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

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division (HFEMSD) oversees and enforces federal and state requirements for a wide range of healthcare facilities and services in Colorado. Its work includes licensing, certifying, and surveying facilities and providers; supporting patient safety and healthcare quality; and providing information to the public about healthcare facilities. The division’s work unit protects the health, safety, and welfare of patients and residents by evaluating compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards. The Health Compliance Inspector assesses care, treatment, and quality of life in health facilities through observations, interviews, and records review. The inspector applies relevant statutes, regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures to evaluate compliance, reviews self-reported serious incidents, and determines whether facilities responded appropriately. The inspector documents survey and investigation findings, writes statements of deficiencies, and serves as a resource and interpreter of regulations for providers and consumers. 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% monthly and may reach 75% during peak periods, including up to two weeks per month and an average of two to four hotel overnights per travel week. The position may require availability during emergencies or activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan. Occasional evening, night, weekend, or holiday work may be required depending on survey or complaint circumstances.

Requirements

Six years of relevant experience providing applicable healthcare in an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) agency or similar program regulated by HFEMSD, or other closely related experience; alternatively, a combination of related education and/or relevant experience totaling six years.
Colorado residency at the time of application.
Valid Colorado driver’s license and ability to use and operate state fleet vehicles.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds of equipment for extended periods.
Ability to walk or stand for extended periods, including going up and down multiple flights of stairs, and to hold a tablet computer while standing.
Must be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to applicable religious or medical exemptions and reasonable accommodations.
Must obtain an influenza vaccination annually before flu season or wear a mask on facility or agency premises.
Willingness to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present and to complete annual N-95 fit testing and personal protective equipment donning and doffing training.
Availability for emergency response and Continuity of Operations Plan activation, including reporting promptly to a regular or alternate work location.
Willingness to work occasional evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays depending on survey or complaint circumstances.
Must successfully complete and apply required surveyor training, unless training is unavailable, within the first six months of service.
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 direct experience with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Experience evaluating healthcare quality, conducting facility observations, and reviewing records to assess compliance with statutes and regulations.
Skill conducting interviews with residents or members, families, staff, medical professionals, and external service providers.
Experience analyzing clinical findings to identify deficient practices and writing legally defensible statements of deficiencies.
Ability to defuse tense situations, manage conflict constructively, and maintain professional relationships with defensive or distressed individuals.
Daily proficiency with Google Workspace, including Docs, Sheets, and Drive, and current digital communication tools for real-time collaboration.

Responsibilities

Conduct unannounced surveys independently or as part of an interdisciplinary team to determine whether facilities comply with applicable statutes and regulations.
Assess healthcare quality, services, treatment, and facility practices through observations, record reviews, and interviews with residents or patients, family members, staff, and outside agency and medical professionals.
Collect and document evidence and survey results based on observations, interviews, and record reviews.
Analyze evidence and survey results to determine whether and how a facility is out of compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
Select applicable regulations to cite and write clear, concise, legally defensible statements of deficiencies based on documented findings and relevant laws, regulations, guidelines, protocols, policies, and procedures.
Review self-reported occurrences and serious deficiencies and assess whether facilities intervened appropriately.
Conduct pre-survey preparation, including selecting residents for the survey sample.
Assign work to survey team members before and during surveys, facilitate meetings among team members and between surveyors and facility staff, and ensure survey work is completed by deadlines.
Communicate survey findings to facility staff and section managers or supervisors.
Serve 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