The Quality assurance and improvement workforce in social services: An exploratory examination

Madeline Y. Lee; J. Curtis McMillen; Luis E. Zayas; Samantha J. Books

doi:10.1080/03643107.2011.575335

The Quality assurance and improvement workforce in social services: An exploratory examination

Madeline Y. Lee, J. Curtis McMillen, Luis E. Zayas, Samantha J. Books

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Quality assurance and improvement (QA/I) professionals are in pivotal positions in their organizations, yet almost nothing is known about this workforce in the social services. This exploratory study examines a small sample of QA/I professionals at private, nonprofit social service agencies. Findings reveal that most QA/I professionals are well educated, seasoned clinicians and many are social workers. However, many lack research skills and formal QA/I training. Accreditation frequently led them to their QA/I role, and none started their career to become a QA/I professional. Social work programs should consider career paths in QA/I and develop training curricula for these professionals.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	243-257
Number of pages	15
Journal	Administration in Social Work
Volume	35
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/03643107.2011.575335
State	Published - Jun 2011

Keywords

Professionals
Quality assurance
Quality improvement
Social services
Workforce

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Health(social science)
Public Administration

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10.1080/03643107.2011.575335

Cite this

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abstract = "Quality assurance and improvement (QA/I) professionals are in pivotal positions in their organizations, yet almost nothing is known about this workforce in the social services. This exploratory study examines a small sample of QA/I professionals at private, nonprofit social service agencies. Findings reveal that most QA/I professionals are well educated, seasoned clinicians and many are social workers. However, many lack research skills and formal QA/I training. Accreditation frequently led them to their QA/I role, and none started their career to become a QA/I professional. Social work programs should consider career paths in QA/I and develop training curricula for these professionals.",

keywords = "Professionals, Quality assurance, Quality improvement, Social services, Workforce",

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note = "Funding Information: This work was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (P30 MH068579). Address correspondence to Madeline Y. Lee, School of Social Work, Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave., Building 9, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA. E-mail: mylee@wustl.edu",

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AU - Books, Samantha J.

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The Quality assurance and improvement workforce in social services: An exploratory examination

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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