Begum Ozgozukara
Niskayuna
Summary
Quality Improvement Manager with over 10 years of experience in behavioral health and crisis services. Proven success leading a high performing quality improvement team, supporting organization-wide performance initiatives, and using data to improve clinical quality, compliance, and day-to-day operations. Experienced in supervising multidisciplinary teams, building quality monitoring programs, reviewing performance metrics, leading cross-functional projects, and working with executive leadership to strengthen continuous improvement efforts. Recognized for fostering collaboration, improving processes, and turning quality data into practical changes that support better service delivery.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
Language
Work History
Quality Improvement Manager
Vibrant Emotional Health
03.2022 - Current
- Lead and supervise a team of 5–6 Quality Improvement Specialists, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance management.
- Prioritize workload and assign projects to ensure timely completion of quality initiatives and organizational priorities.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, funder requirements, accreditation standards, and evidence-based clinical practices.
- Monitor quality trends and identify opportunities to improve service delivery and client outcomes.
- Maintain consistency and accuracy in quality monitoring through ongoing calibration and inter-rater reliability efforts.
- Design, revise, and implement quality monitoring tools, scorecards, and reporting processes.
- Analyze quality data and performance trends to identify opportunities for improvement and develop actionable recommendations for leadership.
- Present quality metrics, findings, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership to inform organizational decision-making.
Quality Improvement Specialist
Vibrant Emotional Health
07.2018 - 03.2022
- Monitor calls for quality improvement and utilize evidence-based quality improvement measures across division.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and funder requirements on ever client contact.
- Identify areas of training and support for individual counselors as well as the division at large.
- Work in partnership with the training department and supervisory staff in developing individualized performance improvement plans.
- Maintain detailed records on quality improvement scores for all counselors, teams, and divisions.
- Complete detailed monthly reports highlighting quality improvement outcomes for all counselors, teams, and divisions.
- Assist in review of incident reports on a weekly basis for quality and accuracy.
- Participate in agency QI Committee meetings as scheduled.
- Assist with training needs for the department, including presenting trainings, role playing, live monitoring etc. as necessary.
MCT Online Counselor
Mental Health Association of NYC
02.2017 - 07.2018
- Provided guidance and support to NYC Well counselors regarding MCT related issues.
- Reviewed NYC Well MCT referrals for appropriateness and completeness.
- Communicated with service providers about the status of referrals and provided alternative resource when necessary.
- Triaged and processed MCT online referrals according to urgent need.
- Educated service providers and professionals about MCT services and criteria.
- Communicated effectively and professionally with referral sources and MCT personnel.
Crisis Counselor
Mental Health Association of NYC
03.2015 - 02.2017
- Provided crisis intervention and counseling services to callers.
- Assessed callers for potential risk of suicide, de-escalated risk, and notified 911 or Mobile Crisis Teams as needed.
- Utilized the referral database to provide resources to callers who are seeking mental health and substance abuse services.
- Maintained a working knowledge of the wide spectrum of mental health and substance abuse resources available in New York City.
- Conducted clinical interviews and assessments of callers and linked them with the most appropriate type and level of care.
- Kept computerized record and process notes of calls received during crisis line coverage.
- Actively participated in training new counselors.
Mental Health Counseling Intern
The Addiction Institute of New York, Roosevelt Hospital
04.2014 - 01.2015
- Facilitated group and individual treatment sessions based on Motivational Interviewing.
- Performed intake interviews and maintained case records.
- Developed and wrote treatment plans, assessment updates, and process notes.
- Conducted substance use assessments and urinalysis collections to ensure compliance with treatment plan.
- Maintained a caseload of approximately 10-12 weekly clients.
Counseling Intern
Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services
09.2013 - 12.2013
- Counseled clients individually with emphasis on prevention to promote optimum mental health.
- Documented individual clients’ progress towards treatment goals and daily activities, participated in case analysis and treatment plan meetings with fellow staff members.
- Guided clients in the development of skills and strategies for dealing with their problems.
- Prepared and maintained all required treatment records and reports.
Education
MASTER OF ARTS - MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Columbia University
New York, NY02-2014
BACHELORS OF ARTS - PSYCHOLOGY
University at Albany
Albany, NY05-2012
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Suicide Risk Assessment
- Continuous Quality Improvement
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Certification
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York
LANGUAGE
Fluent in Turkish.
Timeline
Quality Improvement Manager
Vibrant Emotional Health
03.2022 - Current
Quality Improvement Specialist
Vibrant Emotional Health
07.2018 - 03.2022
MCT Online Counselor
Mental Health Association of NYC
02.2017 - 07.2018
Crisis Counselor
Mental Health Association of NYC
03.2015 - 02.2017
Mental Health Counseling Intern
The Addiction Institute of New York, Roosevelt Hospital
04.2014 - 01.2015
Counseling Intern
Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services
09.2013 - 12.2013
BACHELORS OF ARTS - PSYCHOLOGY
University at Albany
MASTER OF ARTS - MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Columbia University