Compliance & Risk Specialist

Compliance & Risk Specialist Ascension Recovery Services Remote (U.S EST Time Zone) | Full-Time | Exempt Occasional Travel (Multi-State Facilities) Join a team that’s changing lives. At Ascension Recovery Services (ARS), we are building and operating high-quality behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs across the country. Our work is mission-driven, compliance-forward, and grounded in compassion, accountability, and operational excellence. We are seeking a Compliance & Risk Specialist to support our growing, multi-state platform. This role is ideal for a healthcare compliance professional who understands accreditation, licensing, and risk management—and who approaches compliance as a strategic partner to operations, not a back-office function.

About the Role

The Compliance & Risk Specialist plays a key role in supporting ARS’s enterprise-wide compliance, licensing, accreditation, and risk management efforts across all owned, operated, and managed facilities. This position works closely with clinical, operations, revenue cycle, HR, and facility leadership to ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and accreditation requirements, while strengthening a proactive culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. This is a remote position with periodic travel to facility locations for surveys, inspections, audits, and safety assessments.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance, Licensing & Accreditation

• Support the administration and ongoing development of ARS’s Compliance Program and best practices.
• Monitor and communicate changes in federal and state laws, regulations, and accreditation standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CARF).
• Coordinate licensing, certification, and accreditation surveys, including:
• Pre-survey readiness and internal preparation
• On-site coordination with surveyors and facility leadership
• Development, tracking, and follow-up of Plans of Correction (POCs) and Plans of Improvement (POIs)
• Complete and submit regulatory applications, renewals, waivers, CON filings, and related documentation.
• Maintain organized, accurate electronic compliance and licensure files.
• Review and assess corporate and facility policies to ensure alignment with current regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Provide compliance education and training to leadership and staff.
• Conduct routine facility compliance inspections (minimum twice annually).
• Collaborate cross-functionally to identify risk areas and implement corrective action plans.
• Conduct audits as assigned, including documentation, medical record, and billing compliance reviews.

Risk Management & Incident Reporting

• Serve as a key resource for risk management, safety, and loss prevention initiatives.
• Coordinate investigation, documentation, and follow-up of patient, visitor, and staff incidents.
• Partner with Human Resources on employee-related incidents and workers’ compensation matters.
• Analyze incident data and prepare monthly and quarterly trend reports.
• Support investigation and reporting of significant incidents and sentinel events.
• Ensure timely reporting to applicable state agencies and accrediting bodies.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Participate in facility Safety Committee meetings.
• Support fire/life safety, environmental safety, and emergency preparedness compliance.
• Ensure required emergency drills are conducted and documented per regulatory standards.
• Maintain centralized emergency preparedness documentation across all facilities.
• Analyze drill outcomes, identify trends, and support corrective actions.
• Provide education on emergency preparedness, safety, and risk management topics as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (required).

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in healthcare compliance, risk management, or regulatory oversight.
• Strong preference for experience in behavioral health and/or substance use disorder (SUD) treatment settings.
• Experience supporting multi-state healthcare operations strongly preferred.

Regulatory Knowledge

• Working knowledge of Joint Commission and/or CARF standards.
• Familiarity with state and federal healthcare regulations impacting behavioral health programs.
• Experience with surveys, audits, corrective action plans, and quality or risk management programs preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and regulatory timelines.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Proficiency with electronic document management and data tracking systems.

Why Join Ascension Recovery Services?

• Mission-driven work that directly improves access to quality recovery care
• Opportunity to support and scale compliance across a growing national platform
• Collaborative, values-based culture
• Remote flexibility with meaningful operational impact
• Work alongside experienced clinical, operational, and compliance leaders

Compensation & Benefits The base compensation range for this position is $50,000-$60,000. This range reflects Ascension Recovery Services’ good faith estimate at the time of posting. Placement within the range will be based on a variety of factors, including skills, experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity. ARS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and additional benefits consistent with company policy. Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodations Ascension Recovery Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. The organization provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, please notify your supervisor, Human Resources, or the designated ADA Coordinator. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure equal employment opportunities. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job