DSHS HCLA RCS Long Term Care Surveyor

State of Washington • Yakima County - Union Gap, WA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Join our team as a Long Term Care Surveyor (Nursing Homes/Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities) with Residential Care Services (RCS) within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) in Union Gap. In this role, you will conduct statewide surveys and investigations in Nursing Homes and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities to ensure providers meet state and federal requirements. Your work will directly support the health, safety, and rights of vulnerable residents by assessing care practices, gathering and analyzing evidence, and communicating findings that drive quality improvement and regulatory compliance. This position plays a critical role in overseeing thousands of facilities and protecting tens of thousands of individuals receiving long-term care services across Washington State.

Requirements

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to long-term care, including Nursing Homes and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.
• Experience working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or vulnerable populations.
• Ability to conduct thorough field investigations using effective interview and evidence-gathering techniques.
• Skill in analyzing complex information from multiple sources, including medical records, incident reports, and witness statements.
• Ability to identify and clearly communicate findings related to non-compliance or deficient provider practices, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate professionally with residents, families, providers, and stakeholders while de-escalating challenging situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• A master’s degree in social work, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, special education, nutrition, sociology, or a closely related field AND Two years of professional experience in planning, administering, licensing, monitoring, or delivering social or health service programs OR A bachelor’s degree in one of the fields listed above AND Four years of professional experience in planning, administering, licensing, monitoring, or delivering social or health service programs OR An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling eight or more years.
• Selected candidates must successfully complete required federal and state surveyor and investigator training, including certification requirements.
• Positions surveying Nursing Homes require completion of federally mandated Long Term Care Surveyor training and certification.
• Degrees in Social Work must be from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.
• Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage workload to meet performance standards, completing timely and accurate surveys, investigations, and reports.
• Conduct surveys and complaint investigations for Nursing Homes and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities to assess compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Serve as a team leader for assigned surveys, including planning activities, assigning work, facilitating team meetings, and communicating findings and recommendations.
• Interview residents, clients, family members, staff, and other stakeholders to gather information regarding care, services, and provider practices.
• Observe resident care, services, and facility environments through visual and auditory assessment over extended periods.
• Analyze findings to identify deficient practices and clearly communicate results through detailed written reports and verbal briefings.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and maintain professional, respectful communication with diverse populations, including during complex or sensitive situations.

What This Job Offers

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