LTCR Life Safety Code Architect IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Lubbock, TX

5d•$128,136 - $156,612•Onsite

About The Position

The LTCR Life Safety Code Architect IV performs highly advanced architectural work involving the planning, design, and implementation of architectural and construction projects. Under the supervision of the Director, this role provides consultative services and leadership to specialized professionals, conducts and leads complex long-term care construction inspections and complaint investigations, and surveys facilities for compliance with state licensure and federal certification requirements. The position identifies and documents deficiencies, makes referrals to state and federal agencies, interprets codes and regulations, prepares guidance letters, reviews and approves federal survey reports, trains inspection staff, and coordinates travel. The role operates under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position is mobile and flexible, with minimal office work, and requires writing reports that document deficiencies or violations and support regulatory determinations. It involves up to 80% travel, including statewide, overnight, and weekend travel, and may require on-call response to emergencies or high-priority situations. The position is based in Lubbock, Texas, and is not eligible for telework according to the posting's job details. A reliable means of transportation is required. The position requires registration as an architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. Applicants must pass specified criminal background checks. If hired, employees may not continue employment at HHSC-regulated facilities or providers and must disclose potential conflicts of interest and certain outside relationships or activities.

Requirements

Must be registered as an architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
Professional architectural experience related to evaluating buildings and structures for code compliance.
Knowledge of architectural and design principles, techniques, and procedures; construction methods and management; engineering specifications; and mathematical applications.
Knowledge of the long-term care industry, life-safety applications and codes, and long-term care inspections.
Knowledge of contract construction administration principles and practices.
Knowledge of fire-safety principles, fire prevention, fire and safety hazards, fire-control and protection equipment, and disaster preparedness.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with the public, stakeholders, facility personnel, and state agencies.
Ability to compose, edit, and proofread correspondence and reports, including concise technical reports and business correspondence.
Skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint, and other applicable software.
Skill in establishing and maintaining positive professional working relationships.
Skill in project-management monitoring and making program-management decisions that affect service delivery.
Skill in using architectural tools and solving problems.
Ability to conduct interviews, record information, prepare case narratives and lengthy documents, and communicate verbally with facility personnel to obtain survey information.
Ability to learn, remember, and integrate complex Life Safety Code regulations and processes for long-term care.
Ability to visualize architectural designs and apply architectural concepts.
Ability to use logical or scientific thinking to define complex problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to coordinate a substantial workload, prioritize multiple assignments with minimal supervision, and exercise independent judgment.
Ability to analyze new situations independently and respond with sound technical judgment.
Ability to recognize urgency and set unit priorities, direct others, work in a team, and express ideas clearly and concisely.
Ability to climb ladders and enter tight spaces such as attics and mezzanines.
Flexibility in work hours and availability for required travel, including statewide, overnight, and weekend travel.
Must have reliable transportation.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check and SEMARC check; additional checks may apply.
Must disclose potential conflicts of interest, secondary employment, volunteer activities, and relevant relationships with regulated providers if offered and accepting the position.

Nice To Haves

Architectural experience with healthcare or long-term care facilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site licensure inspections, complaint investigations, and annual comprehensive surveys of facilities to assess compliance with federal and state health and safety regulations.
Complete inspection and survey reports that document deficiencies and provide a narrative supporting regulatory findings.
Conduct entrance and exit conferences with facility staff to discuss findings.
Visit long-term care facilities to verify correction of previously cited violations.
Perform quality assurance reviews of reports and potentially supervise team members during inspections or provide expertise to survey teams.
Communicate with internal and external parties to exchange or verify information, answer inquiries, and resolve issues or complaints concerning Texas long-term care facilities.
Coordinate with agency staff conducting health surveys for Medicare and Medicaid certification.
Provide technical architectural assistance and interpret policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards.
Plan and coordinate design and construction of long-term care facilities and their building systems to ensure compliance with codes and requirements.
Provide code and policy interpretations to design professionals, facility directors, and the public.
Consult with architects and engineers preparing plans to advise them about applicable rules.
Inspect completed construction projects.
Provide expert agency testimony in depositions, hearings, or trials concerning actions taken against facilities on behalf of residents.
Oversee and conduct field inspections and complaint investigations at highly complex, large-scale long-term care facilities; evaluate compliance with codes, standards, Medicare regulations, and project requirements.
Apply professional judgment and expertise in fire-safety design evaluations and coordinate with contractors, construction managers, and other code officials.
Coordinate inspection travel and facilitate meetings with facility representatives, including architects, engineers, contractors, and providers.
Determine functional and spatial requirements for new structures or renovations.
Prepare state and federal reports, develop specific findings from facts, and recommend solutions.
Oversee and review drawings, blueprints, records, technical reports, structural specifications, materials, and equipment.
Evaluate facility corrections for compliance with laws and specifications.
Provide oversight at facilities and monitor life-safety-code concerns during emergency licensure actions.
Be available for on-call duties during emergencies, weather events, or high-priority situations.
Perform other duties as assigned.