What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ALTSA Nursing Home Surveyor position at State of Washington?
Long-Term Care Surveyor - Nursing Home Surveyor
Some of what you’ll do
A master’s degree in social work, speech pathology, occupational or physical therapy, psychology, special education, nutrition, sociology, behavioral health, or 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 four 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.
Note: For selected positions required to successfully complete the federally required basic certification surveyor training, the basic and advanced state investigator training and completion of approved interviewing technique course.
Note: Employees in positions surveying nursing homes will be required to participate in the Basic Long Term Care Surveyor training provided by the federal government and must successfully complete the Surveyor Minimum Qualification test and all required federal training prior to being certified.
Note: A degree in Social Work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
Questions? Please contact georgina.pringle@dsha.wa.gov and reference job number 02776.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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Are you someone who’s driven to protect the rights and dignity of older adults and individuals living with disabilities? Do you believe all people deserve safe, respectful, and high-quality care? If so, you could be the next advocate working to uphold those standards in nursing homes across Washington state.
As a Nursing Home Surveyor with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, you won’t just sit behind a desk—you’ll be in the field, inspecting, investigating, and ensuring that licensed nursing facilities are delivering care that meets federal and state standards. Your work will influence policy, prevent harm, and quite literally save lives. It's part detective, part consultant, and fully impactful.
This is your opportunity to use your clinical knowledge and problem-solving skills to challenge the status quo, promote accountability, and bring change where it matters most—in the lives of vulnerable individuals who depend on our state’s long-term care systems.
Some of what you’ll do
- Conduct unannounced surveys and investigations in nursing homes to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Assess facility operations, staffing, infection control, medication management, nutrition, resident rights, and quality of care.
- Interview residents, family members, and facility staff to collect detailed observations and documentation.
- Determine if deficiencies exist and support enforcement actions where needed to correct noncompliance.
- Prepare detailed reports summarizing findings, citations, and recommendations for corrective action.
- Participate in hearings or legal proceedings related to compliance violations.
- Collaborate with licensing, legal, and policy teams to ensure consistent application of enforcement protocols.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in the collection and handling of sensitive data.
- Complete rigorous training to be federally qualified as a surveyor.
- Travel throughout an assigned region, often independently, to conduct surveys and investigations.
A master’s degree in social work, speech pathology, occupational or physical therapy, psychology, special education, nutrition, sociology, behavioral health, or 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 four 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.
Note: For selected positions required to successfully complete the federally required basic certification surveyor training, the basic and advanced state investigator training and completion of approved interviewing technique course.
Note: Employees in positions surveying nursing homes will be required to participate in the Basic Long Term Care Surveyor training provided by the federal government and must successfully complete the Surveyor Minimum Qualification test and all required federal training prior to being certified.
Note: A degree in Social Work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
- Clinical expertise – To recognize quality of care concerns in areas such as wound care, medication management, infection control, and resident well-being.
- Critical thinking – To evaluate complex systems of care and make defensible, evidence-based judgments under regulatory standards.
- Empathy – To advocate for residents with professionalism and compassion, especially those unable to speak for themselves.
- Communication skills – To clearly articulate findings, write reports, and explain decisions to both professionals and the public.
- Attention to detail – To identify patterns, discrepancies, or subtle signs of noncompliance that impact patient safety.
- Adaptability – To navigate varying facility environments and challenging situations, often with limited prior information.
- Time management – To independently manage caseloads, meet strict deadlines, and prioritize multiple inspections.
- Resilience – To remain focused and steady in emotionally charged or confrontational situations.
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
Questions? Please contact georgina.pringle@dsha.wa.gov and reference job number 02776.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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Salary : $5,501 - $7,400
