Lead Continuous Quality Improvement Specialist

Social Services

Human Services Program Consultant III (NS)

NC16

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

The Lead Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Specialist provides statewide leadership and expert-level guidance to Adult Services and Special Assistance CQI Specialists and serves as a primary resource for all 100 county Departments of Social Services. The position ensures consistent implementation of Adult Protective Services, Guardianship, Special Assistance In‑Home, Adult Placement, and other Adult Services programs in alignment with federal regulations, North Carolina General Statutes, Social Services Commission rules, and Division policy.

It supports statewide quality improvement through program performance analysis, coordinated case reviews, identification of systemic issues, and facilitation of corrective strategies and CQI methodologies. The role develops statewide tools, delivers advanced technical assistance, and guides cross‑regional collaboration to strengthen CQI alignment across all regions. This position functions as a statewide subject matter expert and collaborates closely with DSS leadership, regional teams, county directors and supervisors, legal partners, and other stakeholders to improve outcomes for vulnerable adults.

• Provide statewide leadership and expert guidance to Adult Services and Special Assistance CQI Specialists across all 100 county DSS agencies.
• Ensure consistent implementation of APS, Guardianship, SAIH, Adult Placement, and related Adult Services programs in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and policies.
• Analyze statewide program performance data to identify systemic issues, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate statewide case reviews and guide regions in applying corrective strategies and CQI methodologies to strengthen program performance.
• Develop statewide CQI tools, guidance materials, and technical resources to support uniform practice across counties and regions.
• Organize cross‑regional training and facilitate collaboration to enhance consistency and skill development among CQI staff and Adult Services personnel.
• Provide advanced technical assistance to regional CQI teams, county DSS directors and supervisors, and other partners to improve service delivery.
• Serve as a statewide subject matter expert for APS, Guardianship, and SAIH policy and practice, offering guidance on quality improvement and program operations.
• Support statewide CQI planning by contributing to strategies that enhance accountability, consistency, and outcomes across Adult Services programs.
• Collaborate with DSS leadership, legal and judicial partners, and other stakeholders to improve service delivery and outcomes for vulnerable adults statewide.

Salary Grade Range: $57,983.00 - $

Recruitment Range: $57,983.00 - $97,689.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Expert‑level experience…