DSHS WSH Investigator 2

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay on-site three days

Orca Card transportation

Job summary

Western State Hospital is seeking a dedicated Investigator 2 in Lakewood, WA. This senior role conducts complex investigations and follow-up activities to ensure CMS standards and state/federal law compliance.

The investigator collaborates with the Clinical Risk Management Team and guides staff on investigation practices. On-site work is required, with potential 5% premium pay for three on-site days and benefits for Pierce County employees.

Qualifications

• Ability to write clearly and informatively.
• Strong interpersonal skills to de-escalate conflicts and collaborate with teams.
• Knowledge of DSHS investigation practices and applicable laws regarding patient abuse/neglect.

Responsibilities

• Independently investigates patient grievances and abuse/neglect, gathering evidence for final reports.
• Interviews grievants, respondents, subjects and witnesses per policies, CBAs, RCWs, WACs.
• Triages abuse/neglect calls to determine CMS/BHA criteria; submits related incident reports.
• Reviews PRG comments to determine abuse/neglect level and refer for resolution.
• Researches information from multiple sources and prepares clear investigative summaries.
• Collaboratively develops investigation plans and prepares reviews with other departments.

Skills

Clear written communication

Interpersonal / de-escalation

Familiar with CMS rules

Research and analysis

Education

Experience in investigations

Job description

DSHS WSH Investigator 2

Western State Hospital is seeking a dedicated Investigator 2 to join their team in Lakewood, WA.

This position serves as a senior level investigator. It conducts complex investigations and follow-up activities at Western State Hospital to create a culture of excellence by ensuring compliance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) standards, regulatory bodies, state and federal laws and regulations, as well as policies and procedures. Reports and monitors allegations of abuse/neglect to the call line in coordination with the Clinical Risk Management Team. Provides guidance and education to employees, supervisors, and managers in relation to investigations when necessary.

If you are eager to improve lives and are looking for an opportunity to use your education and experience to make an impact in our community, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Pierce County employeesare eligible to receivean Orca Card for transportation needs.

Some of what you'll do:

• Independently investigates patient grievances and allegations of abuse/neglect. Gathers and preserves pertinent evidence including statements, incident reports, security reports, etc. to be incorporated into final investigative findings and reports. Review patient records and other relevant documentation to complete investigative duties.
• Interviews grievant individuals the respondents, subjects, and witnesses), who may be angry and/or hesitant to cooperate, to gather relevant information consistent with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) & Western State Hospital (WSH) policies and procedures.
• Triage and assess content of statements made to the abuse/neglect call line to determine if the concerns meet the criteria of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation per CMS, BHA, and WSH policy/procedure/guidelines. Submit Administrative Reports of Incidents (AROIs) that correspond to the abuse/neglect line calls received when appropriate.
• Review patient comments/grievances received by the Patients' Rights Grievances (PRG) department to determine if they rise to the level of abuse/neglect and refer to the appropriate stakeholder/department for resolution.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate information from multiple resources related to investigations. Complete investigative summaries in a clear, concise manner, utilizing exceptional grammatical and punctuation skills.
• Conduct occasional reviews of investigations conducted by other departments. Collaboratively work with other departments to develop investigation plans, identify witnesses and potential evidence, gather evidence, develop questions, interview witnesses, and prepare reviews and reports.

What we're looking for:

• Ability to write clearly, concisely, accurately and informatively.
• Employ strong interpersonal skills to de-escalate conflict in highly emotional situations, work collaboratively and cooperatively with other individuals and departments. Speak before groups effectively. Knowledge of DSHS investigation practice, as well as state and federal laws regarding patient abuse, neglect, and protection of vulnerable adults.
• Knowledge of Just Cause Principles, Garrity, & Weingarten Rights.

Who should apply?

One years of experience as an Investigator 1

OR

Three years of experience as an investigator with a criminal justice government agency or private organization, or other directly allied field

Note: Two years of related college-level course work may be substituted for experience

Note: Must hold a valid driver's license when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on official state business

Questions?

Email [e-mail]

or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 07515.

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. 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.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (NEPOTISM) Disclosure:

If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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