Behavior Health Care Surveyor

Joint Commission•Oakbrook Terrace, IL

About The Position

Field Representatives survey and/or review health care organizations throughout the United States with minimal direction or supervision. They use sophisticated systems-analysis and inductive-reasoning skills to assess compliance with applicable standards, the functionality of care-delivery systems, and organizational risk points. They engage staff in interactive discussions about health care issues, identify opportunities to improve compliance, and prepare detailed, accurate reports linking deficiencies to potential system vulnerabilities and organizational risks. They communicate survey results to organizational leadership in a constructive, collegial manner and collaborate as team members. The role requires an understanding of High Reliability, Robust Process Improvement, and Culture of Safety, as well as effective use of time and RPI tools. Field Representatives may also participate in other Joint Commission activities as assigned. All positions require 100% nationwide travel. Candidates must be located within approximately 50 miles of a major commercial airport with direct access to domestic and/or international routes and facilities capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. The position may require observing ongoing health care treatment without interrupting it and inspecting facilities, equipment, and procedures in varied conditions. The role is open to independently licensed clinicians, including social workers, counselors, nurses, and psychologists. Behavioral health care and human services experience, particularly with opioid and other substance use disorder treatment, is preferred. Leadership experience is necessary. Starting salary is $100,000 per year. Joint Commission offers a comprehensive benefits package; details are available on its Career Page.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved school and a master's degree in an appropriate discipline.
Independent professional license covering both substance abuse and mental health; current professional license required at hire and must be maintained.
Five years of experience working in various components of a hospital and/or health care organization.
Three years of direct clinical experience in at least two different freestanding behavioral health care settings or listed human services components.
Two years of senior management experience.
Knowledge of The Joint Commission accreditation process; direct involvement in at least two Joint Commission surveys.
CPHQ certification through the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) at hire or attainment by December 31, 2028.
Critical-thinking, interpersonal, problem-solving, interviewing, teamwork, organizational, written, and verbal skills.
Ability to use a computer.
Ability to lift 25 pounds, climb stairs and ladders, and work in settings with infectious diseases.
Ability to travel nationwide 100% of work time, including driving to remote locations, flying on small airplanes and into small airports, and traveling in varied weather conditions.
Ability to observe ongoing treatment in real time without slowing or interrupting its progress.
Ability to stand for long periods; walk lengthy distances; lift, climb, stoop, pull, and push; remove obstructed covers or impediments; and examine small printed labels and equipment text.
For full-time positions, availability for four weeks each month; part-time positions require availability for either two weeks (0.48 FTE) or three weeks (0.7 FTE) per month.
Location within approximately 50 miles of a major commercial airport with direct access to domestic and/or international flight routes and facilities capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft.

Nice To Haves

Behavioral health care and human services experience, particularly with opioid and other substance use disorder treatment.
Fluency in Spanish.
Recent experience as a consultant to health care organizations may be considered.
CPHQ certification is listed as a plus, although certification is also required at hire or must be attained by December 31, 2028.

Responsibilities

Survey health care organizations throughout the United States, independently and with minimal direction or supervision.
Apply systems-analysis and inductive-reasoning skills to assess compliance with applicable standards and the functionality of care-delivery systems.
Assess organizational risk points and identify opportunities to improve compliance.
Engage health care organization staff in interactive discussions about standards-based health care issues.
Prepare detailed management reports linking standards deficiencies to potential system vulnerabilities and organizational risks.
Communicate survey results to health care organization leadership in a constructive and collegial manner.
Work effectively and collaboratively as a team member.
Participate in other Joint Commission activities as assigned by a supervisor.
Observe ongoing health care treatment and inspect facilities, equipment, and procedures without interrupting care.