Complaints Investigator, Generalist (HP III), Complaints Section -HFEMSD

ABOUT CDPHE:

At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, we are charged with protecting Colorado’s health and environment – a responsibility that affects every person and every community in the state. CDPHE is distinctive because we bring public health and environmental protection together under one agency, recognizing that healthy people depend on healthy places. Our teams prevent diseases and injury, respond to emergencies ranging from E.coli outbreaks to global pandemics, reduce air pollution, protect water quality, regulate health facilities, manage environmental hazards, perform advanced laboratory testing, provide birth and death records, and implement health promoting programs. We turn science and data into action, set statewide standards, and work alongside local public health agencies and community partners to meet Colorado’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. Working at CDPHE means applying your expertise to complex, consequential work that can improve lives across the state. 

Our mission captures this broad portfolio of work: to advance Colorado’s health and protect the places we live, learn, work, and play. Our vision is a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations can thrive. Achieving the mission and vision takes bold action, talented people, broad partnerships, and a commitment to serving every Coloradan.

• The referral list generated by this position announcement may be used to fill multiple position vacancies and may be extended.
• Hybrid work options may be available at the supervisor’s discretion and based on business needs. The position will be based at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246. 

CDPHE Offers: 

CDPHE offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service. Benefits include:

• Medical and dental plans.

• Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan. 

• Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans. 

• Employer-paid life insurance.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Potential flexible working arrangements

• 11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off.

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.

• Tuition assistance. 

• Employee wellness programs.

• Professional development opportunities.

• Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government. 

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

The Work Unit: 

Briefly describe the purpose of 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, including hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical facilities, renal dialysis centers, emergency medical services providers, designated and non-designated trauma centers, long term care facilities and many other specific types of healthcare services. The division licenses, certifies and surveys healthcare facilities and services; provides patient safety and healthcare quality programs; recognizes emergency medical service (EMS) education programs; certifies EMS providers and licenses air and ground ambulance services operating within the state. 

This work unit exists to (1) Protect and improve the health, safety, and welfare of patients and clients in health care agencies in the State of Colorado, by securing compliance of licensed and certified agencies and providers, utilizing applicable State laws and regulations, (2) to provide public information on health care agencies, (3) and to assure compliance with applicable laws, regulation codes and professional standards of practice.

What You Will Do: 

The purpose of this position is to assess the care, treatment, and quality of life provided by various health facilities. This position 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• On an unannounced basis, independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team, it determines whether the entity is operating in compliance with applicable statutes/regulations. 

• Assesses and evaluates health care facility quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/patients as well as facility practices through observations, record review, as well as interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, and outside agencies and medical professionals.

• Collects and documents evidence and survey results based upon observations, interviews and record review. 

• Writes clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies based on analysis of the documented findings and extensive knowledge of these laws, regulations and guidelines as set forth in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and State regulations, Principles of Documentation, and program specific protocols, policies and procedures, as applicable. 

• Attends meetings, serves on task forces or teams, completes projects, and performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor. 

Residency Requirement:

Class Code & Classification Description:

C7C3XX Health Professional III

Minimum Qualifications:

Six (6) years of relevant experience in health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, experience in healthcare regulatory compliance or surveying, or closely related experience. 

OR

A combination of related education Public Health, Social Work, Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Psychology, or closely related field, and/or relevant experience in health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, experience in healthcare regulatory compliance or surveying, or closely related related to the work assigned equal to six (6) years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:  

• Excellent interpersonal and conflict management skills.

• Experience assessing and evaluating health care facility quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/patients.

• Knowledge of acceptable practices involving patient/resident care.

• Ability to analyze the evidence and survey results in order to determine whether and how the health care facility is out of compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.

• Skill and ability to write clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies based on analysis of the documented findings and extensive knowledge of laws, regulations and guidelines.

• Experience advising health care facility providers, health care consumers, and other governmental agencies regarding regulatory requirements.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Residency Requirement:

  • This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• Critical Status: Must 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.

• Critical Status: Must 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.

• TRAVEL:

  • On average up to 50% and during peak times up to 75% each month, in order to conduct surveys of health care facilities across the state of Colorado.

  • On average, 2-4 overnight stays in a hotel per travel week, when traveling. 

• PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 40lbs. of equipment for extended periods of time.

• Must be vaccinated against COVID19.*See Note

• Must obtain an influenza shot annually prior to the onset of the flu season or wear a mask while on facility/agency premises.**See Note

• Must be willing to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present.

• Must be willing 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 willing to work occasional evening, night, weekend, or holidays depending upon circumstances of survey or complaint. 

• Requires the use and operation of state fleet vehicles.***

• *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

• **Religious and medical exemptions and reasonable accommodation shall be addressed as required by law pursuant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s vaccination guidance.

• *** Conditions apply to use of fleet vehicles such as location and availability.

Appeal Rights:

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: [email protected]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.

• COVER LETTER: describing how your professional experience aligns with the preferred qualifications of this position.

• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

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.

CDPHE does not provide visa sponsorship at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

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.

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 at [email protected] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.