Field Health Compliance Inspector, Generalist (HP III), ALR Community Services - HFEMSD

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division (HFEMSD) oversees and enforces federal and state requirements for healthcare facilities and services throughout Colorado. This position assesses the care, treatment, and quality of life provided by health facilities through observations, interviews, and record reviews. The inspector evaluates compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures, and reviews self-reported occurrences and serious deficiencies to determine whether facilities responded appropriately. The inspector conducts unannounced surveys and investigations independently or as part of an interdisciplinary team. The role includes documenting and analyzing evidence, determining whether facilities are out of compliance, and writing clear, concise, legally defensible statements of deficiencies. The inspector also serves as a resource and interpreter of regulations for service providers and consumers, and helps prepare and coordinate survey teams. The position is based at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, Colorado. Hybrid work may be available at the supervisor’s discretion and based on business needs. Statewide travel averages up to 50%, rising to 75% during peak periods, and may include up to two weeks of travel per month with an average of two to four hotel overnights per travel week. The employee must be available to report immediately during emergencies or activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan. Occasional evening, night, weekend, or holiday work may be required. The role involves exposure to environments where contagious diseases may be present and requires use of state fleet vehicles, annual N-95 fit testing, and personal protective equipment training. Required surveyor training must be completed and applied within the first six months of employment, unless training is unavailable.

Requirements

Six years of relevant experience providing applicable healthcare in an assisted living facility or similar program regulated by HFEMSD, or other closely related experience; alternatively, a combination of related education and/or relevant experience totaling six years.
Proficiency in fundamental computer skills, including navigating operating systems, using basic software applications, and communicating by email.
Colorado residency at the time of application.
Ability to assess consumer care, treatment, and quality of care and life through observation, interviews, and record review.
Ability to analyze and interpret clinical evidence and observe, record, and interpret information.
Ability to gather relevant information, identify and analyze problems, and use sound reasoning to reach conclusions.
Thoroughness and conscientious attention to detail.
Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.
Interpersonal and conflict-management skills, including tact, empathy, relationship-building, and the ability to manage difficult, hostile, or distressed interactions constructively.
Ability to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present and to complete annual N-95 fit testing and personal protective equipment training.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds of equipment for extended periods; walk or stand for extended periods, including on multiple flights of stairs; and hold a tablet computer while standing.
Ability to work occasional evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays depending on survey or complaint circumstances.
Availability to report immediately during emergencies and activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan.
Ability to use and operate state fleet vehicles, subject to location and availability conditions.
Must meet the stated COVID-19 vaccination requirement, subject to applicable exemptions and reasonable accommodation; must obtain an annual influenza shot before flu season or wear a mask on facility or agency premises.
Must successfully complete and apply required surveyor training within the first six months of service, unless training is unavailable.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; the department does not provide visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in healthcare agencies or facilities, especially Assisted Living Residences.
Non-clinical or clinical healthcare experience in an assisted living residence, homecare, hospice, acute care, nursing facility, or closely related agency.
Experience conducting investigative interviews with residents, families, staff, medical professionals, and external service providers.
Proven ability to defuse tense situations, manage conflict constructively, and maintain professional relationships with defensive or distressed individuals.
Daily proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, and Drive) and current digital communication tools for real-time collaboration.
Ability to model honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for individuals.

Responsibilities

Conduct unannounced surveys independently or as part of an interdisciplinary team to determine compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
Assess facility quality of care, services, treatment, and practices through observation, record review, and interviews with residents or patients, families, staff, and outside agency or medical professionals.
Collect and document evidence and survey results based on observations, interviews, and record review.
Analyze evidence and survey results to determine whether and how a healthcare facility is out of compliance.
Use judgment and experience to select specific regulations to cite.
Write clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies based on documented findings and applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and protocols.
Conduct pre-survey preparation, including selecting residents for the survey sample.
Assign work to survey team members before and during surveys.
Facilitate meetings among survey team members and between surveyors and facility staff.
Review self-reported occurrences and serious deficiencies and assess whether the facility intervened appropriately.
Act as a resource, educator, and interpreter of regulations for service providers and consumers.
Attend meetings, serve on task forces or teams, complete projects, and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical and dental plans
Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit or defined contribution plans
Optional 401(k) and 457 retirement plans
Employer-paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Potential flexible working arrangements
11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off
Free parking and access to RTD bus lines
Tuition assistance
Employee wellness programs
Professional development opportunities
Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program