RN* Health Compliance Inspector, Acute Care HFEMSD - FAA01177 (Health Professional III)

Full Job Description

Be BOLD and make a real difference . . .

Do you desire a career that provides you with opportunities to improve the world around you?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking diverse individuals from all backgrounds to apply for a career position that makes a direct impact on improving the lives of Colorado citizens.

Our mission is to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play.

Our vision is to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. In addition to working with a great team and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance coverage

• Retirement benefits through PERA, with flexible plan options plus 401(k) and 457 savings plans

• Generous leave, including 11 paid holidays and substantial personal time off

• Short- and long-term disability protection

• Wellness programs and on-site facilities that support health and balance

• Professional development and mentorship opportunities across a wide range of topics

• Tuition assistance for college and master’s-level coursework

• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

• Flexible work schedules and strong work-life balance initiatives

• Employee resource groups promoting inclusion, connection, and community
  
  

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services.

Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

For more information, go to: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Requirements

The Work Unit:
The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division (HFEMSD) is responsible for the oversight and enforcement of a broad range of federal and state statutes and regulations applicable to a wide variety of health care facilities and services in Colorado, including hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical facilities, renal dialysis centers, emergency medical services providers, designated trauma centers, long-term care facilities, and many other specific types of health care services. The division licenses, certifications and surveys of healthcare facilities and services; provide patient safety and healthcare quality programs recognize Emergency Medical Service (EMS) education programs and certify EMS providers, designate trauma centers and licenses all air ambulance services operating within the state of Colorado.

The acute care section exists to: (1) protect the health, safety, and welfare of patients/of health care facilities in the state of Colorado, by evaluating and securing compliance of licensed and certified facilities and providers, utilizing applicable federal and state laws/regulations and professional standards of practice; and (2) to provide to the public information on health care facilities. Survey in Acute Care facilities: Acute Hospitals, Long Term Acute Care Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Clinics, Birth Centers, Community Clinics, Community Clinics with Emergency Centers, Free Standing Emergency Departments, End Stage Renal Disease Clinics and Ambulatory Surgical Centers.

Summary of Position:
This position is staffed by professionals who work independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team to assess the care, treatment and quality of life provided by health care facilities through observations, interviews, and record review. Uses experience, training and judgment in evaluating and applying statutes, regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures on a case-by-case, item-by-item basis for facility compliance/violation. Works as the RN required for the survey team, and conducts nursing observations and medication pass task, and other tasks as applicable. Reviews occurrences and incidents of serious deficiencies and assesses whether licensed health facilities intervened appropriately. Writes statements of deficiencies, identifying areas of non-compliance with federal and state requirements based on survey/investigation results. Acts as resource, educator, and interpreter of regulations for service providers and consumers, based upon established guidelines, policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description:

C7C3XX

HEALTH PROFESSIONAL III

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:
Six (6) years of applicable health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division.
and
Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

OR

Education & Experience:
A combination of education and experience equivalent to six (6) years such as two (2) years of professional health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, or closely related field
and
Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

This experience and education must be substantiated within the Work Experience & Education section of your application. Please be sure to enter all relevant job history and education within the last 10 years. "See Resume" and missing relevant employment or education criteria will not be credited towards the minimum qualifications. Education will be credited on a year-for-year basis. Part-time work will be pro-rated. If using education to substitute for experience please upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts or a copy of your diploma/degree to your application. If you do not have access to either of these options, please contact the department contact.

Cover Letter Required:
Along with the application submit a cover letter, not to exceed two typewritten pages, double spaced detailing how your education and previous work experience has prepared you to excel in this job. Specific examples of determiningand/or demonstratingcompliance with regulations or evidence-based practice should be included as well as how you meet the minimum and preferred competencies for the position. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application and cover letter.

Conditions of Employment:

• A pre-employment background check
• Active, unrestricted RN license
• Ability and willingness to travel independently or with a group of other health professionals up to 50% of the time throughout Colorado.
• Must be willing to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present (appropriate personal protective equipment and procedural protocols will be provided).
• Be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• Be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place
• Must be proficient in word processing and able to use current communication technology to connect to the office from the field.
• Must obtain an influenza shot annually prior to the onset of the flu season or wear a mask while on facility/agency premises. *See exemption note below
• Must be vaccinated against COVID19. **See note below
• Must be able to perform annual fit testing for N-95 masks, as well as complete annual training on donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to work occasional evening, night, weekend, or holidays depending upon circumstances of survey or complaint.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 45lbs. of equipment for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time including climbing multiple flights of stairs.
• Once employed in this position, must successfully complete and apply all required surveyor training (unless training is unavailable) within the first six (6) months of service.
• Requires the use and operation of state fleet vehicles. ***conditions apply

*Religious and medical exemptions and reasonable accommodation shall be addressed as required by law pursuant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s vaccination guidance.
**Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorado’s Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
*** Conditions apply to use of fleet vehicles such as location and availability

Essential Competencies (Required)

• RN clinical judgment in the field: Applies nursing standards to evaluate care, medication administration, infection control, and patient safety across Acute or Specialized settings, critical care, or closely related field.

• Regulatory application: Interprets and applies 6 CCR 1011-1 (Ch. 2 & 26), CMS SOM Appendix B, and HCPF 10 CCR 2505-10 (e.g., §§8.500, 8.540 PDN) to case-specific facts.

• Survey methods: Plans and conducts observations, interviews (clients/families/staff), and record reviews; analyzes evidence to determine compliance/noncompliance; documents scope/severity.

• Deficiency writing: Produces clear, concise, and legally defensible Statements of Deficiencies with accurate regulatory citations and evidence.

• Technology fluency: Proficient with word processing, spreadsheets, email, and secure file systems; navigates EMR extracts and uploads survey evidence.

• Communication & professionalism: Explains findings and standards to providers; models integrity, transparency, and respect; maintains impartiality under pressure.

• Critical thinking: Synthesizes complex clinical and operational information; forms sound conclusions supported by evidence.

• Safety & field readiness: Meets the physical demands of on-site work (travel, prolonged standing, PPE use) and adheres to safety protocols.

• Thoroughness & detail: Demonstrates disciplined documentation, meticulous evidence handling, and deadline reliability.

• Conflict management: De-escalates tense interactions; manages disagreement constructively; does not avoid necessary, difficult conversations.

Preferred Qualifications (Highly Valued)

• State service experience: Prior Colorado state service relevant to licensure/certification/survey work.

• RN practice background: Clinical experience in acute care, specialized units, home health, hospice, or home care; PDN/vent-trach, wound care, high-risk meds, or transitions of care experience.

• Quality & compliance: Experience evaluating quality of care, adverse events, incident reviews, and corrective action/POC validation.

• Interview proficiency: Skilled in trauma-informed and stakeholder-appropriate interviewing (clients, families, staff, external practitioners).

• Analytic writing: Track record of clear regulatory narratives, evidence grids, and decision memos that withstand appeal or legal scrutiny.

• Data comfort: Ability to interpret EMR reports, staffing/scheduling data, and quality indicators to target probes and corroborate findings.

• Systems thinking: Understands agency operations (governance, QAPI, supervision, delegation) and how they impact bedside outcomes.

• Education & coaching: Experience serving as a resource/educator to providers on regulatory expectations and sustainable remediation.

Appeal Rights:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, If you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb.A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.

Additional Information

A completed State of Colorado application includes:

• Unofficial transcripts if using education to substitute for experience.

• Cover letter stating how you meet the minimum qualifications for this role.

• DD214 if claiming veterans status

The Selection Process:All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.

Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position.

CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.

ADAAA Accommodations:The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.

Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.

As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Dan McKenna, atdaniel.mckenna@state.co.usor call 303-692-2060, option 5.