Technical Assistance Specialist - Data and Quality

This position supports technical assistance, data analysis, rate-setting activities, quality assurance, and project management and coordination to help advance Kansas' Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and additional Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) programing goals. The role contributes to support implementation, compliance, quality improvement, and sustainability of the CCBHC model. This position works directly with applicant clinics and CCBHCs across the state to provide subject matter expertise and hands-on TA, to support implementation, compliance, quality improvement, corrective actions and sustainability of the CCBHC model. Contributes to successfully implement and operate data reporting and governance efforts, provides training to clinics and internal teams, assists with Prospective Payment System (PPS) rate-setting and rebasing activities, and supports quality improvement and grant-related projects across the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) commission. Participates in operational activities related to the ongoing development of service standards, evidence-based and best practices for individuals with mental illnesses, substance use disorders and chronic health conditions.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Provider Oversight:

Provider Support & Technical Assistance

• Assist in developing comprehensive training materials, operating manuals, and policies and procedures for the Behavioral Health Services division of KDADS, ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and deliver technical assistance and structured training to clinics on data collection, EHR utilization for data capture, outcome reporting, and cost reporting practices informed by quarterly data trends.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex provider questions related to rate methodology, cost reports, and data submissions.
• Support providers in implementing service standards, evidence-based practices, and CCBHC requirements.
• Work with staff from the KDADS Survey and Certification Commission and the BHS Commission, and KDHE KanCare policy staff to align certification, recertification, decertification, and licensure processes.
• Facilitate communication with providers, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure consistent understanding of expectations and processes, ensuring alignment and clarity in program objectives and contract obligations.

Data Management and Quality Improvement:

This position will support the implementation of comprehensive CCBHC standards, quality assurance standards and procedures regarding policies, regulations, or other Medicaid-related updates and changes. Work closely with other TAs and the QA team.

Data Analytics and Data Management

• Provide oversite for the Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) initiatives, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and timely extraction for reporting and evaluation.
• Identify trends and recommend corrective actions through collaboration with KDADS Program Integrity team by conducting quarterly and ad hoc analyses of clinic reported measures.
• Develop dashboards, performance reports, and documentation of data definitions for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate quality assurance activities, including spot checks, EBP reviews, and annual implementation assessments.
• Review and respond to inquiries from providers, consumers, and partner agencies with a timely and professional response. Acting as a liaison for all programs within BHS.
• Support alignment of certification, licensure, and policy processes with KDADS, KDHE, and Survey & Certification teams.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation frameworks for programs and contracts. Ensure compliance and performance standards are met.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and briefings for leadership, policymakers, and partners.
• Maintain relationships with CMHCs, EHR vendors, consultants, and peer states to identify and share best practices.
• Provide training and materials on reimbursement systems and cost reporting to agency staff and external partners.

Quality Assurance and Metrics

• Deliver provider training, technical assistance towards certification and maintenance of CCBHC criteria to providers.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on CCBHC criteria and information gathering and sharing areas of expertise in specific programs within the commission and to other divisions by connecting with subject matter experts for programmatic information related to behavioral health services.
• Coordination of ongoing technical assistance opportunities by actively integrating recommendations from other program managers, teams, and findings from Quality Assurance reviews.
• Participate in establishing quality metrics, quality bonus payment benchmarks, and pay-for-performance designs.
• Meet regularly with QA staff and other TAs to review Appendix B and other required metrics and to drive continuous quality improvement.

Project Management, Agreements, Contracts and Grants Support

• Develop scopes of work, manage contracts, and monitor deliverables in coordination with KDADS Fiscal and Legal Staff.
• Manage projects related to participating agreements, data warehouse development, dashboard implementation, vendor coordination, and rate setting deliverables.
• Analyze current and historical PPS rates, prepare reports for KDADS Leadership and KDHE, review benchmark approaches used in other states.
• Support grant management by identifying required data, coordinating data requests, and ensuring timely reporting.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and status updates; coordinate cross agency workgroups.
• Lead PPS activities including annual cost report administration, rebase cycles, and contractor oversight. Ensuring deliverables are timely and accurate.
• Support appeals or litigation preparation by compiling rate documentation and summaries.

Project Management, Agreements, Contracts and Grants Support

• Serve as a liaison to KDHE, MCOs, providers and eternal stakeholders on rate-setting, reporting and program evaluation matters.

Do you have a valid Driver's License license?, Do you have experience in Spreadsheets?, * Two years of experience in planning, implementing and monitoring activities relevant to program management.

• Two years of experience working in the behavioral health field
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Microsoft Office and Excel skills
• Ability to track, structure, and maintain information effectively
• Work independently and within a team
• Travel up to 30%, involves travel statewide, occasional out of state and overnight travel
• Unrestricted Driver's License.

Preferred:

• Four Years experience in business, or related human services field.
• Working knowledge of diverse community service areas and systems.
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and frame SMART goals.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to tailor communication to diverse audiences.
• Ability to facilitate and support positive problem-solving in workgroups; ability to problem-solve at a significant level of independence to complete assigned work responsibilities.
• Experience managing contracts.

3.53.5 out of 5 stars Shawnee County, KS $49,000 - $52,500 a year - Full-time, Pulled from the full job description

• Military leave
• Parental leave
• Health insurance
• Employee discount
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Bereavement leave