Senior Investigator

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

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!

Investigator VII (Long-term Care Regulation)

Investigator VII – Starting Market Rate Salary $83,371.89

As part of a collaborative team of public servants, an investigator protects residents’ health and safety by conducting on-site inspections and investigations in Texas long-term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and day activities and health services sites) to assess their compliance with state and federal laws and rules. This position offers a competitive starting salary; excellent state benefits, including health insurance and retirement; and the opportunity to regularly travel to different facilities within a region. In this front-line field position, an investigator is mobile and flexible and performs minimal work at an office, though the role does require writing reports detailing any deficiencies/violations against a facility, remedies to correct those deficiencies, and narrative to support regulatory determinations. See below for additional details on professional qualifications.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Under the direction of a program manager, an investigator VII conducts on-site licensure inspections, complaint and incident investigations, and annual comprehensive surveys in facilities to determine compliance with federal and state health and safety regulations.

Communicates clearly and accurately with others (internally and externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve issues or complaints in Texas long-term care facilities.

Conducts exit conferences with facility staff regarding findings and can assist in developing a plan to correct deficiencies. Completes inspection or survey reports detailing deficiencies, recommended remedies, and narrative to support regulatory findings.

Visits long-term care facilities to verify correction of previously cited regulatory violations. Performs quality assurance reviews of documents prepared by others; for example, publications, assessments, reports.

Develops and implements training for field investigators. Participates as a member of other teams within HHSC Long-term Care Regulation, including enforcement and quality assurance.

Occasionally might need to testify at hearings or in court proceedings to provide information regarding policy/procedures, history, findings, or activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of acceptable professional standards of resident care.
Knowledge, ability, and skill in conducting high-level investigations.

Knowledge of state and federal regulations specific to long term care.

Skilled in conducting investigations to verify regulatory compliance.

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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Current Texas license and/or certification in a professional area that is eligible for federal qualification as a health facilities surveyor (e.g., registered or licensed nurse, dietitian, social worker, sanitarian, respiratory therapist, etc.), as applicable.

Successful completion of the federal Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test within 12 months of appointment for applicants who are not currently qualified.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public administration, health care administration, hospital administration, business administration, education, psychology, social work, sociology, nursing, medicine or a discipline related to developmental disabilities and/or gerontology, or a related field. Experience in a Texas state agency regulatory program, or experience working as a Registered Nurse, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education, with a maximum substitution of four years.
2. Experience in writing deficiencies/violations and investigation reports.
3. Experience conducting health care provider or related investigations and in citing deficiencies preferred. 
 

Additional Information:

Flexibility in work hours required for this position. Job requires 80% travel, with most travel during the day. However, some overnight and weekend travel is required, as well as occasional on-call duties for emergencies or high-priority situations in facilities. Must have reliable transportation.

Note: This position is able to work a compressed workweek with options Monday-Thursday, Tuesday-Friday, and Friday-Monday, 10-hour days.

All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

If you are an active or former licensed nursing facility administrator, certified nurse aide, or medication aide, hiring will be pending until professional licensing and Employee Misconduct Registry checks are completed.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form