DSHS HCLA Nursing Consultant Institutional

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 Adult Family Homes.

Every day, thousands of vulnerable adults and people with disabilities rely on licensed care facilities to keep them safe, comfortable, and treated with dignity. Washington's older adults and people with disabilities deserve care they can count on. In this position, your work ensures that licensed care providers meet that standard every day, often at that people need to see changes the most. You will conduct licensing inspections, complaint investigations, and follow-up visits to make sure residents receive safe, quality care. Your work directly protects some of Washington's most vulnerable adults.

This position is based out of the Home and Community Living Administration Region 2 office in Kent. However, you will spend significant time in the field, traveling to facilities across the region. Work is conducted independently, and you will be trusted to manage your own schedule, plan your inspections, and meet statutory timelines. Some evening, weekend, and overnight travel will be required.

Some of what you will do:

• Conduct full licensing inspections, complaint investigations, revisit inspections, and monitoring visits at Adult Family Homes according to state procedures and directives.
• Plan and manage your workload to meet statutory and department timelines, including preparation, investigation, report writing, and data entry.
• Evaluate nursing care provided within facilities against state regulatory standards.
• Observe resident services, care quality, and physical environments during on-site visits.
• Review professional records and gather information from facility staff and other sources to assess resident care and services.
• Conduct interviews with residents, family members, and community representatives to understand provider practices and resident satisfaction.
• Coordinate complaint investigation activities with Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, the Office of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Long-Term Care Ombuds, the Department of Health, and other investigating agencies as needed.
• Identify and analyze facts and findings to determine whether deficient practices exist.
• Document findings accurately in electronic state databases and complete written reports including statements of deficiencies and investigation summary reports.
• Attend unit huddles, mandatory meetings, trainings, Informal Dispute Resolutions, and administrative hearings.

Who should apply

Associate Degree in Nursing/Diploma Nurse AND five years of experience as an RN in a long-term care setting
OR
Bachelor of Science in Nursing and three years of experience as an RN in a long-term care setting
OR
Master of Nursing/Master of Science in Nursing and two years of RN experience in a long-term care setting.

Note: A valid Washington State license to practice as a registered nurse is required.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Nursing practice: Applies current knowledge of institutional nursing principles, long-term care regulations, and public health practices to evaluate care quality and identify deficient practices in licensed facilities.
• Licensing skills: Conducts thorough licensing using established protocols, including record review, staff interviews, and resident observation, to reach well-supported findings.
• Written communication: Produces clear, accurate, and timely written reports including statements of deficiencies and visit summaries that meet statutory and department standards.
• Time management: Organizes and prioritizes a varied workload across multiple facilities and visit types to meet regulatory deadlines without close supervision.
• Interpersonal communication: Communicates findings and regulatory expectations clearly and professionally to providers, staff, residents, families, and fellow team members, including in difficult or contentious situations.
• Objectivity: Maintains a professional and respectful approach when working with persons who may be resistant, distressed, or in conflict, applying consistent and fair judgment across all interactions.
• Collaboration: Works with Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, and other agencies to coordinate licensing visits and share relevant findings appropriately.
• Computer proficiency: Uses Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Teams effectively, and enters and retrieves data accurately in state electronic systems including RCS databases.
• Adaptability: Responds to changing workload needs, emergency assignments, and modified duties during declared emergencies or disaster situations as required under the DSHS Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

Interested Apply today!

Questions Please contact DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference #03962.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

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, 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. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.



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