Location: Gainesville, FL

Pay: $20.16/hr | Non-Exempt

Why Choose Meridian?

For over 50 years, Meridian Healthcare has been a trusted provider of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With service centers across 13 counties in North Central Florida, we are committed to transforming lives and communities from the inside out.

We live by our core values: Hope, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Teamwork (H.E.A.R.T.). If these resonate with you, we invite you to become part of our dedicated and mission-driven team.

About the Role

At Meridian, quality is more than a standard, it's a commitment to the people and communities we serve. As a Quality Improvement Specialist, you will play an essential role in helping ensure our services remain safe, effective, compliant, and focused on continuous improvement. Your work behind the scenes directly supports the delivery of exceptional care and helps strengthen outcomes for individuals seeking mental health and substance use treatment.

In this impactful role, you will collaborate with teams across the organization to monitor performance, analyze data, support accreditation and licensing efforts, coordinate quality initiatives, and identify opportunities for improvement. Through your attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to excellence, you will help foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous quality improvement that advances Meridian's mission and enhances the experience of those we serve.

What You Will Do

• Coordinate documentation and evidence collection for accreditation, certification, and licensing reviews
• Conduct routine and targeted quality reviews to evaluate compliance with regulatory, contractual, accreditation, and organizational requirements
• Monitor quality metrics and performance indicators, identifying trends, risks, deficiencies, and improvement opportunities
• Assist departments with developing, implementing, and monitoring corrective action plans
• Participate in root cause analyses and performance improvement initiatives
• Support Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Risk Management activities across the organization
• Coordinate emergency preparedness documentation, committee activities, training records, drills, and after-action reporting
• Assist in maintaining compliance with emergency management and business continuity requirements
• Facilitate the distribution, collection, and analysis of client satisfaction surveys and other organizational surveys
• Monitor and analyze client satisfaction data, kiosk feedback, grievances, and stakeholder concerns
• Prepare reports, dashboards, executive summaries, and performance data for leadership, committees, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders
• Support Quality Improvement Committees and organizational quality initiatives
• Assist in managing the Policy Management Database, ensuring timely review and approval of policies, procedures, and forms
• Represent Meridian professionally during audits, reviews, and community activities
• Assist with the planning, coordination, completion, and follow-up of internal, external, contractual, accreditation, and regulatory audits
• Maintain strict confidentiality related to client information, employee information, Risk Management activities, and legal matters
• Serve as a resource, consultant, and trainer to support quality and compliance efforts throughout the organization
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) required
• One (1) year of experience in a business or professional setting required
• One (1) year of experience in healthcare quality improvement, accreditation, compliance, auditing, risk management, performance management, or a related field preferred
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered
• Experience working in a healthcare setting preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical, organizational, and report-writing skills
• Experience with data collection, reporting tools, electronic health records, or healthcare regulatory requirements preferred
• Minimum typing speed of 35 CWPM
• Valid Florida driver's license with a clean driving record and the ability to meet company insurance requirements
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of quality improvement principles, performance measurement, and process improvement methodologies
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop meaningful reports and recommendations
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, accreditation standards, and quality assurance practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively present information to leadership, committees, and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and database systems
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information
• Commitment to continuous learning, quality outcomes, and organizational excellence

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Pay & Incentives
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO for vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple health plans, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• Retirement Planning: 403(b) with up to 8% company match after 7 years
• Growth & Development: Tuition reimbursement, career advancement pathways, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness incentives, and mental health resources
• Inclusive Culture: Supportive, team-oriented environment with employee events and recognition
• Additional Perks: Cell phone discounts, travel reimbursement, LegalShield, pet insurance, and more

Make a Difference

Join a team dedicated to delivering excellence through continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation. Your efforts will help strengthen quality, safety, compliance, and organizational effectiveness, ensuring that Meridian can continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve.

Apply today and start your Meridian career.

For information on Florida's Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and screening requirements, visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com/.

Meridian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

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