The Compliance Specialist is responsible for assisting with ensuring organizational adherence to federal, state, and local regulations governing the service to persons served by Vinfen. The role conducts audits and investigations, monitors compliance with laws and accreditation standards, and promotes a culture of compliant practice across the organization. Working with the Director of Compliance and the Lead Internal Auditor, the Compliance Specialist will help to make recommendations to improve policies and procedures, as well as help run the policy and procedure process at Vinfen. May work with outside auditors at the direction of others to reconcile discrepancies or support the external auditing function.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance and Monitoring: 
• Helps to track changes to relevant federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements, providing support to the process for updating policies and procedures. 
• Conducts investigations related to HIPAA violations and helps implement findings and recommendations. 
Policies and Procedures: 
• Collaborates with Compliance Team and Quality Team to manage process for policy development, editing, and approval. 
Audit and Investigation:
• Conducts in-depth audits and investigations, both finance related and other matters as directed by the Compliance Team, including making recommendations on process improvements. 
• Develops and monitors audit schedules and protocols.
• Assists in the development and testing of audit tools.
• Travels to assigned program and office locations to conduct audits or investigations. 
• Prepares reports to provide to Compliance Team, the field and Quality Department on findings.
• Tracks trends in audit and investigation findings. 
Training: 
• Provides support to the development and implementation of training and support to field staff on process improvements and compliance needs. 
Documentation and Reporting: 
• Maintains Compliance databases and tracking systems.
• Helps generate reports as needed.
• Documents corrective actions and help monitor completion. 
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:
• Understanding of HIPAA Privacy and Security rules, as well as relevant state and federals as to mental health and other relevant requirements 
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the audit field 
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment 
• Organizational, analytical and communication skills 
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity 
• Attention to detail 
• Ability to work independently 
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Typical Requirements:
• At least one year of experience in compliance, audit, or regulatory experience in healthcare or human services setting. 
• Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Strong attention to detail, analytical and organizational skills 
• Ability to work on time-sensitive matters 
• Ability to work independently 
• Ability to work with a certain degree of creativity and latitude 
• Access to a reliable vehicle and ability to travel to program sites on an as needed basis.

Preferred /Required Education:
Bachelor's degree required. In some instances, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Driving Requirements:
Driving is not required.

Physical Effort:
Administrative Roles - Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear and communicate with clients, staff and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.