Health Compliance Inspector, Nursing Facilities - FAA02053 (Health Professional III)

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division (HFEMSD) is responsible for the oversight and enforcement of a broad range of federal and state statutes and regulations applicable to a wide variety of healthcare facilities and services in Colorado, including hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical facilities, renal dialysis centers, emergency medical services providers, designated and non-designated trauma centers, long term care facilities and many other specific types of healthcare services. The division licenses, certifies and surveys healthcare facilities and services; provides patient safety and healthcare quality programs; recognizes emergency medical service (EMS) education programs; certifies EMS providers and licenses air ambulance services operating within the state. This work unit exists to: (1) protect the health, safety, and welfare of patients/residents of health care facilities in the state of Colorado, by evaluating and securing compliance of licensed and certified facilities and providers, utilizing applicable federal and state laws/regulations and professional standards of practice; and (2) to provide to the public information on health care facilities.

Requirements

• Current State of Colorado resident.
• Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position such as providing care or regulatory oversight in nursing facilities or alternative care facility regulated by Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division.
• OR Two (2) years of experience providing care or regulatory oversight in nursing facilities or alternative care facility regulated by Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division and a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in nursing, social work, public health, health administration, or closely related field of study.
• Proficiency in fundamental computer skills such as navigating operating systems, using basic software applications, and communicating through email is required.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of this active position.
• Thoroughness when performing work and conscientiousness in attention to detail.
• Ability to gather relevant information; identify and analyze problems using sound reasoning to arrive at conclusions.
• Model high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness and respect for individuals.
• Interpersonal and Conflict Management Skills- Displays understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and concern; develops and maintains effective relationships; deals skillfully with people who are difficult, hostile or distressed; effectively manages and resolves conflicts, confrontations and disagreements in a positive and constructive way; does not avoid conflict when it can produce better solutions.
• Ability to analyze the information and reach logical well supported conclusions.
• A pre-employment background check.
• Ability and willingness to travel independently or with a group of other health professionals up to 50% of the time throughout Colorado.
• Must be willing to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present (appropriate personal protective equipment and procedural protocols will be provided).
• Be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• Be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• Must be proficient in word processing and able to use current communication technology to connect to the office from the field.
• Must obtain an influenza shot annually prior to the onset of the flu season or wear a mask while on facility/agency premises.
• Must be vaccinated against COVID19.
• Must be able to perform annual fit testing for N-95 masks, as well as complete annual training on donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to work occasional evening, night, weekend, or holidays depending upon circumstances of survey or complaint.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 45lbs. of equipment for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time including climbing multiple flights of stairs.
• Must be able to hold a tablet computer in a standing position.
• Once employed in this position, must successfully complete and apply all required surveyor training (unless training is unavailable) within the first six (6) months of service.
• Requires the use and operation of state fleet vehicles.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidates position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior or other posted competency should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process.
• Non-clinical or clinical health care experience, preferably in an acute or specialized setting nursing facility or agency but will consider other areas such as assisted living/home care, etc.
• Experience with evaluating a health care facility's quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/clients.
• Experience to evaluate facility practices through observations and record review.
• Experience with conducting interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, outside agencies and medical professionals.
• Experience with analyzing evidence and survey results to determine if and why a healthcare facility is out of compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
• Experience writing clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies.
• Experience and proficiency in word processing and able to use current communication technology.
• Ability to analyze and interpret clinical evidence and observe, record, and interpret information.

Responsibilities

• On an unannounced basis, independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team, surveys (inspects) Nursing Facilities to determine whether the entity is operating in compliance with applicable statutes/regulations.
• Assesses and evaluates health care facility quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/patients as well as facility practices through observations, record review, as well as interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, and outside agency and medical professionals.
• Collects and documents evidence and survey results based upon observations, interviews and record review.
• Analyzes the evidence and survey results in order to determine whether and how the health care facility is out of compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
• Uses judgment and experience in choosing specific regulations to be cited.
• Writes clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies based on analysis of the documented findings and extensive knowledge of these laws, regulations and guidelines.
• Advises health care facility providers, health care consumers, and other governmental agencies regarding regulatory requirements.
• Decides what inspection areas identified as non-compliant will be cited and then decides the specific regulation that the deficiency should be cited under.
• Investigates complex complaint allegations, analyzes the data gathered during the investigation, determines whether the allegations of regulatory noncompliance are substantiated and, if substantiated, determines the appropriate regulatory citations to be issued.
• This position is staffed by professionals who work independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team to assess the care, treatment and quality of life provided by various health facilities through observations, interviews, and record review.
• Uses experience, training and judgment in evaluating and applying statutes, regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures on a case-by-case, item-by-item basis for facility compliance/violation.
• Reviews self-reported occurrences and incidents of serious deficiencies and assesses whether certified and/or licensed health facilities intervened appropriately.
• Writes statements of deficiencies, identifying areas of non-compliance with federal and state requirements based on survey/investigation results.
• Acts as resource, educator, and interpreter of regulations for service providers and consumers, based upon established guidelines, policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Flexible working arrangements
• Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level