DSHS HCLA RN Nursing Consultant Institutional

State of Washington•King County – Kent, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Washington's older adults and people with disabilities deserve care they can count on. As a Nursing Consultant Institutional with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, you will work as a Registered Nurse to inspect and evaluate care provided in Certified Community Residential Services and Supports settings. These are community-based residential programs that serve adults with developmental disabilities, and the people who live in them depend on providers who meet the standards the state requires. Your work ensures those standards are upheld every day. This position is based out of the Home and Community Living Administration Region 2 office in Kent. However, you will spend significant time in the field, traveling to facilities across the region as well as statewide. Work is conducted independently, and you will be trusted to manage your own schedule, plan your visits, and meet statutory timelines. Some evening, weekend, and overnight travel will be required.

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 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 Master of Nursing/Master of Science in Nursing and two years of RN experience in a long-term care setting and/or behavioral health setting.
Must hold a valid Registered Nurse license and able to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Washington.
Nursing practice: 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.
Investigation skills: 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.
Written communication: Produces clear, accurate, and timely written reports including statements of deficiencies and investigation summaries that meet statutory and department standards.
Time management: Organizes and prioritizes a varied workload across multiple facilities and complaint types to meet regulatory deadlines without close supervision.
Interpersonal communication: Communicates findings and regulatory expectations clearly and professionally to providers, staff, clients, families, and fellow team members, including in difficult or contentious situations.
Objectivity: 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.
Collaboration: Works with Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, the Ombuds office, and other agencies to coordinate investigations and share relevant findings appropriately.
Computer proficiency: Uses Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Teams effectively, and enters and retrieves data accurately in state electronic systems including RCS databases.
Adaptability: 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.

Responsibilities

Conduct certification evaluations and complaint investigations in Certified Community Residential Services and Supports settings according to state procedures and directives.
Plan and manage your workload to meet statutory and department timelines, including preparation, investigation, report writing, and data entry.
Observe client services, care quality, and physical environments during on-site visits.
Review professional records and gather information from facility staff and other sources to assess client care and services.
Conduct interviews with clients, family members, and community representatives to understand provider practices and client satisfaction.
Collect and review evidence including client care plans, medical records, client instruction and support information, and staff and personnel records.
Document all observations, interviews, and record reviews clearly and accurately in electronic state databases.
Coordinate complaint investigation activities with Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, the Office of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Long-Term Care Ombuds, the Department of Health, and other investigating agencies as needed.
Identify and analyze facts and findings to determine whether deficient practices exist.
Complete written reports including statements of deficiencies and investigation summary reports.
Conduct state licensure follow-up inspections.
Attend unit huddles, mandatory meetings, trainings, Informal Dispute Resolutions, and administrative hearings.
Provide nursing consultations to Allied Health peers.
Don and doff Personal Protective Equipment, including appropriate respiratory protection, when entering facilities with active or potential infectious disease outbreaks.
Use a laptop or tablet computer in both office and field settings; all inspection documentation is entered electronically.