DSHS HCLA RN /Adult Family Home Complaint Investigator

State of Washington•Clark County – Vancouver, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Washington’s older adults and people with disabilities deserve care they can count on. Join our team as an Adult Family Home Nurse Complaint Investigator with the Residential Care Services (RCS) division under the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) in Vancouver. In this role, you will conduct on-site complaint investigations, inspections and follow-up visits to ensure Adult Family Homes (AFHs) meet state licensing standards and provide safe, quality care to residents. You will play a critical role in protecting vulnerable populations by evaluating care practices, interviewing residents and providers, reviewing records, and clearly communicating findings. This position is essential to maintaining accountability, supporting providers, and ensuring that individuals receiving long-term care services live in safe, respectful, and well-regulated environments. Your commitment as a nurse complaint investigator strengthens our mission of advocacy and stability for residents who rely on high-quality care. This is a great opportunity for the person looking for a highly visible position whose investigative work transforms the life of residents receiving long-term care services. This opportunity is based out of the Vancouver Office. Travel to AFHs and other long term care (LTC) settings is required and includes travel throughout a broad geographical area and possible travel to other regions. Work may require occasional overnight stays.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing/Diploma Nurse AND five years of experience as an RN in a long-term care setting and/or behavioral health setting
Or, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing AND three years of experience as an RN in a long-term care setting and/or behavioral health setting
Or, a Master of Nursing/Master of Science in Nursing AND two years of RN experience in a long-term care setting or behavioral health setting
Must hold a valid Registered Nurse license and be able to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Washington.
Applies current knowledge of institutional nursing principles, long-term care regulations, and public health practices to evaluate care quality and identify deficient practices in certified community residential settings.
Conducts thorough complaint investigations using established protocols, including record review, staff interviews, client observation, and review of care plans and personnel records, to reach well-supported findings.
Produces clear, accurate, and timely written reports including statements of deficiencies and investigation summaries that meet statutory and department standards.
Organizes and prioritizes a varied workload across multiple facilities and complaint types to meet regulatory deadlines without close supervision.
Communicates findings and regulatory expectations clearly and professionally to providers, staff, clients, families, and fellow team members, including in difficult or contentious situations.
Maintains a professional and respectful approach when working with persons who may be resistant, distressed, or in conflict, applying consistent and fair judgment across all interactions.
Works with Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, the Ombuds office, and other agencies to coordinate investigations and share relevant findings appropriately.
Uses Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Teams effectively, and enters and retrieves data accurately in state electronic systems including RCS databases.
Responds to changing workload needs, emergency assignments, and modified duties during declared emergencies or disaster situations as required under the DSHS Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
High level of integrity and clinical nursing knowledge
Critical thinking skills
Passionate about ensuring resident well-being and safety
Ability to make critical decisions in high-stress situations based on the integration of information from multiple sources that may be discrepant
Knowledge and proficiency with laptop data-entry skills and database use
Ability to evaluate nursing care within the parameters of state and federal regulations
Be able to communicate findings clearly to AFH providers verbally and in writing in a clear, concise, non-threatening manner
Ability to communicate effectively with management, peers, residents, providers and the public
Ability to evaluate resident care services; exercise objective judgment, stimulate local cooperation and support for effective nursing services; and bring about improved practices

Nice To Haves

Minimum of three professional references including current supervisor
Updated resume
Cover letter

Responsibilities

Conduct complaint investigations, inspections and follow-up visits for AFHs and other community programs in accordance with state regulations and procedures
Plan and manage workload to meet statutory timelines, including preparation, investigation tracking, and completion of required reports
Evaluate compliance with licensing standards and identify deficient practices in long-term care and specialized care settings
Evaluate nursing care within parameters of state regulations
Observe resident care, services, and living environments to ensure quality and safety standards are maintained.
Interview residents, family members, providers, and community partners to gather information on care practices and service quality
Review records and documentation, analyze findings, and prepare detailed reports, including statements of deficiencies and investigation summaries
Maintain accurate data entry in state systems while safeguarding confidential information and following policies, procedures, and directives