LTCR Inspector

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement, and more.

About the role

The Inspector V conducts on-site inspections and investigations, including those involving abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults and children with mental illness or intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in various Texas Long-Term Care facilities:

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Waiver Program
• Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Waiver Program
• State Hospitals
• Managed Care
• Community Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) services

Investigations are completed in accordance with Texas Administrative Code and Long-Term Care Regulatory (LTCR) policy. The Inspector will testify at hearings or in court proceedings to provide information regarding policy/procedures, history, findings, or activities. Works occasionally outside of traditional working hours (8 am – 5 pm), which includes evening hours, weekends, and holidays, as required for case-related functions, on-call duties, and/or as required by management.

This position offers a competitive starting salary of $60,431.88, excellent state benefits, including health insurance and retirement, and the opportunity to regularly travel to different providers within a region and across the state.

Responsibilities

• Conducts on-site licensure inspections, complaint and incident investigations, and annual comprehensive surveys, including the investigation of abuse, neglect, and exploitation at Long-Term Care (LTC) providers to determine compliance with federal and state health and safety regulations.
• Conducts exit conferences at the end of an inspection with facility staff regarding preliminary findings of the inspection. (25%)
• Completes written reports for each inspection or survey to detail deficiencies and provide narratives to support regulatory findings. Summarizes facts obtained during an investigation to determine whether abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred. Ensures documentation is clear and concise; ensures course corrections implemented by providers are appropriate to address risks or noncompliance with regulations. Refers cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to HHSC’s Employee Misconduct Registry. (25%)
• Establishes priorities in gathering evidence to determine methods for securing evidence, such as interviews or record reviews, to assess compliance or noncompliance. Analyzes evidence to complete thorough investigations and determine if there is a preponderance of evidence while maintaining chain of custody. (25%)
• Reviews and approves corrective action plans to address noncompliance with regulations. Informs providers of issues requiring immediate remedial action to ensure consumer health and safety. Recommends enforcement actions and ensures administrative penalties are assessed and processed according to state and federal requirements. (10%)
• Participates in meetings to discuss major issues identified during inspections/investigations and their outcomes. Testifies at hearings and court proceedings regarding investigation findings and compliance determinations. Trains new hires through on-the-job mentoring, shadowing, and return demonstrations. (10%)
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisors or regional leadership to maintain unit operations, including on-call duties for emergencies such as weather events or high-priority provider situations. (5%)

Requirements

• Valid Class C (or higher) Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
• Experience interacting with or communicating with members of the public, in person or by phone.
• Four-year degree from an accredited college or university (preferred).
• Experience conducting investigations (preferred).
• Experience working with individuals with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or physical disabilities (preferred).

Skills

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program area.
• Knowledge of acceptable professional standards of care.
• Skill in conducting inspections and investigations and determining proper courses of action.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work independently and prepare reports, interpret laws and regulations, gather and analyze data, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and reach sound decisions.
• Ability to integrate complex regulatory concepts, procedures, or processes.
• Ability to multi-task and track multiple activities with competing priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members and others.
• Ability to work in a potentially emotion-filled environment.
• Ability to operate a computer, tablet, laptop, smartphone, fax machine, copy machine, and various software packages, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to conduct interviews in various locations, including private residences, day habilitation facilities, group homes, and state-operated facilities.
• Ability to work in environments where violent and dangerous individuals may be present.
• Ability to oversee the work of others.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.
• Lifetime monthly retirement annuity.
• 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments.

Pay

Salary Range: $5,035.99 - $6,779.25 per month (Starting Market Rate Salary: $60,431.88 annually).

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Day shift (First), with occasional evening hours, weekends, and holidays as required for case-related functions, on-call duties, or management requirements.
• Up to 80% travel, including statewide, overnight, and weekend travel.
• On-call duties for emergencies or high-priority situations may be required.

Additional Information

• Must have reliable transportation.
• 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.
• If hired, you will not be permitted to continue employment at any HHSC regulated facilities or providers.
• You will be required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest, secondary employment, volunteer activities, and friends/family who own, operate, or work at regulated providers.
• HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.