Quality Improvement Specialist

Job description

About Paragon Behavioral Health Connections Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is a comprehensive behavioral health organization on a mission to positively impact individuals and families through compassionate, and client-centered care. Our mission is to deliver personalized care that uplifts our clients and builds supportive connections in communities. Through community based or in-home services, and digital solutions as needed, we meet clients where they are, both physically and emotionally, to provide the right support at the right time. Serving communities across Colorado, we deliver equitable and creative “one-stop” behavioral health services, providing in-home mental health and substance use treatment, crisis stabilization, early childhood support, intensive outpatient programs, assertive community treatment, medication management, wrap around support and more. We believe care should meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Our approach is rooted in understanding, respect, innovation, and community collaboration. Our vision is to empower individuals and families with complex needs, helping them overcome challenges, build essential skills, and access the resources necessary to achieve long-term well-being. We offer a wide range of services, including step-down care from inpatient hospitalization for youth and adults, comprehensive support for children and families, and specialized treatment for adults facing depression, trauma, substance use, and other mental health needs. Our programming includes intensive care management supports for families and adults, Crisis Stabilization programming, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness, Child First for young children and caregivers, integrated co-occurring Intensive Outpatient treatment, individual and family therapy, medication management (including MAT), peer support, supported employment/housing, and holistic recovery services for mental health and substance use disorders. Why Work With Paragon Statewide Reach - Deliver care where it’s needed most. We’re not region-limited—serve communities across Colorado, including rural and frontier areas with limited access to care. Flexibility & Work–Life Balance - Own your schedule. Partner with families to set visit times that work for them (and you), so you can enjoy Colorado’s trails, slopes, and sunshine during off-peak hours. Clinical Leadership & Support - Clinicians lead here. Our executive team includes licensed providers who shape business decisions with a care-first lens. We provide licensure supervision and regular consultation to support your growth as a clinician. Comprehensive, Company-Paid Benefits - We cover health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance—company-paid—so there are no premium deductions from your paycheck. Keep your full salary and your peace of mind. Career Growth Opportunities - Grow with us. Explore new modalities and specializations and advance into leadership as we expand statewide. Position Summary The Quality Improvement Specialist supports the Director of Clinical Quality and Outcomes in advancing Paragon's quality and compliance functions. This role assists with fulfilling medical records requests, coordinating and conducting internal audits, supporting the development and maintenance of policies and procedures, monitoring and developing operational and clinical reports, and tracking quality improvement projects from initiation through completion. The Specialist works closely with clinical, operational, and administrative teams across Colorado to help ensure Paragon's programs meet state, federal, and contractual quality standards, and to free the Director's capacity to focus on strategic quality initiatives. Essential Duties Process and respond to medical records requests in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and organizational policy, including tracking requests to ensure timely turnaround. Coordinate and conduct internal audits, including chart audits, clinical documentation reviews, and licensing/contractual compliance checks, under the direction of the Director. Assist in drafting, revising, and maintaining policies and procedures for the Quality Improvement Team, ensuring alignment with state, federal, and payer requirements. Monitor, compile, and develop recurring and ad hoc reports on KPIs, clinical outcomes, and audit findings for internal leadership and external auditing entities. Maintain dashboards and tracking tools to monitor quality metrics and flag trends or areas of concern for the Director's review. Track quality improvement projects and initiatives, including timelines, action items, and status updates, to support on-time completion of deliverables. Support preparation of documentation and evidence for licensing, accreditation, and payer audits. Assist in the critical incident investigation and review process, including documentation and follow-up tracking. Maintain strict confidentiality of protected health information and sensitive organizational data at all times. Collaborate with clinical, operational, and administrative staff to gather information needed for audits, reports, and policy updates. Identify process gaps and recommend improvements to workflows related to records management, auditing, and reporting. Provide backup support for other Quality Improvement Team functions as needed. Assist with organizing and preparing materials for quality committee meetings. Participate in organization-wide workgroups as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related mental health/behavioral health field required. Prior experience in behavioral health, records management, auditing, or quality/compliance functions preferred at entry. Working knowledge of HIPAA, protected health information, and confidentiality requirements. Strong written and oral communication skills. Proficiency with Google Workspace and ability to learn electronic health record (EHR) systems. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams. Valid driver's license, proof of automobile insurance, and reliable transportation. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in a relevant behavioral health field. Experience in a behavioral health or healthcare quality improvement, compliance, or audit role. Familiarity with Medicaid and Behavioral Health Administration compliance and requirements for behavioral health providers. Experience with data visualization or dashboard tools Supervisory Duties This position has no direct reports at this time. The Quality Improvement Specialist may provide task guidance, peer training, or project coordination support to other Quality Improvement Team members as the team grows, but does not hold formal supervisory authority. Other Requirements Valid drivers license, auto insurance, reliable transportation Ability to work on-site as needed Ability to respond to urgent operational needs Job Details Reports To: Director of Quality and Outcomes Department: Quality Improvement Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Hybrid - Lakewood/Denver Metro (minimum 3 days in office) Salary: $57,000-$65,000 per year Benefits Paid health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance. Flexible work hours Discretionary Time Off (DTO) 401(k)retirement plan Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Professional development support Referral bonuses Diversity & Inclusion Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.