders to ensure program fidelity, regulatory readiness, and continuous improvement in patient outcomes and experience (perception of care for CARS). The QIS reports to the Sr. Director of Operations of Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services, ensuring that priorities are adequately aligned both operationally and strategically. The QIS will be responsible for Perception of Care Surveys, Client Experience, Utilization Review, and the execution of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Plan approved annually.
The role plays a critical part in aligning behavioral health and substance use disorder activities under Centralus Health's broader quality strategy, integrating regulatory compliance, value-based measures, and population health priorities across the continuum of care.
Core Job Functions
- Implement and evaluate quality improvement initiatives across OMH-, OASAS-, and SAMHSA-governed programs to enhance clinical outcomes, patient experience, and compliance with agency standards and evidence-based practice models.
- Responsible for providing all regulatory required reports to the Board of Directors in accordance with regulation.
- Responsible for developing and implementing quality management plans, conducting audits, OASAS mock audits and reviews, evaluating performance data ,and leading corrective action processes to enhance client care and outcomes.
- Ensure continuous readiness for OMH, OASAS, and SAMHSA site reviews, audits, and certification surveys by maintaining program documentation, tracking corrective actions, and ensuring fidelity to federal and state behavioral health/substance use disorder regulations.
- Partner with the Quality Department to collect, validate, and analyze behavioral health/ substance use disorder performance metrics, including incident trends, access, continuity of care, engagement, and readmission data. Use data visualization and analytics tools to translate findings into actionable improvement plans.
- Collaborate with CARS leadership to monitor adherence to program-specific requirements such as CQI standards, OASAS Part 822 & 820, and SAMHSA evidence-based model fidelity
- Assist in developing and maintaining policies, workflows, and documentation tools that reflect current OMH/OASAS/SAMHSA standards, ensuring consistent implementation and audit readiness.
- Translate quality goals into structured project plans; track milestones, measure outcomes, and adapt based on emerging performance data or regulatory updates.
- Create and maintain dashboards and reports that display behavioral health outcomes, regulatory compliance status, and improvement progress. Present findings to CARS Program Leadership and Sr. Director of Operations
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and QI methodologies to behavioral health improvement projects. Support team development and organizational learning through sharing best practices and facilitating staff education.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Demonstrated execution of quality improvement projects
- Support patient safety initiatives
- Use verbal and written communication skills to establish and maintain effective relationships, facilitate multi-disciplinary teams, and produce written and/or verbal reports
Success Factors
- Demonstrates excellence in translating data into actionable, measurable improvement not just sending out data points but providing summary and narratives that allow for data to transform into storytelling.
- Leads with a balance of technical expertise and collaborative influence across all levels of the organization.
- Maintains readiness through proactive planning, consistent documentation, and disciplined follow-through.
- Promotes alignment between quality outcomes, operational efficiency, and clinical excellence.
- Builds trust and engagement across clinical, operational, and informatics teams to sustain improvement.
- Acts as a self-starter with strong judgment in prioritization, communication, and escalation to senior leadership.
Education / Experience Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in healthcare, social work, psychology, public health, or a related behavioral health field.
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) required within two years of hire.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in substance use disorder/behavioral health quality improvement, regulatory compliance, or performance analytics.
- Demonstrated understanding of OMH, OASAS, and SAMHSA program standards and reporting requirements.
- Experience in data analysis, performance tracking, and process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or QI Model for Improvement.
- Proficiency in EHR systems, data visualization tools (e.g., EPIC, Vizient, PHP), and project documentation.
Preferred:
- Clinical or behavioral health licensure (e.g., LCSW, LMHC, CASAC, or RN).
- Experience with Substance Use Disorder, Behavioral Health, and Addiction Medicine programs.
- Experience supporting program accreditation or certification (e.g., CCBHC, CARF, and Joint Commission Behavioral Health).
- Knowledge of value-based behavioral health metrics, population health integration, and trauma-informed care frameworks.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent improvement certification.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to remain at a workstation and move around the workspace as needed to complete job tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Location and Travel Requirements:
- Location: CARS Residential Campus- 6621 NYS Route 227, Trumansburg, NY 14886
- Shift: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm
- Travel: Rotating between Trumansburg, Ithaca, and Cortland locations as needed
Pay Range Disclosure:
- $80,000 - $100,000 per year Salary
Centralus Health and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all.
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics.
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Centralus Health Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@cayugahealth.org.
Quality Improvement Specialist- Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services Men's Residence- Full Time- Days
When two established local health systems unite as one collaborative network, healthcare becomes so much more. Centralus Health, an affiliation of Arnot Health and Cayuga Health, is focused on our region's changing needs and your wellbeing. More than a group of experienced caregivers, Centralus Health is a partnership of advocates who strive to eliminate barriers to better health, innovating and evolving services in our communities for enhanced holistic care close to home. Beyond clinical outcomes, it's strengthening community connections and setting a higher standard for quality that's exceptionally personal.
Centralus Health is central to wellness-for all of us.
Job Summary
The Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS) for Substance Use Disorder and Behavioral Health will serve the Cayuga Addiction Recovery Service programs by providing operational and tactical leadership in advancing the quality, safety, and compliance of programs and entities governed and credentialed by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Reporting to the Sr. Director of Operations, this position executes the organization's quality and performance improvement initiatives within behavioral health and substance use disorder entities, including Cayuga Addiction and Recovery Services for the Ithaca, Cortland, and Trumansburg Programs. The QIS partners with clinical, operational, and data leaders to ensure program fidelity, regulatory readiness, and continuous improvement in patient outcomes and experience (perception of care for CARS). The QIS reports to the Sr. Director of Operations of Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services, ensuring that priorities are adequately aligned both operationally and strategically. The QIS will be responsible for Perception of Care Surveys, Client Experience, Utilization Review, and the execution of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Plan approved annually.
The role plays a critical part in aligning behavioral health and substance use disorder activities under Centralus Health's broader quality strategy, integrating regulatory compliance, value-based measures, and population health priorities across the continuum of care.
Core Job Functions
- Implement and evaluate quality improvement initiatives across OMH-, OASAS-, and SAMHSA-governed programs to enhance clinical outcomes, patient experience, and compliance with agency standards and evidence-based practice models.
- Responsible for providing all regulatory required reports to the Board of Directors in accordance with regulation.
- Responsible for developing and implementing quality management plans, conducting audits, OASAS mock audits and reviews, evaluating performance data ,and leading corrective action processes to enhance client care and outcomes.
- Ensure continuous readiness for OMH, OASAS, and SAMHSA site reviews, audits, and certification surveys by maintaining program documentation, tracking corrective actions, and ensuring fidelity to federal and state behavioral health/substance use disorder regulations.
- Partner with the Quality Department to collect, validate, and analyze behavioral health/ substance use disorder performance metrics, including incident trends, access, continuity of care, engagement, and readmission data. Use data visualization and analytics tools to translate findings into actionable improvement plans.
- Collaborate with CARS leadership to monitor adherence to program-specific requirements such as CQI standards, OASAS Part 822 & 820, and SAMHSA evidence-based model fidelity
- Assist in developing and maintaining policies, workflows, and documentation tools that reflect current OMH/OASAS/SAMHSA standards, ensuring consistent implementation and audit readiness.
- Translate quality goals into structured project plans; track milestones, measure outcomes, and adapt based on emerging performance data or regulatory updates.
- Create and maintain dashboards and reports that display behavioral health outcomes, regulatory compliance status, and improvement progress. Present findings to CARS Program Leadership and Sr. Director of Operations
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and QI methodologies to behavioral health improvement projects. Support team development and organizational learning through sharing best practices and facilitating staff education.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Demonstrated execution of quality improvement projects
- Support patient safety initiatives
- Use verbal and written communication skills to establish and maintain effective relationships, facilitate multi-disciplinary teams, and produce written and/or verbal reports
Success Factors
- Demonstrates excellence in translating data into actionable, measurable improvement not just sending out data points but providing summary and narratives that allow for data to transform into storytelling.
- Leads with a balance of technical expertise and collaborative influence across all levels of the organization.
- Maintains readiness through proactive planning, consistent documentation, and disciplined follow-through.
- Promotes alignment between quality outcomes, operational efficiency, and clinical excellence.
- Builds trust and engagement across clinical, operational, and informatics teams to sustain improvement.
- Acts as a self-starter with strong judgment in prioritization, communication, and escalation to senior leadership.
Education / Experience Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in healthcare, social work, psychology, public health, or a related behavioral health field.
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) required within two years of hire.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in substance use disorder/behavioral health quality improvement, regulatory compliance, or performance analytics.
- Demonstrated understanding of OMH, OASAS, and SAMHSA program standards and reporting requirements.
- Experience in data analysis, performance tracking, and process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or QI Model for Improvement.
- Proficiency in EHR systems, data visualization tools (e.g., EPIC, Vizient, PHP), and project documentation.
Preferred:
- Clinical or behavioral health licensure (e.g., LCSW, LMHC, CASAC, or RN).
- Experience with Substance Use Disorder, Behavioral Health, and Addiction Medicine programs.
- Experience supporting program accreditation or certification (e.g., CCBHC, CARF, and Joint Commission Behavioral Health).
- Knowledge of value-based behavioral health metrics, population health integration, and trauma-informed care frameworks.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent improvement certification.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to remain at a workstation and move around the workspace as needed to complete job tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Location and Travel Requirements:
- Location: CARS Residential Campus- 6621 NYS Route 227, Trumansburg, NY 14886
- Shift: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm
- Travel: Rotating between Trumansburg, Ithaca, and Cortland locations as needed
Pay Range Disclosure:
- $80,000 - $100,000 per year Salary
Centralus Health and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all.
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics.
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Centralus Health Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@cayugahealth.org.
Quality Improvement Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsQuality Improvement Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services19
- Education3
- Insurance2
- Government & Public Sector2
- Energy1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality improvement specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business, nursing, or a related field
- Experience with quality improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or PDSA
- Familiarity with regulatory and accreditation standards such as Joint Commission or CMS requirements
- Proficiency in data analysis tools including Excel, Tableau, or electronic health record reporting modules
- Certification such as CPHQ, Six Sigma Green Belt, or Certified Quality Improvement Associate preferred
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to clinical or operational leadership
Tips for Your Quality Improvement Specialist Job Search
Quantify your process improvement outcomes
Recruiters for quality improvement specialist roles want to see measurable results. Replace vague claims with specifics: defect rates reduced, cycle times shortened, or audit findings resolved. Hiring managers in this field screen for evidence of impact, not just participation in improvement projects.
List your certifications prominently up top
Credentials like Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, Six Sigma Green Belt, or Lean certification are frequently listed as requirements, not nice-to-haves. Put them in a dedicated section near the top of your resume so screeners spot them before they read your experience.
Target openings that match your quality framework
Healthcare organizations often prioritize PDSA and Joint Commission familiarity, while manufacturing employers lean toward DMAIC and ISO 9001. Filter your search by industry and read job descriptions carefully so your application language mirrors the specific methodology the employer uses.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists quality improvement specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a data story for your interview
Interviewers consistently ask quality improvement specialists to walk through a project from problem identification to measurable outcome. Build a concise narrative around one strong example that covers the tool you used, the stakeholders involved, and the before-and-after result you can defend with numbers.
Negotiate scope and resources, not just pay
When you receive an offer, ask about the improvement portfolio you'll own, access to data systems, and cross-functional authority. Quality improvement specialists who negotiate these conditions upfront avoid the common frustration of being hired without the organizational access needed to do the job effectively.
Quality Improvement Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most quality improvement specialists?
The companies hiring the most quality improvement specialists right now include Molina Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, and Sevita, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Health systems, managed care organizations, and large hospital networks tend to post the highest volume of these roles consistently.
How many quality improvement specialist jobs are remote?
About 54% of quality improvement specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, though availability varies by sector. Roles focused on data analysis, reporting, and program coordination tend to be the most remote-friendly, while positions requiring on-site audits, staff training, or direct clinical observation are more likely to require in-person presence.
How do you become a quality improvement specialist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as healthcare administration, business, public health, or nursing. Build foundational knowledge in quality frameworks like Lean or Six Sigma, then pursue a recognized certification such as the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality or a Six Sigma credential. Entry-level roles in quality assurance, compliance, or data analysis give you the project experience employers expect before they hire into dedicated quality improvement positions.
Can you get hired as a quality improvement specialist without direct experience?
Yes, if you can demonstrate transferable skills in data analysis, process documentation, or compliance work. Employers in healthcare and government frequently hire candidates who come from nursing, clinical informatics, or administrative coordination backgrounds and have touched quality-adjacent work. Framing your experience around a specific improvement project you contributed to, even in a supporting role, is more effective than positioning yourself as a generalist applicant.
What does the quality improvement specialist interview process look like?
Most employers run two to three rounds, starting with a recruiter screen focused on credentials and methodology familiarity, followed by a panel or hiring manager interview that includes behavioral questions and a structured project walkthrough. Some organizations add a practical component such as reviewing mock data, presenting a sample improvement plan, or completing a written case study before or during the final round.
Where can I find and apply to quality improvement specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to quality improvement specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing from the results on this page.
See All 231+ Quality Improvement Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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