Risk Coordinator

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a Risk Coordinator. The Risk Coordinator plays an essential role in advancing patient and staff safety within a dynamic hospital environment by leading key risk management and quality improvement initiatives. This position partners closely with clinical teams, leadership, and external agencies to ensure incidents are thoroughly reviewed, investigated, and resolved in alignment with regulatory standards. Through meaningful collaboration and data-driven insight, the Risk Coordinator helps identify trends, strengthen safety practices, and support a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

This opportunity offers a unique blend of analytical, investigative, and collaborative work, ideal for professionals who are passionate about healthcare quality, compliance, and systems improvement. The role provides exposure to high-level committees, regulatory processes, and performance improvement strategies, while also allowing for direct impact on patient care outcomes. Candidates will gain valuable experience working with interdisciplinary teams, contributing to policy development, and shaping safer, more effective care environments

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Review and oversee incident and event reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, timely follow-up, and appropriate external notifications to regulatory agencies.

• Ensure timely and accurate entry of incident data into all required reporting systems in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.

• Maintain thorough and compliant documentation in accordance with CMS, hospital policies, and applicable regulations.

• Coordinate hospital-wide risk management, complaint resolution, and investigative processes to ensure adherence to established standards and 103 CMR 32.00 requirements.

• Serve as a liaison to internal leadership and external agencies, facilitating information requests and ensuring proper handling and distribution of sensitive records.

• Monitor and evaluate the quality of fact-finding investigations, providing guidance and support to enhance investigative practices.

• Lead and participate in performance improvement initiatives, including monitoring corrective action plans and regulatory compliance efforts.

• Provide consultation and training on risk reduction strategies, including methodologies such as Root Cause Analysis, Failure Mode Analysis, and Sentinel Event reviews.

• Track, analyze, and report on key risk indicators, including restraint and seclusion, AWA incidents, and other safety-related metrics; prepare routine and ad hoc reports for leadership and committees.

• Utilize EMR and related systems to conduct audits, support data integrity, chair risk-related committees, and contribute to ongoing quality and patient safety initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience conducting formal and informal risk assessments within healthcare or behavioral health settings.

• Strong knowledge of quality improvement principles and experience supporting performance improvement initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience investigating complaints and grievances, including fact-finding and report development.

• Knowledge of inpatient mental health treatment environments and related clinical practices.

• Familiarity with Massachusetts regulations, including reporting requirements to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC).

• Excellent professional writing skills, with experience drafting, editing, and finalizing detailed reports.

• Understanding of Federal and State programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other public entitlement systems.

• Experience reviewing medical records, managing data, and producing analytical reports, charts, and summaries.

• Knowledge of CMS and The Joint Commission standards, with experience applying regulatory and compliance frameworks.

• Ability to collaborate with and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, supervise or guide staff, and drive consensus on complex issues; bilingual or multilingual skills preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of hospital administration laws, regulations, policies, and accreditation standards.

• Advanced understanding of The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) standards and compliance requirements.

• Familiarity with state and departmental regulations related to reporting abuse, neglect, and critical incidents.

• Knowledge of policies and procedures governing complaint management and investigative processes.

• Experience working with state systems such as DMH Data Warehouse, OIA Database, and SLS Incident Reporting System.

• Understanding of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) structures, policies, and operational processes.

• Experience applying regulatory standards in behavioral health or inpatient healthcare settings.

• Familiarity with risk management frameworks and patient safety best practices.

• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory guidance to real-world scenarios.

• Experience supporting audits, surveys, or accreditation reviews within a healthcare environment.

DMH Mission and Vision

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. 

Learn more about us: https://www.mass.gov/locations/metro-boston-mental-health-units-at-lemuel-shattuck-hospital

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health

Pre-Hire Process: 

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori   

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. 

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. 

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4
 

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience.*

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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