LTCR Inspector

Location: Arlington, TX

About the role

The Inspector V conducts on-site inspections and investigations 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, including:

• Licensed-only Nursing Facilities
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS)
• DAHS-Individualized Skills and Socialization (DAHS-ISS)
• Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers

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.

In this front-line field position, the inspector is mobile and flexible, performing minimal work at an office. The role requires writing reports detailing any deficiencies/violations against a facility, remedies to correct those deficiencies, and narrative to support regulatory determinations.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Conducts on-site licensure inspections, complaint and incident investigations, and annual comprehensive surveys, including investigations 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. (25%)
• Completes written reports for each inspection or survey to detail deficiencies and provide narratives to support regulatory findings. Summarizes facts obtained during investigations 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. Refers cases to HHSC’s Employee Misconduct Registry if abuse, neglect, or exploitation is determined. (25%)
• Establishes priorities in gathering evidence, including interviews and record reviews, to determine 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; informs providers of issues requiring immediate remedial action to ensure health and safety. Recommends enforcement actions and ensures administrative penalties are assessed 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 findings and compliance determinations. Trains new hires through mentoring, shadowing, and return demonstrations. (10%)
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisors or regional leadership, including on-call duties for emergencies such as weather events or high-priority situations at providers. (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).
• Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Up to 85% travel, including statewide, overnight, and weekend travel, may be required.
• Flexibility in work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required for case-related functions or on-call duties.
• If active or former licensed nursing facility administrator, certified nurse aide, or medication aide, hiring is pending until professional licensing and Employee Misconduct Registry checks are completed. Employment at any HHSC-regulated facility or provider is not permitted if hired.
• Must disclose potential conflicts of interest, secondary employment, volunteer activities, and relationships with individuals who own, operate, or work at regulated providers.

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.
• Ability to 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.
• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (forgives remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments).
• Lifetime monthly retirement annuity, 401(k), and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Pay

Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 per month (starting market rate salary: $60,431.88). Pay frequency: Monthly.

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Day shift.
• Not eligible for telework.
• Occasional work outside traditional hours (8 am – 5 pm), including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required for case-related functions, on-call duties, or management requirements.