GRAND JUNCTION, CO* LPN Health Compliance Inspector, Nursing Facilities - (HP III FAA00144)

Colorado; Grand Junction (CO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as a Health Professional III, contributing to healthcare quality through oversight and assessment of nursing facilities. Bring your analytical and communication skills to support compliance and improvement initiatives in health services, making a real impact on the lives of Colorado citizens.

Benefits

Employee wellness programs

Tuition assistance

Flexible work schedules

Retirement benefits

Paid life insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of nursing experience in a relevant field.
• Valid LPN licensure required for application.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of care and treatment quality in healthcare facilities.
• Evaluate compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
• Write and identify areas of non-compliance in healthcare provisions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nursing

Valid LPN licensure

Job description

Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division Now hiring for our Nursing Facilities Section in Grand Junction, CO.

Be BOLD and make a real difference . . .

Do you desire a career that provides you with opportunities to improve the world around you? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking diverse individuals from all backgrounds to apply for a career position that makes a direct impact on improving the lives of Colorado citizens. Our mission is to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play. Our vision is to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Our tobacco-free campus offers free parking and great additional benefits. In addition to a great location and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Employee wellness programs and facilities

• Extensive internal professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

• Strong, yet flexible retirement benefits including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off

• Mentoring program with opportunities for mentors and mentees

• Tuition assistance for college level courses including Masters degree programs

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, and

• A variety of employee resource groups

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: http://www.tgslc.org/borrowers/public-service/

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 healthcare facilities and services in Colorado, numbering approximately 3,200 facilities, 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 healthcare services. The division licenses, recommends certification and conducts routine surveys (sampling inspections) for healthcare facilities and consumer services; provides consumer safety and healthcare quality programs; recognizes Emergency Medical Service (EMS) education programs and certifies EMS providers; and licenses all air ambulance services
operating within the state.

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.

Duties of Position:
This position is staffed by professionals who

• Work independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team 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.
• Provides licensed nursing support for the team in conducting nursing observations and medication pass task, and other tasks as applicable.
• Reviews self-reported 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.

Residency Requirement:

This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. Non-current residents refer to residents of the State of Utah that reside within a 30-mile radius to the Colorado state border. Residents outside of the State of Utah and Colorado will not be accepted.

Class Code & Classification Description:

C7C3XX HEALTH PROFESSIONAL III
This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. Please be sure to enter all relevant job history and education within the last 10 years. See Resume and missing relevant employment or education will not be credited towards the minimum qualifications. Education will be credited on a year-for-year basis. Part-time work will be pro-rated. If using education to substitute for experience please upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts to your application.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience Only:

Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

and
Current, valid licensure as an LPN from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

OR

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of experience providing care or regulatory oversight in nursing facilities or alternative care facility regulated by Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division
and
Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in nursing, social work, public health, health administration, or closely related field of study.
and
Current, valid licensure as an LPN from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

Cover Letter Required:
Along with the application submit a cover letter, not to exceed two typewritten pages, double spaced detailing how your education and previous work experience has prepared you to excel in this job. Specific examples of determining and/or demonstrating compliance with regulations or evidence-based practice should be included as well as how you meet the minimum and preferred competencies for the position. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application and cover letter.

Conditions of Employment:

• A pre-employment background check.
• This position will have hybrid workplace options available but will still be required to report to the listed address at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business need. *Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change based on CDPHE's business needs.
• You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
• Active, unrestricted LPN license is required.
• Ability and willingness to travel independently or with a group of other health professionals up to 50% of the time and 75% of the time during the peak season.
• Must be willing to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present (appropriate personal protective equipment and procedural protocols will be provided).
• In compliance with a State Board of Health rule, all Compliance Inspectors must be able to prove that they have been vaccinated against influenza each year or agree to wear masks, gowns or other protective gear when in contact with staff residents/patients of facilities/services regulated by this division.
• 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.
• 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
• Must be proficient in word processing and able to use current communication technology to connect to the office from the field.
• Must obtain an influenza shot annually prior to the onset of the flu season or wear a mask while on facility/agency premises. *See exemption note below
• Must be vaccinated against COVID19. **See note below
• Must be able to perform annual fit testing for N-95 masks, as well as complete annual training on donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to work occasional evening, night, weekend, or holidays depending upon circumstances of survey or complaint.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 45lbs. of equipment for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time including climbing multiple flights of stairs.
• Must be able to hold a tablet computer in a standing position.
• 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. ***conditions apply

*Religious and medical exemptions and reasonable accommodation shall be addressed as required by law pursuant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s vaccination guidance.
**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
*** Conditions apply to use of fleet vehicles such as location and availability

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in fundamental computer skills such as navigating operating systems, using basic software applications, and communicating through email is required.
• Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidate's position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior or other posted competency should be considered and given weight under the process.
• Health care experience, preferably in acute care, nursing facilities, or a specialized area, but would consider others such as home care or nursing home, assisted living, behavioral health, 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 agency and medical professionals.
• Experience with analyzing evidence and survey results to determine if and why a health care 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.

• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.

• 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 assess consumer care, treatment and quality of care and life as provided by health care facilities through observations, interviews, and record review.

• Experience and ability to write factually accurate, clear, concise and professional reports.

• Ability to analyze the information and reach logical well supported conclusions.

Appeal Rights:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [e-mail] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules .

A completed State of Colorado application includes:

• Unofficial transcripts if using education to substitute for experience.

• DD214 if claiming veterans status

• Cover letter stating how you meet the minimum qualifications and preferred qualifications.

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. You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.

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, Dan McKenna, [e-mail] call 303-692-2060, option 5.