DSHS WSH Long Term Care Surveyor - Quality Coordinator

DSHS WSH Long Term Care Surveyor - Quality Coordinator Western State Hospital’s Gage Center is seeking a Quality Coordinator, also known as a Long Term Care Surveyor, to support certification, accreditation, and performance improvement efforts within an inpatient psychiatric hospital setting. Responsibilities Assist the Gage Center in achieving and maintaining regulatory compliance. Perform regular audits and tracers of records, procedures, and compliance with policies, standards, and regulations. Identify and analyze quality assurance data to identify trends, errors, or areas needing improvement. Create and implement quality improvement strategies to address identified gaps and enhance efficiency and patient care. Assist with training and educating hospital staff on quality assurance practices and best practices. Foster a culture that prioritizes patient safety, reduces medical errors, and aims for continuous improvement in the quality of care provided. Prepare reports and documentation related to quality assurance activities. Provide guidance and support to disciplines on quality assurance matters. Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care. Qualifications Applicants must have an understanding of quality assurance systems and structured performance improvement approaches to evaluate compliance and strengthen care delivery. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate a working knowledge of Joint Commission standards, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Conditions of Participation, and applicable state regulations governing inpatient psychiatric care. Education & Experience A master’s degree in social work, speech pathology, occupational or physical therapy, psychology, special education, nutrition, sociology, behavioral health, or an allied field, AND two years of professional experience in planning, administering, licensing, monitoring or delivering social or health service programs. OR a bachelor’s degree AND two years of professional/practical experience working with people delivering social and health services or experiencing developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental health challenges. OR eight years of professional/practical experience working with people delivering social and health services and/or experiencing developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental health challenges. Key Skills and Abilities Regulatory knowledge: Joint Commission standards, CMS Conditions of Participation, and applicable state regulations. Performance improvement methodology: quality assurance systems and structured performance improvement approaches. Evidence‑based mental health practice: familiarity with inpatient psychiatric treatment standards and patient‑centered care principles. Organizational principles: understanding hospital systems and aligning compliance monitoring efforts. Analytical evaluation: ability to compare written documentation with observed practice and identify opportunities for improvement. Communication skills: clear speaking and writing, preparing detailed audit reports. Coordination and planning: organizing work and coordinating with supervisors and department leaders. Technical proficiency: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and web‑based systems for data analysis and audit reporting. Benefits Employee benefits include medical (including vision), dental, basic life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement savings (PERS and DCP), paid leave, and other compensation benefits that may be leveraged to meet individual needs. Equal Opportunity Statement 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington