Compliance and Ethics Specialist

Description

The Organization:

Founded in 1846 to care for the children and widows of sailors in the Port of New York, Seamen’s Society was one of the first organizations, in the US, to care for abandoned children in family settings, rather than institutions. Today, Seamen’s Society for Children and Families (SSCF) is a comprehensive nonprofit provider of enhanced family foster care services, mental and behavioral health care services, health home care management, prevention/family stabilization services, domestic violence intervention and counseling services, and a childcare program. The agency’s approximately 200 professionals serve over 1,200 children and 800 families in New York City.

Job Summary: 

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement – Compliance and Ethics Officer, the Compliance and Ethics Specialist will support the activities of the Compliance and Ethics Program by implementing required regulatory components and assisting in monitoring its effectiveness. The Compliance and Ethics Specialist will work to ensure that compliance standards, regulatory policy, incident management reviews, and internal auditing systems are fully implemented and are effective in reducing the agency’s vulnerability to fraud, waste, and abuse. The Compliance and Ethics Specialist is tasked with assisting in the identification of risk areas, conducting periodic risk assessments and response plans, developing performance reports, implementing assigned tasks under the annual Compliance Work Plan in coordination with the Compliance Committee, investigating compliance complaints and ethical concerns, and developing proposed corrective action collaboratively with Agency Leadership and the Compliance Committee. The Compliance and Ethics Specialist will work alongside other members of the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Team to administer effective training and education and assist in the establishment of monitoring strategies to improve departmental and organizational efficiency with a shared goal of creating meaningful differences for the children, youth, and families served.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

· Encompass and actively work to cultivate a culture in which corporate compliance and ethical behavior is fully integrated into the organization. 

· Collaborate with the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Director – Compliance Officer and Senior Management to develop, modify, and implement policies and procedures that are consistent with current City/State/Federal regulations and uphold and promote the organization’s mission, vision, values, and Standards of Conduct.

· Support an effective compliance program, promoting adherence to legal and ethical obligations, designed to prevent, detect, and correct noncompliance.

· Assist leadership in establishing methods to improve the efficiency and quality of services, and to reduce the agency’s vulnerability to fraud, waste, and abuse. 

· Under the direction of the Compliance Committee, implement and update, no less frequently than annually, or otherwise necessary, a Compliance Work Plan to monitor key agency activities that conforms to changes in the needs of the organization (including new program development) and in the laws and policies/procedures of the New York State OMIG, the New York State Department of Health, and other governmental agencies.

· Propose methodologies and, upon approval, conduct/coordinate internal compliance reviews for the routine monitoring and identification of compliance risks. In accordance with regulatory standards, ensure reporting and required follow-up are completed in a timely manner. Collaborate with the Compliance Committee and Agency Leadership to address any potential compliance infractions.

· Monitor the availability and use of the Compliance and Ethics Program reporting systems, including an anonymous means to report, and respond to concerns, complaints, and questions. Encourage employees and stakeholders to report suspected fraud and other improprieties without fear of retaliation.

· In collaboration with the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Director – Compliance Officer, investigate compliance and ethics complaints and report findings. Develop corrective action collaboratively with Agency Leadership and the Compliance Committee. Monitor corrective action/improvement plans through resolution.

· Support the Internal Compliance Committee and Annual Compliance Committee Charter to ensure that the organization is conducting business in an ethical and responsible manner with effective systems, processes, and procedures in place and/or enacting required corrections to the compliance program overall effectiveness. 

· Provide performance reports, no less frequently than quarterly, to the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Director – Compliance Officer for submission to the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and the Quality and Compliance Committee on the progress of adopting, implementing, and maintaining the Compliance Program.

· Deliver educational and training programs that focus on the elements of the compliance program and seeks to ensure that all individuals associated with the organization are knowledgeable of and understand the operating functions of the agency’s compliance program. 

· Clearly communicate the expectation that all individuals associated with the organization in any capacity including but not limited to agency employees, management, Board of Directors, contractors, and vendors must follow standards of conduct and ethics, refuse to participate in unethical or illegal conduct, and are obliged to report perceived or suspected violations of the plan or of laws, regulations, and/or agency policy to Agency Management and/or the Compliance Officer. 

· In collaboration with the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Director – Compliance Officer, periodically review that Business Associates are compliant with all applicable regulations including those related to the confidentiality of client records.

· Work alongside Human Resources to ensure that all employees and independent contractors are checked monthly on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) and the NYS OMIG exclusion database. 

· Work collaboratively with the Human Resources Department and Agency Leadership to monitor and maintain employee and independent contractor licensure and credentialing requirements. Ensure that all licensed professionals meet applicable regulatory, contractual, and programmatic standards and remain eligible to provide services within SSCF programs. 

· In collaboration with the Board of Directors and the Compliance Committee, participate in the auditing the compliance program for effectiveness and support the creation of compliance best practices.

· Perform other duties/responsibilities as assigned within scope of position.

Requirements

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

· Detail-oriented and organized

· Excellent interpersonal/communication skills

· Knowledge of Continuous Quality Improvement Methodology

· Extensive Understanding of Corporate Compliance and Ethics, HIPAA, and OMIG Regulations

· Ability to review and interpret regulations governing the multiple programs operated by SSCF 

· Experience conducting investigations, curriculum development, and leading training initiatives

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, social services, healthcare, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Prior Healthcare Compliance / Corporate Compliance Experience
• Prior experience in a child welfare nonprofit a plus
• Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office software (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Due to the nature of the work environment, work hours will be based on needs of the agency and may vary.
• Seamen’s Society operates in two locations: Staten Island and Brooklyn. The ability to travel between sites may be necessary. 

Why Join Us?

At Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, we value our team members and are committed to providing a supportive, rewarding, and growth-oriented work environment. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

Extensive Training & Career Development – Gain hands-on experience with comprehensive training programs to enhance your skills and career growth.

Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays – Maintain a healthy work-life balance with our comprehensive PTO package, including: 13 paid holidays throughout the year, Half-day Summer Fridays to make the most of the season, Ample vacation, personal, and sick time so you can recharge and focus on what matters most. Your well-being is a priority for us. Take time to rest and recharge.

Robust Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance – Stay covered with our significantly subsidized plans designed to fit your needs.

Company paid Life Insurance & Financial Security – We offer life insurance, a generous 403(b) retirement plan (with agency contribution), and a tax-deferred annuity to secure your future.

Commuter Benefit Program & Flexible Spending Accounts – Save money on daily expenses with our commuter benefits and FSA options.

Exclusive Perks & Discounts – As part of our team, you'll gain access to Plum Benefits, the leading Corporate Entertainment Benefits provider. Enjoy exclusive discounts, special offers, and preferred seating for top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, hotels, and more.

Employee Assistance Program – Receive confidential support services for mental health, financial advice, and personal well-being.

Internship & Referral Programs – Help build the future by mentoring interns or referring great candidates and earning incentives.

Additional Information Seamen’s Society is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, participants, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity or expression (sexual orientation, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.