Compliance and Operational Risk Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Department: Compliance

Location: 1500 Expo Pkwy

Reports to: Deputy Chief of Compliance and Operational Risk Management

Status: Full-Time

FLSA: Exempt

Pay Range: $111,200 - $144,560/year

EEO-1: First/Mid-Level Officials and Managers

Organization Information

WellSpace's mission is "achieving regional health through high quality comprehensive care." We believe that everyone deserves to be seen, no matter who you are, where you come from, where you work or what place you call home. At WellSpace, we see you!

We are driven to serve the whole person through comprehensive, integrated care, spanning medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services across the region. We do this by building a team of exceptional colleagues who are dedicated to our mission and becoming part of the communities we serve.

As the region's largest Community Health System, WellSpace utilizes a Confluence Model to integrate an internal network of healthcare modalities, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC), Drug Medi-Cal and Specialty Mental Health programs, California's second largest 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center, an independent Risk Bearing Organization (WellSpace Nexus), and more into a seamless confluence of care.

To ensure the highest quality of care, WellSpace is accredited by the Joint Commission for Ambulatory Care, Behavioral Health and as a CCBHC. Further, it is certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Care Medical Home and a Behavioral Health Home. WellSpace's crisis programs are accredited by the American Association of Suicidology and the International Council for Helplines.

Position Summary

The Compliance and Operational Risk Manager leads the development and implementation of WellSpace Health’s compliance and risk programs, ensuring adherence to OIG, HIPAA, HRSA, FTCA, CMS, and other regulatory standards. This role manages policy development, audits, risk assessments, investigations, training, and external audit coordination.

The Manager supports FTCA deeming by ensuring alignment with core program elements, including risk management systems and patient safety. They supervise and develop compliance staff, ensure accountability across departments, and guide the organization in applying regulatory requirements to daily operations.

This role requires strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to enforce standards while promoting collaboration, ethics, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in healthcare compliance, operational risk management, or a related regulatory role, including direct oversight of program operations and staff. An undergraduate degree is preferred but not required if supported by equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success in supervising and developing team members, including setting performance expectations, coaching, and conducting performance evaluations preferred.
• Certification in Healthcare Compliance (CHC, CHPC, or equivalent) preferred but not required.
• Strong working knowledge of HIPAA, OIG guidance, HRSA compliance manual, FTCA requirements, CMS conditions of participation, 42 CFR Part 2, and related federal and state healthcare regulations.
• Experience developing and implementing compliance policies and procedures, with a clear understanding of internal controls, risk management principles, and audit protocols.
• Ability to clearly analyze and interpret contracts, legal documents, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Analytical thinker with strong conceptual, problem-solving skills, systems-level thinking, and a high level of attention to details.
• Proven ability to influence, enforce deadlines, and hold teams accountable while maintaining a collaborative and respectful working environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex regulatory concepts clearly to clinical and operational teams.
• Proficient in conducting training, facilitating meetings, and delivering presentations to diverse audiences, including executive leadership.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to develop and implement tracking mechanisms (e.g., Excel-based logs, dashboards) in the absence of formal tools; must also be able to navigate compliance tracking systems, audit software, and EHR platforms.
• Commitment to HIPAA and ability to abide by standards of professional ethics and maintain confidentiality.
• Adherence to infection control procedures, including but not limited to, standard precautions.
• Assist and support the Center/Department/Program to meet standards of High Reliability.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage organization-wide compliance and risk management programs in alignment with federal, state, and industry standards.
• Evaluate and enhance compliance policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and internal controls.
• Serve as a resource to leadership and staff, helping operational and clinical teams interpret and apply compliance requirements to real-world workflows.
• Lead and supervise assigned compliance staff, interns, and project teams, ensuring clarity of roles, performance expectations, and accountability.
• Establish and enforce timelines for corrective actions, documentation, and compliance deliverables, ensuring timely resolution and follow-through.
• Conduct internal audits and monitoring to assess compliance with applicable regulations and internal policies; analyze findings and implement corrective measures.
• Conduct timely investigations of compliance issues, privacy breaches, and complaints; document findings and implement appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
• Perform risk assessments and gap analyses, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation strategies across departments.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to integrate compliance and risk mitigation into operational plans, clinical processes, EHR workflows, and performance improvement strategies.
• Design, deliver, and oversee compliance and risk training programs tailored to staff roles and regulatory requirements; ensure training completion is tracked and reported.
• Prepare clear and actionable compliance reports for leadership, regulatory agencies, and the Board, highlighting risks, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Act as the primary liaison for external audits, accreditation reviews, and funder inquiries, facilitating cross-departmental coordination and timely responses.
• Stay current on federal and state regulations, industry guidance, and legislative developments affecting healthcare compliance and operational risk.
• Promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability across the organization, in alignment with the Code of Conduct and ethical standards.
• Actively participate in the Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement (QA/QI) Committee and other relevant internal committees.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in handling sensitive compliance and risk information.
• Support the Deputy Chief of Compliance and Risk Management in high-level initiatives
• Execute any other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in meeting evolving organizational needs.

Benefits

Successful candidate will receive regionally competitive salary, above average health benefits at reduced costs, company paid life insurance & long-term disability insurance, additional voluntary retirement plan with company match and no vesting schedule requirement.

• Paid bereavement and jury duty leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Flexible Spending Program
• Company paid malpractice insurance for all providers
• Professional development hours offered annually

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The work environment is characteristic of a medical clinic environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and arms to reach. The employee is also required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must also possess hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves or their homes. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client’s use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. The employee may also be exposed to bodily fluids (blood, urine) and hazardous chemicals.

WellSpace Health is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is the intent of WellSpace Health to maintain a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws. WellSpace Health is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WellSpace Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Company DescriptionWellSpace Health has provided care and support to individuals and families throughout the Sacramento region since 1953. Our focus has always been to offer a full range of quality medical care, dental care for children and adolescents, mental health and behavioral health services to underserved populations. We do this by placing ourselves within the communities we serve and employing outstanding healthcare professionals who are devoted to our mission.

WellSpace Health is a statewide leader in designing and delivering integrated care that treats the whole person, body and mind. Our people-first approach to comprehensive healthcare means that patients are embraced by a “blanket of care” delivered with competence and compassion.

Company Description

WellSpace Health has provided care and support to individuals and families throughout the Sacramento region since 1953. Our focus has always been to offer a full range of quality medical care, dental care for children and adolescents, mental health and behavioral health services to underserved populations. We do this by placing ourselves within the communities we serve and employing outstanding healthcare professionals who are devoted to our mission.\r\n\r\nWellSpace Health is a statewide leader in designing and delivering integrated care that treats the whole person, body and mind. Our people-first approach to comprehensive healthcare means that patients are embraced by a “blanket of care” delivered with competence and compassion.