Medical Certification Specialist 1 - 2 (Field Office 3)

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 5,037,000 - 5,510,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Health is hiring Medical Certification Specialists to ensure high standards of care across the state. The role involves conducting on-site surveys, reviewing records, interviewing staff and patients, and reporting on compliance with federal and state regulations.

Travel within Field Office areas is common, with progression from Specialist 1 to 2 based on qualifications. Preference is given to candidates holding a current Louisiana RN license.

Qualifications

• Current Louisiana license in a health services field plus two years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree plus two years of relevant experience; or master's with one year.
• Preference given to applicants with an RN license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site surveys and investigations of healthcare facilities for compliance with regulations.
• Review facility records and policies to verify adherence to laws and quality of care.
• Interview patients, residents, staff, and administrators to gather information.
• Prepare detailed survey reports and recommendations.
• Guide facility staff on regulatory compliance and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with team and agencies to ensure consistent licensing standards.
• Frequent travel within Field Office 1 as required.

Skills

Critical thinking

Investigative skills

Public health passion

Education

Bachelor's degree in health services

Master's degree in health services

Louisiana health services license

Job description

About This Job

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Positions may be filled in the following Field Office 3 parishes: Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion Parishes.

The Louisiana Department of Health, Office of the Secretary - Health Standards Section is seeking Medical Certification Specialists 1-2 to help ensure the quality, safety, and compliance of healthcare across our state. The Health Standards Section licenses and certifies over 8,500 healthcare providers and 35 provider types, playing a vital role in protecting the health and welfare of Louisiana citizens.

This position is ideal for professionals with strong critical thinking, investigative skills, and a passion for public health. As a Medical Certification Specialist, you’ll gain specialized training and certifications, build deep knowledge of healthcare regulations, and make a meaningful difference in ensuring safe, high-quality care for hundreds of thousands of Louisiana residents.

We encourage individuals seeking a challenging, rewarding career in healthcare regulation and public service to apply and join our team!

Preference will be given to applicants who hold a current Louisiana Registered Nurse (RN) license.

Minimum Qualifications

• A current Louisiana license in a health services field, health regulation field, or social services field plus two years of experience in hospital or nursing home administration, health services, health regulation, or social services;
• A bachelor's degree plus two years of experience in hospital or nursing home administration, health services, health regulation, or social services;
• A master's degree in a health services field, health regulation field, or a social services field plus one year of experience in hospital or nursing home administration, health services, health regulation, or social services.

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Conduct on-site surveys and complaint investigations of healthcare facilities to determine compliance with state and federal regulations, including Medicare and Medicaid standards.
• Review facility records, policies, and procedures to verify adherence to healthcare laws, rules, and quality of care requirements.
• Interview patients, residents, staff, and administrators to gather information about facility operations and service delivery.
• Prepare detailed reports, documentation, and recommendations based on survey and investigation findings.
• Provide guidance to facility administrators and staff on regulatory compliance and corrective actions when deficiencies are identified.
• Collaborate with team members, supervisors, and federal/state agencies to ensure consistent application of certification and licensing requirements.
• Frequent travel within Field Office 1 may be required. Please see field office parishes below.

Position‑Specific Details

Office of the Secretary / Health Standards / Field Office 3 parishes: Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion Parishes

Appointment Type: Probationary, Promotional appointment, Job appointment (temporary appointment that may last up to 48 months)

Position Number(s): Multiple

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Medical Certification Specialist 1 or 2 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series.

Compensation: LDH/OS/Health Standards Section has a Special Entrance Rate (SER) for employees that are in possession of a valid Louisiana registered nurse license to practice professional nursing, a multi-state license issued by a Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC/eNLC) state, or a licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine).

Medical Certification Specialist 1 – $36.56 hourly | $2,924.80 bi-weekly

Medical Certification Specialist 2 – $39.12 hourly | $3,129.60 bi-weekly

LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information

Deanda Thymes

[e-mail]

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

225-342-6477

This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.

LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

Competitive Pay and Benefits

As a State Employee, You Will Earn Competitive Pay, Choose From a Variety Of Benefits, And Have Access To a Great Professional Development Program:

Insurance Coverage More info can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave

More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx

Holidays and Leave

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr.,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

Retirement

State Of Louisiana Employees Are Eligible To Participate In Various Retirement Systems (based On The Type Of Appointment And Agency For Which An Employee Works). These Retirement Systems Provide Retirement Allowances And Other Benefits For State Officers And Employees And Their Beneficiaries. State Retirement Systems May Include (but Are Not Limited To):

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others