DSHS HCLA RN / Nursing Home Complaint Investigator

DSHS HCLA RN / Nursing Home Complaint Investigator Washington's older adults and people with disabilities deserve care they can count on. As a Nursing Consultant Institutional with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, you will work as a Registered Nurse to inspect and evaluate care provided in nursing homes. Your long‑term care expertise will be used to conduct onsite nursing home surveys and support federal certification work. In this role you help ensure that skilled nursing facilities protect vulnerable adults by promoting safety, resident rights, and freedom from abuse and neglect. Responsibilities Plan and organize workload to meet performance standards while conducting surveys and complaint investigations for nursing homes in accordance with state laws and regulations. Interview residents, family members, community representatives, and facility staff to gather information about provider practices and resident satisfaction. Make visual and auditory observations of resident care, services, and the physical environment, including extended periods of observation. Communicate with team members, providers, staff, residents, and families using a calm, respectful, objective, and non‑confrontational approach. Evaluate nursing care practices to determine compliance with state regulations. Obtain necessary and relevant information from professional records, facility staff, and other sources to assess resident care and services. Recognize and analyze deficient practices and clearly communicate findings to team members, department staff, and provider staff. Organize findings and prepare thorough, detailed written reports in a timely manner. Complete mandatory training requirements and stay current on new nursing practice principles. Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Proficiency in institutional nursing principles, long‑term care regulations, and public health practices to evaluate care quality. Strong investigation skills: record review, staff interviews, client observation, and review of care plans. Excellent written communication to produce clear, accurate, and timely reports. Effective time management to handle a varied workload across multiple facilities without close supervision. Interpersonal communication to convey findings and regulatory expectations clearly and professionally in difficult or contentious situations. Objectivity and professionalism when working with resistant, distressed, or conflicting persons. Collaboration with Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, the Ombuds office, and other agencies. Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, and state electronic systems, including RCS databases. Adaptability to respond to changing workload needs and emergency assignments. Qualifications Associate Degree in Nursing/Diploma Nurse with five years of RN experience in a long‑term care or behavioral health setting. Bachelor of Science in Nursing with three years of RN experience in a long‑term care or behavioral health setting. Master of Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing with two years of RN experience in a long‑term care or behavioral health setting. Valid Registered Nurse license and the ability to practice in Washington State. Successful completion of required state surveyor and investigator training, including certification requirements. Application Requirements An updated resume. Three professional references with contact information. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, military status, disability, or any other protected status. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process may contact the recruiter at View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington