Quality Assurance
The Department of Quality Assurance and Clinical Support Services implements the ARC of Essex County’s Quality of Life survey.  The survey assesses services based on quality indicators that were identified by our consumers.  The survey is conducted by raters who observe randomly selected individuals throughout their day, at all ARC/Essex programs that they attend.  In addition, the raters interview the individuals and their staff and tour the home and/or day programs to ensure that they meet the individuals’ needs.  The goal is to provide an overall rating on indicators such as control over one’s life, contribution to one’s community, and choice in matters that affect their lives.  Additionally, the department coordinates a multi-system quality assurance process for all adult service residential and day programs.  This additional review concentrates on traditional quality indicators such as facility condition and cleanliness, interactions with staff, consumer health, and administrative functions. 

Behavioral Support
Behavior specialists work with consumers who pose behavioral challenges.  When a behavior specialist is assigned to work with an individual, assessments are completed and recommendations are made that support the consumer’s individual needs.  The specialists act as a liaison to the treating psychiatrist, sharing the data collected and individual observations. As the individual progresses, supports are adjusted to meet the new needs.  The eventual goal is to teach the individual to manage his own behaviors with the help of his well trained staff.

Transitional Support
Transition planning is undertaken when individuals move to a new home or change their day programming.  Since these changes can be very stressful, support during this time is extremely important to ensure success for the individual moving into the new environment.  Supports can include visits, sleepovers at their intended new home, shared activities with the individuals with whom they will work or live, and  decorating and furnishing their new bedroom in advance.  The supports are tailored to each individual’s needs and adjusted based on their progress. 

Staff and Consumer Training
Providing continuing education assists in the empowerment process of supporting people with disabilities.  Behavior Management Training is provided to all program employees. The goal of the training is to provide a new perspective on dealing with challenging behaviors. Staff discusses strategies that may help decrease the incidence of a challenging behavior occurring, and also discusses ways to avoid getting into power struggles. The class highlights the importance of working as a team and having good communication. Additionally, in-service trainings are offered to staff including team building, stress management, personality styles, and dementia.

Individual and group sessions are available for consumers covering topics such as anger management, life skills, grief, and current events. New groups are continually being developed to meet the ever changing needs of the consumers.       

Nurses
The Quality Assurance and Clinical Support Services Department employs two nurses.  These nurses primarily serve the residential programs, but also assist at the adult day service programs.  They are an important component of the Quality Assurance process, both during the formal Quality Assurance Reviews and on a regular basis throughout the year, ensuring that consumer health care and medication administration are being provided at optimal levels.  They review health records, advise staff, teach specific medical procedures, talk to medical providers, advocate for consumers, and seek second opinions.  In addition, they teach regular classes on topics such as Diabetes Management, Insulin Administration, and Universal Precautions. 

Unusual Incident Reports
When unusual incidents occur, they are first managed by the program staff.  Working with the individual department, they take the first and most crucial steps, responding to the current incident and taking the necessary steps to prevent a reoccurrence.  These incidents are then documented and reported to a member of the Quality Assurance and Clinical Support Services Department, where they are reviewed and additional suggestions are made as needed.  When appropriate, the reports are shared with the nurses and behaviorists.  When required, the incidents are reported to the Department of Developmental Disabilities and any necessary public agencies.   The incidents are then charted on a large data base which can later be used to track both individual and agency-wide trends.  These Trend Reports have been used to assist doctors, provide information at IHPs, and help assess the success of behavioral supports.   
 
For more information
For more information, please use our inquiry form.