Accreditation Specialist
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Accreditation Specialist
Salary
$60,548.80 - $92,185.60 Annually
Location
Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-03287
Agency
400 Health & Human Services - Behavioral Health
Opening Date
06/05/2026
Closing Date
6/15/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-POST
Point of Contact
Pam Dolezal - pamela.dolezal@hhs.iowa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements will be placed on the eligible list.
Accreditation Specialist - Division of Behavioral Health, Iowa HHS
Our Mission
We work to strengthen behavioral health services across Iowa so individuals, families, and communities can thrive. We partner with providers to improve quality, support best practices, and ensure services meet the needs of Iowans.
Our Vision
A statewide behavioral health system that is accessible, person-centered, and committed to excellence-and where every provider has the support and guidance they need to deliver outstanding care.
About the Role
We're looking for someone who's curious, collaborative, and passionate about improving behavioral health services. As one of two Accreditation Specialists on our team, you'll play a key role in reviewing, supporting, and strengthening providers across the state. Your work helps ensure people receive safe, high-quality, and effective care.
In this role, you will:
Lead accreditation reviews for providers such as community mental health centers, case management programs, crisis services, and more under Iowa Administrative Code 441-Chapter 24.
Complete full on-site reviews or reviews for providers with national accreditations (like Joint Commission or CARF).
Build relationships with providers by scheduling reviews, preparing desk reviews, conducting on-site visits, and interviewing staff and clients.
Evaluate documentation, service standards, policies, and clinical records to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Share findings, guide providers through corrective actions when needed, and support them in meeting accreditation standards.
Prepare formal survey reports and recommendations that help shape agency decisions.
Provide technical assistance on standards, policy interpretation, best practices, and emerging trends.
Work with other Iowa HHS divisions and partners (such as Iowa Medicaid) to answer questions, share information, and collaborate on system improvements.
Conduct specialized reviews when concerns or requests arise, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement across the system.
Who Thrives Here
Ideal candidates often share these qualities:
You enjoy digging into details and understanding how things work.
You're comfortable talking with everyone from front-line staff to leadership.
You value fairness, consistency, and clear communication.
You like helping others succeed and see accreditation as a partnership, not a gotcha.
You're organized, steady under pressure, and great at follow-through.
You care about strengthening behavioral health services for the people of Iowa.
Why This Work Matters
Every review, conversation, and recommendation you make has a direct impact on the quality of behavioral health services across the state. You'll be part of a team that values learning, collaboration, and doing meaningful work that improves lives.
Benefits
Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:
Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.
For additional information on benefits click here.
Click hereto see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.
Background Checks
Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer
HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.
Selectives
397 Mental Health Experience or education related to providing service, treatment or assessment to those affected by mental health challenges, either in a private setting, group homes, local assistance agencies, or state or privately-run treatment. Application must demonstrate that applicant has received a general orientation to the symptoms and treatment protocols for mental illness or public policies, procedures, or applicable laws related to the topic, or assistance programs for those affected by mental illness. Experience may come from public, private or non-profit organizations.
OR
146 Disabilities
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of the following: - Deaf education - Deaf counseling - Special education - Intellectual disability - Disability counseling - Any experience dealing with the housing, transportation, accessibility, education, employment or advocacy for mentally or physically handicapped individuals.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
1) Seven years of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility).
2) All of the following (a, b, and c):
a. One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility); and
b. A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and
c. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
3) Graduation from an accredited school of law.
4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes nine months of full-time work as a Program Planner 2 or twenty-seven months of full-time work as a Program Planner 1.
For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\and\pay/JobClassDescriptions/ProgramPlanner3-04023-94023.pdf) .
Why Choose the State of Iowa?
At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.
Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:
Competitive Compensation:
Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.
Health and Wellness:
Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
Retirement Planning:
We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .
Paid Time Off:
Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.
Professional Development:
Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.
Join Us - Elevate Your Career:
Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01
Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.
Yes - I understand and agree.
No
02
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?
No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
03
How many years do you have of full-time work experience performing the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility)?
No experience
Less than seven years' in the specified areas
Seven years' or more in the specified areas
04
Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa?
I am not a State of Iowa employee
I do not have any experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa
Less than 24 months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa
24 to less than 27 months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa
27 months or more of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa
05
Have you graduated from an accredited school of law?
Yes
No
06
Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa?
I am not a State of Iowa employee
I do not have any experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa
Less than six months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa
Six months to less than nine months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa
Nine months or more of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa
07
Do you have ALL of the following:: A) One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility); AND B) A total of four years of post high school/college education and full-time experience (experience as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; AND C) A total of two years of GRADUATE-level education and full-time experience (experience as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience? ***The experience used to count for A, B and C must be separate and unique experience. The same experience CANNOT be counted for A, B and C.
Yes
No
08
Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience in providing service, treatment or assessment to those affected by mental health challenges, either in a private setting, group homes, local assistance agencies, or state or privately-run treatment institutions? Application must demonstrate that applicant has received a general orientation to the symptoms and treatment protocols for mental illness or public policies, procedures, or applicable laws related to the topic, or assistance programs for those affected by mental illness. Experience may come from public, private or non-profit organizations.
Yes
No
09
If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please @type in "No" in the box below.
10
Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of the following:
Deaf education;
Deaf counseling;
Special education;
Intellectual disability;
Disability counseling;
Any experience dealing with the housing, transportation, accessibility, education, employment or advocacy for mentally or physically handicapped individuals?
Yes - My current application and/or attached documentation clearly addresses this requirement
No - I do not currently meet this requirement
11
If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please @type in "No" in the box below.
Required Question
Employer
State of Iowa
Agency
400 Health & Human Services - Behavioral Health
Address
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa, 50319
Website
https://hhs.iowa.gov
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