LTCR Provider Investigations Nurse Investigator

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•San Antonio, TX

17d•Onsite

About The Position

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you! Provider Investigations Nurse Investigator – Starting Market Rate Salary $89,690.71 As part of a collaborative team of public servants, a Nurse Investigator protects individuals’ health and safety by investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults and children with mental illness or intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in State Hospitals, Managed Care, Community Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) services, and Home and Community-based Services (HCS) waiver program. Investigations occur in various settings such as facilities and private residences. Investigations are conducted in accordance with Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and Provider Investigations policy. This position occasionally may need to testify at hearing or in court proceedings to provide information regarding policy, procedures, history, findings, or activities. The Nurse Investigator will also investigate medication administration issues. This position offers a competitive starting salary; excellent state benefits, including health insurance and retirement; and the opportunity to regularly travel to different providers within a region and across the state – Please see the Additional Information section below for more detail on travel. In this front-line field position, a Nurse Investigator is mobile and flexible and performs minimal work at an office, though the role does require writing reports detailing outcomes of an investigation of an allegation. See below for additional professional requirements.

Requirements

Knowledge, ability, and skill in conducting high-level investigations.
Knowledge of the adult and children population with mental health issues and intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and skills.
Knowledge of issues, concerns, and needs of populations at risk in various health care environments (elderly, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, functionally dependent, medically frail, etc.).
Knowledge of nursing principles and acceptable professional standards of patient care.
Skill in interpersonal relations.
Skill in performing quality assurance monitoring or investigations.
Skill in providing guidance, policy clarifications, and information to others.
Skill in preparing detailed written reports.
Skill in oral, written, and electronic communications, including computer word processing software.
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 and complete data entry and technically correct, error-free reports.
Ability to multi-task and track multiple activities with competing priorities.
Ability to complete a high-volume, deadline-driven workload.
Ability to exercise professional judgment and reach sound decisions.
Ability to use the computer for writing reports.
Ability to integrate complex regulatory concepts, procedures, and processes.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to effectively present information to executive-level management.
Ability to work in a potentially emotion-filled environment.
Ability to conduct interviews in various locations, including private residences, day habilitation facilities, group homes, and state-operated facilities.
Ability to work in environments where violent and dangerous individuals may be present.
Must be licensed as a registered nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Experience in assessment and documentation of health status.
Two years of experience providing services in a health care setting as a Registered Nurse.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or physical disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of a program manager, a Nurse Investigator conducts investigations concerning an allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. As part of the investigation, the Nurse Investigator will conduct interviews, collect evidence, and use critical thinking and sound judgement to analyze the evidence related to the allegation.
Communicates clearly and accurately with others (internally and externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, or resolve issues. Communicates professionally and appropriately via all communication mediums.
Writes reports summarizing the facts obtained during the investigation as to whether abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred.
Performs quality assurance reviews of documents prepared by others, for example, publications, assessments, reports.
Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity.
Behaves ethically and adhere to HHSC Standards of Conduct.
Participates in case conferences and meetings with supervisors and peers regarding case progress and disposition.
Participate in continuous training.
Might supervise the work of team members during investigations and lend expertise to team members in the areas identified above.
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Works occasionally outside of traditional working hours (8 am – 5 pm), which may include evening hours, weekends, and holidays, as required for case-related functions, on-call duties, and/or as required by management.
Travels using a personal vehicle and/or rental car in accordance with state travel policy. Travel reimbursement provided.
Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Occasionally might need to testify at hearings or in court proceedings to provide information regarding policy/procedures, history, findings, or activities.