Investigator VII

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Investigator VII – Infection Control Preventionist (Long-term Care Regulation)

Investigator VII – Starting Market Rate Salary $83,371.89

The Infection Control (IC) Preventionist geriatric surveyor is tasked with performing infection-control investigations of Nursing Facilities (NF) and Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) via complaint/incident intakes throughout the regions. They perform as team members for surveying functions in the regions. IC Preventionists work independently and at a senior-level in planning, organizing and conducting investigations. They evaluate the work of other Long-Term Care Regulatory (LTCR) staff, work under minimal supervision and have considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. They are tasked with conducting re-investigations of infection-control cases throughout the state and assessing the thoroughness and quality of the regional Investigator VIs' or surveyors' work. The assessment performed by the regional investigator can lead to re-investigations of allegations, or recommendations to the region for quality improvement training and/or disciplinary action of staff. They will be deployable to other regions within the state to assist with response to emerging and infectious disease outbreaks. The Infection Control Preventionist can also function as part of a survey team when performing annual surveys of Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities. Due to the complex nature of functions associated with this position, a higher-level skill set is needed.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Initiates, plans, develops, oversees, and directs investigations of infections and/or designated preventable adverse events in health care facilities in accordance with applicable protocols, state and federal regulations, and appropriate policies and procedures for the Geriatric program areas. Those include CMS State Operations Manual (SOM), Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, the Assisted Living Facilities Licensure Inspection Handbook, and the Long-Term Care-Regulatory Investigation Handbook. Investigative procedures are to be conducted in an effective, thorough and professional manner.
• Evaluates and summarizes investigative findings from investigations conducted. Performs professional interviews of witnesses and complainants and evaluates, interprets and summarizes the information.
• Assumes responsibility for coordinating and performing all infection-control aspects of the investigation to ensure that procedures, policies and protocols are followed for the Geriatric programs.
• Reviews, develops and presents investigations training for other LTCR staff as well as makes recommendations for improvements to training.
• Prepares descriptive, well written and comprehensive reports that ensure compliance with State and Federal performance standard criteria for the Geriatric program areas.
• Oversees and/or evaluates the information gathered from multiple sources and presents it in written as well as verbal format to management.
• Performs and/or oversees quality assurance review of investigative reports performed by other LTCR staff for the Geriatric program areas to determine the quality and thoroughness of the initial investigation and recommend a reinvestigation, as warranted.
• Trains and mentors other staff on infection-control requirements for NFs and ALFs.
• Provides effective professional testimony at formal hearings.

Attends meetings as required and attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of health care-associated infections epidemiology, signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings

Knowledge of organisms which cause infectious diseases

Knowledge of infection prevention practices and measures

Knowledge of health care risk management, quality improvement, and quality management

Knowledge of implementation of policies and procedures and state and federal laws and regulations

Knowledge of health facility populations, care, and requirements.

Knowledge of federal and state regulations and how to apply the regulations.

Knowledge of assessing compliance in provision of care and services.

Skilled in the assessment of compliance in provision of care and services.

Skilled in effective verbal and written communications.

Skilled in data gathering, interpretation and in writing technical reports.

Skill in analysis and interpretation of health care associated infection prevention data
Skill in the investigation of suspected outbreaks of health care associated infection
Skill in statistical analysis

Ability to present to executive level personnel individually as well as in groups.

Ability to work independently and make appropriate and effective decisions regarding provider compliance.

Ability to use computer-based programs, data entry and reporting.

Ability to apply state laws and rules regarding healthcare-associated reporting, control, and prevention
Ability to evaluate health care associated infection prevention and control measures Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts
Ability to devise solutions to problems

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Current Texas licensure and/or certification in a professional area that is eligible for federal qualification as a health facilities surveyor (e.g., registered or licensed nurse, dietitian, social worker, sanitarian, etc.), as applicable.

Must possess or obtain Certification in Infection Control within a year of employment.

Must possess or obtain the Surveyor Minimum Qualification Test (SMQT) certification within a year of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Degree in nursing, epidemiology, public health, or related fields.

Certification in Infection Control, preferred.

Experience with the surveillance or monitoring of infection control programs.

Knowledge of state and federal regulations specific to Long Term Care preferred.

Additional Information:

Flexibility in work hours required for this position. Job requires 80% travel, with most travel during the day. However, some overnight and weekend travel is required, as well as occasional on-call duties for emergencies or high-priority situations in facilities. Must have reliable transportation.

Note: This position is able to work a compressed workweek with options Monday-Thursday, Tuesday-Friday, and Friday-Monday, 10-hour days.

All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

If you are an active or former licensed nursing facility administrator, certified nurse aide, or medication aide, hiring will be pending until professional licensing and Employee Misconduct Registry checks are completed.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.