Complaints Investigator, Registered Nurse (HP III), Academy and Workforce Development - HFEMSD.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental plans

PERA retirement options

401(k) and 457 retirement plans

Employer-paid life insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Flexible working arrangements

11 paid holidays and generous PTO

Free parking and RTD access

Tuition assistance

Employee wellness programs

Professional development opportunities

Career opportunities

Job summary

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse to join the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division as a survey clinician. The role focuses on assessing care quality in licensed facilities through observations and record reviews, applying CMS and state regulations to identify deficiencies, and guiding facilities on compliance.

The position requires RN licensure, 6+ years in regulated health care, and willingness to travel

Qualifications

• Six years of relevant health care experience in facilities regulated by HFEMSD.
• Current, valid RN license (Colorado or eNLC participating state).
• Experience in healthcare regulatory compliance or surveying.

Responsibilities

• Assess care, treatment, and quality of life in health care facilities via observations, interviews, and record reviews.
• Apply CMS and State regulations to determine compliance or deficiencies.
• Serve as RN on the survey team; conduct nursing observations and medication pass tasks as applicable.
• Write clear, legally defensible statements of deficiencies based on findings and regulations.
• Advise facility administrators and staff on regulatory requirements and compliance improvements.
• Attend meetings, participate in task forces, and perform duties as assigned.
• Travel statewide for surveys (up to 50–75% with overnight stays).

Skills

RN licensure or license management

Regulatory compliance

Observation and interviewing

Documentation and reporting

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Registered Nurse (RN) licensure

Tools

CMS guidelines

Survey software

Job description

Department Information

This posting is only open to current residents of the State of Colorado.

About Cdphe

At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, we are charged with protecting Colorado's health and environment - a responsibility that affects every person and every community in the state. CDPHE is distinctive because we bring public health and environmental protection together under one agency, recognizing that healthy people depend on healthy places. Our teams prevent diseases and injury, respond to emergencies ranging from E.coli outbreaks to global pandemics, reduce air pollution, protect water quality, regulate health facilities, manage environmental hazards, perform advanced laboratory testing, provide birth and death records, and implement health promoting programs. We turn science and data into action, set statewide standards, and work alongside local public health agencies and community partners to meet Colorado’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. Working at CDPHE means applying your expertise to complex, consequential work that can improve lives across the state.

Our mission captures this broad portfolio of work: to advance Colorado’s health and protect the places we live, learn, work, and play. Our vision is a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations can thrive. Achieving the mission and vision takes bold action, talented people, broad partnerships, and a commitment to serving every Coloradan.

Important Information

• Hybrid work options may be available at the supervisor’s discretion and based on business needs. The position will be based at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246

CDPHE Offers

CDPHE offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service. Benefits include:

• Medical and dental plans.
• Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan.
• Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Potential flexible working arrangements
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off.
• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government.

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Description Of Job

The Work Unit

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 health care facilities and services in Colorado, including hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical facilities, renal dialysis centers, emergency medical services providers, designated trauma centers, long term care facilities, and many other specific types of health care 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 and certifies EMS providers, designates trauma centers and licenses all air and ground ambulance services operating within the state of Colorado.

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.

What You Will Do

The purpose of this position is to assess the care, treatment and quality of life provided by health care 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. Works as the RN required for the survey team, and conducts nursing observations and medication pass tasks, and other tasks as applicable. Reviews occurrences and incidents of serious deficiencies and assesses whether 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.

Key Responsibilities

• On an unannounced basis, independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team, determines whether the entity is operating in compliance with applicable statutes/regulations.
• Assesses and evaluates health care facility/agency quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/patients as well as facility practices through observation, record review, as interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, and outside agency and medical professionals.
• RN serves as a clinical resource to determine whether the delivery of nursing care is in accordance with professional standards of practice and relevant state and federal requirements are being met.
• 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 as set forth in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and State regulations, Principles of Documentation, and program specific protocols, policies and procedures, as applicable.
• Analyzes the data gathered during the investigation and, if substantiated, determines the appropriate regulatory citations to be issued.
• Advises, counsels and provides guidance to facility/agency administrators/staff regarding the purpose/reason for the regulations, and how to/or why areas are non-compliant.
• Advises health care facility/agency providers, health care consumers, and other governmental agencies regarding regulatory requirements.
• Attends meetings, serves on task forces or teams, completes projects, and performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.

Experience Only

Six (6) years of relevant experience in applicable health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, experience in healthcare regulatory compliance or surveying, or other closely related experience and current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

Education And Experience

A combination of related education in Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Nursing, Social Work, or closely related field, and/or relevant experience in applicable health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, experience in healthcare regulatory compliance or surveying, or other closely related experience equal to six (6) years and current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:

• Relevant experience with the State of Colorado.
• Proficiency in fundamental computer skills such as navigating operating systems, using basic software applications, and communicating through email is required.
• Non-clinical or clinical health care experience, preferably in an assisted living residence, homecare, hospice or closely related agency but will consider other areas such as acute care, nursing facilities, 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.
• 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.

Conditions Of Employment

• Residency Requirement:
  • This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Critical Status: Must 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.
• Critical Status: Must 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.
• TRAVEL:
  • On average up to 50% and during peak times up to 75% to conduct surveys of health care facilities across the state of Colorado.
  • On average 2-4 overnights in a hotel, when traveling.
  • Must be willing to work occasional evening, night, weekend, or holidays depending upon circumstances of survey or complaint.
• SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must maintain RN licensure.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 40lbs. of equipment for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time including walking up and down multiple flights of stairs.
  • Must be able to hold a tablet computer in a standing position.
• Must be vaccinated against COVID19.*See Note
• 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 willing to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present.
• Must be willing to perform annual fit testing for N-95 masks, as well as complete annual training on donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• 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.**
• * Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorado’s Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
• **Religious and medical exemptions and reasonable accommodation shall be addressed as required by law pursuant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s vaccination guidance.
• *** Conditions apply to use of fleet vehicles such as location and availability.

Appeal Rights

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. Email address: [e-mail]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

A Complete Application Packet Must Include

• Completed State of Colorado application.
• COVER LETTER: describing how your professional experience aligns with the preferred qualifications of this position.
• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process

• All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
• Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
• A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at [e-mail] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.