Job Description
**Quality Assurance Specialist** Ensure high standards of care and compliance with regulatory requirements in a healthcare setting. **Job Description** To oversee, implement and manage quality assurance, standards, practices and improvement initiatives, ensuring that the company delivers safe, effective, and person-centred care. **Key Responsibilities** * Maintain a register of inspection dates for all services requiring internal HIQA inspections, ensuring compliance with regulations. * Conduct internal inspections as outlined in the company's policy. * Serve as a central resource for Service Managers regarding HIQA requirements and operational procedures. * Monitor and validate the completion of actions arising from previous internal and external inspection reports. * Stay updated on legislative changes in regulations and inform the company of any changes. * Carry out internal inspections of community services in accordance with policy. * Provide supportive and educational sessions for Resilience Healthcare on quality-related HIQA topics. * Monitor HIQA inspection reports from other services outside of Resilience Healthcare to identify potential quality improvements. * Contribute positively to the company to maintain high standards and practices. * Maintain a register of compliance and action planning. * Monitor and validate the completion of actions arising from Monitoring Visits for Day Services by the Health Service Executive. * Support and monitor the implementation of the Interim Standards for New Directions Quality Improvements Lead and facilitate quality improvement projects across Resilience Healthcare. * Serve as a central resource for quality improvement initiatives. * Manage the divisional Quality and Risk Committee, ensuring meetings are effective and report to the Governance Committee for Quality & Risk. * Maintain central registers for quality improvements. * Seek out new opportunities for continuous quality improvements. * Actively contribute to the assessment of service Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). * Conduct annual management reviews and develop annual quality improvement programs. * Support the accreditation journeys Resilience Healthcare undertakes. * Risk Management/Audit + Participate in the audit schedule as outlined in the Audit & Inspection Policy. + Ensure that audits, risks, incidents, and quality issues are triangulated and reflected in risk assessments. + Ensure all potential risks are identified and incorporated into the risk management system. * Management + Actively participate in committees and groups requiring quality input. + Maintain KPIs related to quality. + Conduct specific reviews as directed by the Head of Quality & Risk. + Develop and update policies as needed. + Ensure effective document control throughout the company. * Governance + Contribute to the implementation and monitoring of the governance framework. + Conduct management reviews in line with the policy on Management Reviews. + Stay informed about new approaches to quality improvements. **Qualifications** * A degree in Healthcare Management, Nursing, Health and Social Care, Quality Management, or a related field. * A postgraduate qualification in Quality Management, Risk Management, Healthcare Leadership, or a related discipline could be highly beneficial. * Strong knowledge of HIQA standards, regulations, and relevant healthcare legislation is essential, especially in Ireland. * Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), or Continuous Quality Improvement or evidence of. **Experience** * 3-5+ years of experience in a healthcare or social care setting, ideally in quality management, regulation compliance, or risk management. * Experience in leading quality improvement projects, including audits and the development of quality frameworks, is critical. * Hands-on experience with HIQA inspections and audits is a must. * The candidate should have experience working within the HIQA framework, ensuring compliance and implementing corrective actions. * Demonstrated ability to manage teams, lead committees (such as Quality & Risk Committees), and influence others to implement quality improvements. * Experience in risk identification, audit processes, and incident management in a healthcare or social care environment. * Proven experience in managing quality improvement projects from initiation to completion, and the ability to work cross-functionally with various stakeholders. * Comprehensive understanding of Irish healthcare and social care regulations and best practices, with the ability to interpret changes in regulations and implement necessary changes. **Skills & Competencies** * Strong analytical skills: Ability to interpret data and assess quality metrics. * Excellent communication skills: To convey complex information clearly to different stakeholders. * Attention to detail: Ensuring compliance with standards, policies, and procedures. * Problem-solving abilities: Identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective measures. * Organisational skills: Managing multiple projects, audits, and compliance checks simultaneously.