Description

Position Function:

The Chief Quality and Strategy Officer (CQSO) is a key executive leader responsible for ensuring high-quality, compliant, and outcomes-driven service delivery within the Single Source Continuum Contract (SSCC) framework with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The CQSO oversees the organization’s quality assurance, continuous quality improvement (CQI), provider performance management, policy and procedure development, and child safety/legal compliance functions. The CQSO ensures that both internal staff and external provider networks deliver services that meet DFPS standards, contractual requirements, accreditation standards, and best practices in child welfare. The CQSO provides direct supervision to the Director of Quality Improvement and Contracts, Manager of Provider Relations, and Director of Child Safety and Legal Compliance, ensuring integrated oversight of organizational performance, accountability, and compliance.

Working Conditions:

Full-time, executive-level position with on-site and statewide travel as required. Evening and weekend availability may be necessary to meet organizational and contractual needs.

Exposure to Confidential Information:

Maintain confidentiality & follow policies related to personal records & client records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership & Strategy:

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, policy development, and operational excellence.
• Partner with the executive leadership team and Board of Directors to set quality, compliance, and provider performance goals aligned with SSCC requirements and community-based care outcomes.
• Provide analysis, recommendations, and options to the CEO regarding high impact decisions.
• Work with and/or lead cross-functional teams involving strategic initiatives or special projects and ensure action items are executed on behalf of the CEO.
• Work closely with the executive team to develop and implement a human capital strategy that supports the overall organizational strategic plan.
• Participates with and assist the CEO and senior management team in coordinating strategic planning.
• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization and provider network.

Quality Assurance & Continuous Quality Improvement:

• Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive quality assurance and CQI framework.
• Ensure systematic monitoring of internal service delivery, external provider performance, and outcomes for children and families.
• Develop and oversee data-driven CQI initiatives, performance dashboards, and corrective action processes to promote improved outcomes.
• Direct preparation of reports for DFPS, stakeholders, and the Board of Directors on quality metrics and performance outcomes.
• Review operating results of the organization and compares them to established goals and makes recommendations to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to correct unsatisfactory results.

Policy & Accreditation Oversight:

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of agency-wide policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with DFPS, COA, and legal requirements.
• Coordinate policy reviews and updates across all departments to maintain organizational consistency and alignment with regulatory and contractual obligations.
• Oversee and ensure successful maintenance, renewal, and compliance with Council on Accreditation (COA) standards and requirements.
  Serve as the executive lead for accreditation audits, site visits, and quality assurance reviews.

Provider Relations & Performance Oversight

• Oversee the provider network performance review process, ensuring contract compliance, service quality, and accountability.
• Guide the Manager of Provider Relations in developing strong provider partnerships while addressing performance deficiencies.
• Ensure fair, consistent, and transparent provider monitoring, feedback, and corrective action processes.
• Lead the development of service provider network that meets the needs of the community we serve. 

Child Safety & Legal Compliance

• Provide executive oversight of child safety, risk management, and legal compliance functions.
• Ensure adherence to DFPS, federal, and state regulations, as well as internal policies, regarding child safety, maltreatment prevention, and critical incident response.
• Oversee investigations, corrective action planning, and compliance reviews related to child safety and legal obligations.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Directly supervise and support the Director of Quality Improvement and Contracts, Manager of Provider Relations, and Director of Child Safety and Legal Compliance.
• Provide leadership development, coaching, and performance evaluation for direct reports.
• Promote cross-departmental collaboration to align quality, provider relations, and compliance efforts with the overall mission.
  Serve as primary contact with data analytics/data system vendors.

Requirements

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in social work, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field required (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in child welfare, social services, or nonprofit management, with at least 5 years at a senior executive level. Demonstrated expertise in quality assurance, compliance, CQI, and provider network management in a child welfare or human services environment. Experience in project management, change management and strategic planning strongly preferred. Experience with DFPS contracts, community-based care, or privatized foster care strongly preferred. Experience with Council on Accreditation (COA) or other national accrediting bodies strongly preferred.

Functional:

Deep understanding of child welfare systems, DFPS regulations, and Texas community-based care structure. Knowledge of COA standards and accreditation processes. Proven ability to lead organizational change, improve outcomes, and build accountability systems. Strong analytical, data-driven decision-making, and performance management skills. Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders. High ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to child safety and family well-being.