DSHS WSH Long Term Care Surveyor - Quality Coordinator

Full Job Description

DSHS WSH Long Term Care Surveyor - Quality Coordinator

Western State Hospital’s Gage Center is seeking a Quality Coordinator, also known as a Long Term Care Surveyor, to support certification, accreditation, and performance improvement efforts within an inpatient psychiatric hospital setting.

The primary focus of this role is to review and evaluate inpatient psychiatric treatment practices, medical record documentation, and the physical environment to ensure care meets accreditation, certification, and hospital policy standards.

This position works proactively with hospital leadership and clinical teams to strengthen patient-centered care, implement quality assurance monitoring systems, and promote continuous improvement.

Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Some of what you'll do:

• Assist the Gage Center in achieving and maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Perform regular audits/tracers of records, procedures, and compliance with policies, standards, and regulations.
• Identify and analyze quality assurance data to identify trends, errors, or areas needing improvement.
• Help create and implement quality improvement strategies to address identified gaps and enhance efficiency and patient care.
• Assist with training and educating hospital staff on quality assurance practices and best practices to ensure consistent application of standards.
• Help foster a culture that prioritizes patient safety, reduces medical errors, and aims for continuous improvement in the quality of care provided.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to quality assurance activities.
• Provide guidance and support to disciplines on quality assurance matters.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care.

Who should apply?
Applicants must have an understanding of quality assurance systems and structured performance improvement approaches to evaluate compliance and strengthen care delivery. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate a working knowledge of Joint Commission standards, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Conditions of Participation, and applicable state regulations governing inpatient psychiatric care.

AND meet one of the following criteria:

A master’s degree* in social work**, speech pathology, occupational or physical therapy, psychology, special education, nutrition, sociology, behavioral health, or allied field, AND two years of professional experience in planning, administering, licensing, monitoring or delivering social or health service programs.
OR
A bachelor’s degree AND two years of professional/practical experience working with people delivering social and health services or experiencing developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental health challenges.
OR
Eight years of professional/practical experience working with people delivering social and health services and/or experiencing developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental health challenges.

Please note:

• *Two additional years of qualifying experience will substitute for the master’s degree provided a bachelor’s degree in one of the above mentioned fields has been achieved.
• **A degree in Social Work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• For selected positions required to successfully complete the federally required basic certification surveyor training, the basic and advanced state investigator training and completion of approved interviewing technique course.
• Employees in positions surveying nursing homes will be required to participate in the Basic Long Term Care Surveyor training provided by the federal government and must successfully complete the Surveyor Minimum Qualification test and all required federal training prior to being certified.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Regulatory knowledge: Working knowledge of Joint Commission standards, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Conditions of Participation, and applicable state regulations governing inpatient psychiatric care.
• Performance improvement methodology: Understanding of quality assurance systems and structured performance improvement approaches to evaluate compliance and strengthen care delivery.
• Evidence-based mental health practice: Familiarity with inpatient psychiatric treatment standards and patient-centered care principles.
• Organizational principles: Knowledge of how hospital systems function and how to align compliance monitoring efforts within established communication structures.
• Analytical evaluation: Ability to compare written documentation with observed practice, evaluate data, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Communication skills: Ability to speak and write clearly, prepare detailed audit reports, and use appropriate organizational communication channels.
• Coordination and planning: Skill in organizing work, coordinating with supervisors and department leaders, and supporting hospital-wide compliance initiatives.
• Technical proficiency: Experience using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and web-based systems to conduct data analysis and prepare audit reports.

Interested? Apply today!

Please ensure your application materials clearly demonstrate how you meet the required qualifications and skills for this position. We screen applications based on the information provided, so it is important that your experience and skillset are fully described.
Please include the following with your application:

• A current resume.
• A letter of interest specifically addressing the knowledge, skills, and experience you have related to the job and duties.
• Three professional references, including their email and phone number to contact.

Questions? Email DSHS Recruiter, Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 01003.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may 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 job.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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