PACE Compliance and Safety Specialist (Central Valley PACE - Modesto)

Under the supervision of the PACE Associate Director of Quality, Compliance, and Safety, the PACE Compliance and Safety Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of the PACE program. This role involves monitoring program adherence to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations, identifying and mitigating safety risks, and supporting continuous improvement efforts across the organization. The Compliance and Safety Specialist also develops, implements, and monitors safety protocols to protect participants, staff, and the overall program environment.

Schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.

This position will train and primarily work at our PACE Center in Modesto, CA and will support all three (3) of our PACE sites in Merced, Modesto, and Stockton.

Compensation: $26.87 - $28.21 an hour

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and ensure compliance with PACE program regulations, policies, and standards as outlined by CMS and state requirements.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to verify adherence to safety and compliance protocols.
• Manage and oversee all Service Delivery Requests, Appeals, and Grievances (SDAG), including tracking, auditing, trending, and analyzing data to identify areas for improvement.
• Partner with PACE Interdisciplinary Teams (e.g., MSW, RN, PCP, participant advocates) to manage and process SDAG requests within CMS timelines and guidelines.
• Provide support in resolving participant and family grievances, including documenting outcomes and coordinating follow-up as necessary.
• Prepare compliance reports for management and regulatory agencies, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
• Stay updated on changes in CMS regulations and implement necessary updates to the PACE program's compliance protocols.
• Develop and implement workplace safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe environment for participants, employees, and visitors.
• Conduct regular site inspections and safety audits to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Coordinate safety training for staff, including emergency preparedness, infection control, and workplace hazard mitigation.
• Investigate incidents and accidents, perform root cause analysis, and develop corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Track and maintain records of all safety-related incidents and training activities.
• Manage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) procurement and distribution in alignment with OSHA and CMS guidelines.
• Facilitate and lead safety meetings, including monthly reviews, to discuss program safety performance and compliance updates.
• Participate in emergency preparedness drills and review the centers emergency response plan regularly.
• Other duties as directed.

Physical Demands

• Requires standing, walking, occasional pushing, pulling and lifting.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds. Moving or lifting greater than 30 pounds should be done with assistance as appropriate.
• Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to communicate verbally with all staff, caregivers, participants, and community at large.
• Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with geriatric individuals including those with cognitive decline and/or physical frailties.
• Requires working under stressful conditions.
• Moderate pressure to meet scheduled appointments while dealing with frail and confused participants.
• Subject to participants that may have the potential for verbal or physical aggression.

Work Environment

• Exposure to biohazards, including infectious material and waste and any other conditions common in a health care environment.
• Subject to unpleasant odors
• The noise level is usually quiet to moderate, but may at times be noisy and crowded.

Education/Experience Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid CA Driver's License, acceptable driving record, and vehicle insurance.
• Ability to organize and manage large volumes of data.
• Detailed-oriented and organized.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with specific ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Must have integrity, practice discretion and practice objective problem solving.
• Ability to collect, organize, and report meaningful data for decision making while using spreadsheets or other data processing software.
• Knowledge of basic statistical principles.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with participants, coworkers, medical staff, and the public.
• Skilled in identifying and recommending problem resolution.
• Knowledge of safety and infection control requirements for healthcare facilities.
• Demonstrated experience in quality assurance and performance improvement activities.
• Familiarity with CMS regulations, particularly related to PACE programs, is highly desirable.
• Experience conducting audits, investigations, and preparing reports for compliance and safety initiatives.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety, emergency preparedness, and infection control practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; advanced Microsoft Excel experience required.

Education/Experience

• Associate's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Public Health, Social Work, or a related field. Bachelor's degree in the same fields of study, preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in compliance, health, safety, or regulatory, preferably within a healthcare or PACE setting.
• Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or similar credentials preferred.
• Current BLS CPR Card certified by the American Heart Association or Red Cross