Salary: $5,643.00 - $7,589.00 Monthly
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: DOH8355
Department: Dept. of Health
Division: Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA)
Opening Date: 10/10/2024
Closing Date: 10/17/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionAre you ready to make a significant impact on public health in Washington State? Do you have a passion for improving patient safety and ensuring health care facilities are meeting state and federal standards? Join our team of experts in investigating hospital safety and compliance!These are two (2) home-based/hybrid, full-time permanent Health Services Consultant 4 positions located within the Office of Health Systems Oversight in the Health Systems Quality Assurance Division. What You Will Do:As a
Health Services Consultant 4 you will:
- Conduct on-site and off-site inspections and investigations in multiple geographic areas within Washington State to determine compliance with state and federal health and safety standards in assigned health care facilities including but not limited to: Acute Care Hospitals (HAC), Critical Access Hospitals (CAH), Psychiatric Hospitals (HPSY), Child Birth Centers (CBC), Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORF), Outpatient Physical Therapy (OPT) applying professional judgement, skills, and technical knowledge.
- Serves as an agency expert in health facility inspections and complaint investigations and may serve as lead on health inspections.
- Conduct environmental health and safety inspections, hospital staffing complaint investigations, and other non-clinical compliance investigations in state and federally regulated hospitals.
- Create written reports and give verbal explanations of inspection or investigation findings. Participate in legal proceedings related to enforcement actions associated with assigned inspections or investigations.
Expectations and Responsibilities:
- Lead and direct initial and routine inspections and/or complaint investigations of assigned facilities under the direction of the supervisor.
- Develop an overall approach and create an inspection or investigation plan by gathering information on past inspections, complaints, current laws, rules and regulations, team member/co-worker input for planning and organizing inspection and investigation processes.
- If assigned a complaint investigation, review complaint documentation and allegations to determine if a possible violation of state or federal rules/regulations is within the jurisdiction of the regulated health care facility or agency.
- Collect information by interviewing staff, patients, family members or representatives, providers, agency/facility personnel, other interested or affected parties, and review documents, policies, and procedures.
- Observe and evaluate the health care facility or agency as well as operation of facility health and safety activities during inspections and investigations for compliance with health and safety standards.
- Review policies and procedures to evaluate the regulated health care facility or agency compliance with laws, rules, and regulations as well as internal and external policies, procedures, and standards.
- Review health care facility or agency staff or personnel records to evaluate compliance with required personnel requirements.
- Exercise critical independent judgment in the field. Use state laws, rules, and federal regulations and guidelines, environmental health and safety standards, standards of care, industry guidelines, and policies and procedures as part of the investigative process.
- Identify findings in state and federal inspections and investigations using laws, rules, regulations and guidelines, environmental health and safety standards, standards of care, industry guidelines, and policies and procedures to compile and prepare necessary documentation of deficiencies or violations in support of proposed corrective or legal action.
- Serve as primary point of contact with the facility representative and Office of Health System Oversight management during an inspection or investigation.
This position interacts with other inspectors and investigators in the office, facility staff, patients, relatives, other agency and government staff, local and national health professionals, and the public.
You're Our Ideal Candidate If: - You embrace cultural humility by honoring diverse perspectives and cultures.
- You are committed to equity and inclusion, removing barriers, championing social justice, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- You use an outward mindset to make impactful contributions, blending your personal expertise with collaborative achievements.
- You excel at problem-solving and crafting effective solutions while communicating clearly across different mediums.
- You are dedicated to customer service and navigate diverse interactions to build strong organizational relationships.
- Your technical competence shines, making you an invaluable asset to our team!
Location and Flexibility Enjoy the flexibility of our hybrid work environment, where you can balance working from home and is anticipated that you'll be expected to perform work activities in the field in multiple geographic areas within Washington State.
Required Qualifications (you must meet ONE of the provided options and any additional criteria listed.):
Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.
Option 1: Eight (8) years of professional experience working in public health, health care administration, public or private sector health-related industry, or in an investigative, regulatory, or other related field.
Option 2: A bachelor's degree or higher in public health, health care administration, or other related field.
AND four (4) or more years of professional experience in a public or private sector health-related industry, or in an investigative, regulatory, or other related field.
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in environmental health or registered as Environmental Health Specialist or Registered Sanitarian.
- A Master's Degree public health, health care administration, or other related field.
- Previous demonstrated experience in a regulatory, survey, inspection, investigation, or accreditation environment.
- Experience working with and interpreting state laws, or federal regulations related to hospital systems or other regulated licensed or certified health care facilities.
- Knowledge of principles, practices, organization, and objectives of environmental health; statutes, ordinances and resolutions pertaining to environmental health; state and federal laws and State Board of Health (SBOH) regulations relating to environmental health; bacteriology; vector control; and educational principles and techniques.
Benefits and LifestyleWe prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "Why DOH" by visiting
Who We Are:The Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) division is responsible for oversight of Washington State's health care delivery system which includes licensing and regulating over 463,000 health professionals in 83 health professions and 9,000 facilities. HSQA also works closely with communities and local health partners to build strong health systems and prevention programs across the state to help ensure communities have access to good health care and emergency medical services.
The role of the Office of Health Systems Oversight (OHSO) is to support the department's mission by contributing to safe care for Washingtonians by providing oversight of state licensed and federally regulated clinical and behavioral health entities, and by ensuring they meet applicable standards. We achieve this through timely, comprehensive, consistent, and fair inspections, investigations, providing reports that identify areas of non-compliance with existing regulations and when required, initiate enforcement action to protect the public. We also serve as the contracted agency for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for federal enforcement standards. Our vision is to be an effective partner in ensuring health and safe patient care in the community we oversee.
We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our for the future of Washington health.
Conditions of Employment:Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will 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 position.
- Representation: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE)
I am prepared, with or without accommodations, to do the following:
- Commit to a full-time 40-hour workweek schedule (flexible work schedule requests must be approved supervisor).
- Communicate through applications such as MS Teams and MS Outlook, and by phone while working remotely.
- Adjust my work schedule occasionally to align with business needs, which may entail working evenings and weekends.
- Perform my job duties either remotely from home or in-person at the designated DOH site location.
- Frequent travel is necessary, sometimes requiring overnight stays or trips out of state. You must be able to legally drive a vehicle or arrange alternative transportation for state business.
- Engage in emergency response exercises and high-priority assignments as assigned during emergency events.
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
To apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, and cover letter. In your Applicant Profile, include at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you've supervised or led, if applicable). Please do not include private information such as social security number or year of birth.
Make sure to document your years of experience, skills, and abilities as listed in the qualifications section of this job posting.Do attach the following:- Resume
- Cover letter
- DD-214 (if applicable)
Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year
Do not include or attach the following - these documents will not be reviewed:- REMOVE personal photos - do not submit any documents containing personal photos.
- Transcripts (unless specifically requested in the Application Directions)
- Certifications or Diplomas
- Projects or Portfolios
- Letters of Recommendation
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran's status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions about this position, please contact
Kristina Cox at 360-236-4152 or For general DOH recruitment questions, email the
Talent Acquisition Team at For persons with disabilities, this document is available in other formats, please call 800-525-0127 (TDD/TTY 711) or email
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
Supplemental InformationThis recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.
Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.
More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?
- a. DOH Employment Site/Job Alerts
- b. DOH Employee
- c. Friend or Acquaintance
- d. Indeed
- e. LinkedIn
- f. Careers.wa.gov
- g. Job Fair - if selected, answer Question 2
- h. Other - if selected, answer Question 2
02
If you selected "g" or "h" to Question 1: Where you first heard about this employment opportunity?
03
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
04
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? (e.g. H-1B, F1, TN, etc.) DOH is not an E-Verify agency)
05
I have read and I understand the Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions that are listed in the job posting and I am willing and able to accept these conditions if offered and accept the position.
06
I understand that prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will 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 position.
07
How much experience do you have working in public health, health care administration, public or private sector health-related industry, or in an investigative, regulatory, or other related field?
- a. I do not have this experience.
- b. I have less than 1 year of experience.
- c. I have 1 year but less than 2 years of experience.
- d. I have 2 years but less than 3 years of experience.
- e. I have 3 years but less than 4 years of experience.
- f. I have 4 years but less than 5 years of experience.
- g. I have 5 years but less than 6 years of experience.
- h. I have 6 years but less than 7 years of experience.
- i. I have 7 years but less than 8 years of experience.
- j. I have 8 years but less than 9 years of experience.
- k. I have 9 years but less than 10 years of experience.
- l. I have 10 or more years of experience.
08
Do you have a degree in public health, health care administration, or other related field?
- a) Some college-level coursework.
- b) Associate degree or higher.
- c) A bachelor's degree or higher.
- c) A Master's degree or higher.
- d) None of the above.
09
How many years of experience do you have in environmental health?
- a. I do not have this experience.
- b. I have less than 1 year of experience.
- c. I have 1 year but less than 2 years of experience.
- d. I have 2 years but less than 3 years of experience.
- e. I have 3 years but less than 4 years of experience.
- f. I have 4 years but less than 5 years of experience.
- g. I have 5 years but less than 6 years of experience.
- h. I have 6 or more years of experience.
10
I am registered as an Environmental Health Specialist or Registered Sanitarian.
11
How many years of experience do you have in a regulatory, survey, inspection, investigation, or accreditation environment?
- a. I do not have this experience.
- b. I have less than 1 year of experience.
- c. I have 1 year but less than 2 years of experience.
- d. I have 2 years but less than 3 years of experience.
- e. I have 3 years but less than 4 years of experience.
- f. I have 4 years but less than 5 years of experience.
- g. I have 5 years but less than 6 years of experience. selected, answer Question 2
- h. I have 6 or more years of experience.
12
How much experience do you have working with and interpreting state laws, or federal regulations related to hospital systems or other regulated licensed or certified health care facilities?
- a. I do not have this experience.
- b. I have less than 1 year of experience.
- c. I have 1 year but less than 2 years of experience.
- d. I have 2 years but less than 3 years of experience.
- e. I have 3 years but less than 4 years of experience.
- f. I have 4 years but less than 5 years of experience.
- g. I have 5 years but less than 6 years of experience.
- h. I have 6 years but less than 7 years of experience.
- i. I have 7 years but less than 8 years of experience.
- j. I have 8 years but less than 9 years of experience.
- k. I have 9 years but less than 10 years of experience.
- l. I have 10 or more years of experience.
13
Please describe your knowledge of principles, practices, organization, and objectives of environmental health; statutes, ordinances and resolutions pertaining to environmental health; state and federal laws and State Board of Health (SBOH) regulations relating to environmental health; bacteriology; vector control; and educational principles and techniques.
- a. None: I am unaware or have very little knowledge of the skill.
- b. Aware: I am aware but have limited knowledge or ability to apply the skill.
- c. Knowledgeable: I am comfortable with my knowledge or ability to apply the skill.
- d. Proficient: I am very comfortable, considered an expert, and/or could teach this skill to others.
Required Question