LTCR Nursing Facilities Senior Investigator

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Waco, TX

6d•$83,372 - $106,634•Onsite

About The Position

The LTCR Nursing Facilities Senior Investigator is a front-line field position with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The investigator protects residents’ health and safety by conducting on-site inspections and investigations—including investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation—and assessing compliance with state and federal laws and regulations in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and day activities and health services sites. The work includes licensure inspections, complaint and incident investigations, annual comprehensive surveys, follow-up visits to verify correction of cited violations, and preparation of reports describing deficiencies, corrective remedies, and supporting regulatory findings. The position involves frequent travel to facilities within a region and statewide, with minimal office work. It requires flexibility in work hours, including overnight and weekend travel, and availability for on-call emergency or high-priority situations. The investigator communicates findings to facility staff, conducts exit conferences, reviews reports prepared by others, and may occasionally testify at hearings or court proceedings. During emergency licensure actions, the investigator may assist with non-skilled resident care and oversight; skilled care may be possible for employees who are licensed nurses. The position is directed by a program manager. Applicants must have or obtain Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test (SMQT) certification within 12 months of hire. A relevant current and valid Texas professional license or certification is required when applicable to federal health-facility surveyor qualifications. Applicants must pass required background checks, and the role requires reliable transportation. The posting identifies the position as full-time, regular, nonexempt, day shift, and not eligible for telework.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, health care administration, hospital administration, business administration, education, psychology, social work, sociology, nursing, medicine, a discipline related to developmental disabilities or gerontology, or a related field; qualifying experience in a Texas state agency regulatory program or as a Registered Nurse may substitute year for year for required education, up to four years.
Experience writing deficiencies or violations and investigation reports.
Must have Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test (SMQT) certification or obtain it within 12 months of hire.
When applicable, a professional license or certification eligible for federal qualification as a health facilities surveyor must be current and valid in Texas.
Knowledge of acceptable professional standards of resident care and ability and skill in conducting high-level investigations.
Skill in conducting investigations to verify regulatory compliance.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations.
Ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions and regulation-based recommendations.
Ability to operate personal computer-based programs, enter data, and produce technically correct, error-free reports.
Ability to multitask, track competing activities, and complete a high-volume, deadline-driven workload.
Ability to exercise professional judgment and reach sound decisions.
Ability to use a computer to write reports and integrate complex regulatory concepts, procedures, and processes.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and present information effectively to executive-level management.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check and SEMARC check; additional checks may apply.
Must have reliable transportation.
Must be available for flexible work hours, travel including overnight and weekends, and on-call duties as required.
Must disclose potential conflicts of interest, secondary employment, volunteer activities, and friends or family who own, operate, or work at regulated providers; employment at HHSC-regulated facilities or providers cannot continue if the applicant accepts the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting health care provider or related investigations and citing deficiencies.
Experience with state and federal regulations specific to long-term care.

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site licensure inspections, complaint and incident investigations, and annual comprehensive surveys to determine compliance with federal and state health and safety regulations.
Investigate abuse, neglect, and exploitation in Texas long-term care facilities.
Complete inspection and survey reports detailing deficiencies and violations, corrective remedies, and supporting narrative.
Communicate with internal and external parties to provide, exchange, or verify information and address inquiries, issues, or complaints.
Conduct exit conferences with facility staff to discuss findings.
Visit facilities to verify correction of previously cited regulatory violations.
Perform preliminary reviews of documents prepared by others, including violation, deficiency, and investigation reports.
Occasionally testify at hearings or court proceedings about policies, procedures, history, findings, or activities.
Assist with non-skilled resident care and oversight during emergency licensure actions; skilled care may be involved for employees who are registered or licensed nurses.
Be available for on-call duties during emergencies, weather events, or high-priority situations at facilities or providers.