LTCR Provider Investigations Nurse Investigator

About the Role

As part of a collaborative team of public servants, a Nurse Investigator protects individuals' health and safety by investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults and children with mental illness or intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in State Hospitals, Managed Care, Community Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) services, and Home and Community-based Services (HCS) waiver program. Investigations occur in various settings such as facilities and private residences. Investigations are conducted in accordance with Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and Provider Investigations policy. This position occasionally may need to testify at hearing or in court proceedings to provide information regarding policy, procedures, history, findings, or activities. The Nurse Investigator will also investigate medication administration issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations concerning an allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, including conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and using critical thinking and sound judgement to analyze the evidence related to the allegation.
• Communicate clearly and accurately with others (internally and externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, or resolve issues; communicate professionally and appropriately via all communication mediums.
• Write reports summarizing the facts obtained during the investigation as to whether abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred.
• Perform quality assurance reviews of documents prepared by others, for example, publications, assessments, reports.
• Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity; behave ethically and adhere to HHSC Standards of Conduct.
• Participate in case conferences and meetings with supervisors and peers regarding case progress and disposition.
• Participate in continuous training.
• Might supervise the work of team members during investigations and lend expertise to team members in the areas identified above.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Work occasionally outside of traditional working hours (8 am – 5 pm), which may include evening hours, weekends, and holidays, as required for case-related functions, on-call duties, and/or as required by management.
• Travel using a personal vehicle and/or rental car in accordance with state travel policy. Travel reimbursement provided.
• Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Occasionally might need to testify at hearings or in court proceedings to provide information regarding policy/procedures, history, findings, or activities.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed as a registered nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Experience in assessment and documentation of health status.
• Two years of experience providing services in a health care setting as a Registered Nurse.
• Experience working with individuals with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or physical disabilities preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge, ability, and skill in conducting high-level investigations.
• Knowledge of the adult and children population with mental health issues and intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and skills.
• Knowledge of issues, concerns, and needs of populations at risk in various health care environments (elderly, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, functionally dependent, medically frail, etc.).
• Knowledge of nursing principles and acceptable professional standards of patient care.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in performing quality assurance monitoring or investigations.
• Skill in providing guidance, policy clarifications, and information to others.
• Skill in preparing detailed written reports.
• Skill in oral, written, and electronic communications, including computer word processing software.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions and regulation-based recommendations.
• Ability to operate personal computer-based programs and complete data entry and technically correct, error-free reports.
• Ability to multi-task and track multiple activities with competing priorities.
• Ability to complete a high-volume, deadline-driven workload.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and reach sound decisions.
• Ability to use the computer for writing reports.
• Ability to integrate complex regulatory concepts, procedures, and processes.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively present information to executive-level management.
• Ability to work in a potentially emotion-filled environment.
• 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.

Benefits

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

Pay and Schedule

• Starting Market Rate Salary: $89,690.71
• Salary Range: $7,474.23 - $8,886.16 per month
• Shift: Day
• Full Time
• Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 80% (includes statewide travel, overnight, and weekend travel; on-call duties for emergencies or high-priority situations may be required)
• Flexibility in work hours is required; may include evening hours, weekends, and holidays
• Must have reliable transportation