DSHS HCLA RN / Nursing Home Complaint Investigator

DSHS HCLA RN / Nursing Home Complaint Investigator

Salary

$103,692.00 - $169,980.00 Annually

Location

Pierce County - Lakewood, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-04965

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

HCLA

Opening Date

06/29/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

DSHS HCLA RN / Nursing Home Complaint Investigator

Washingtons older adults and people with disabilities deserve care they can count on. As a Nursing Consultant Institutional with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, you will work as a Registered Nurse to inspect and evaluate care provided in Nursing Homes. This role uses your long-term care expertise to conduct onsite nursing home surveys across the area to support federal certification work. You'll help ensure skilled nursing facilities protect vulnerable adults by promoting safety, resident rights, and freedom from abuse and neglect. Your commitment as a nursing home professional strengthens our mission of advocacy and stability for residents who rely on high-quality care.This position is based out of the Home and Community Living Administration office in Lakewood and plays a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Nursing Home facilities across Washington State. The role conducts statewide onsite provider practice investigations and surveys, supporting regions as needed. Responsibilities include planning and carrying out investigations; interviewing victims, clients (vulnerable adults), residents, facility staff, and others with relevant information; and gathering evidence such as client records, medical files, and personnel documentation. The position prepares clear written reports, communicates findings to Residential Care Services leadership, and may provide testimony in administrative hearings. Collaboration is essential, as the role works closely with department staff investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property within Nursing Home settings.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Some of what youll do:

• Plan and organize workload to meet performance standards while conducting surveys and complaint investigations for Nursing Homes in accordance with state laws and regulations.
• Interview residents, family members, and community representatives to gather information about provider practices and resident satisfaction.
• Make visual and auditory observations of resident care, services, and the physical environment, including extended periods of resident and staff observation.
• Communicate with team members, providers, staff, residents, and families using a calm, respectful, objective, and non-confrontational approach.
• Evaluate nursing care practices to determine compliance with state regulations.
• Obtain necessary and relevant information from professional records, facility staff, and other sources to assess resident care and services.
• Recognize and analyze deficient practices and clearly communicate findings to team members, department staff, and provider staff.
• Organize findings and prepare thorough, detailed written reports in a timely manner.
• Complete training requirements and stay current on new principles of nursing practice.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Nursing practice: Applies current knowledge of institutional nursing principles, long-term care regulations, and public health practices to evaluate care quality and identify deficient practices in certified community residential settings.
• Investigation skills: Conducts thorough complaint investigations using established protocols, including record review, staff interviews, client observation, and review of care plans and personnel records, to reach well-supported findings.
• Written communication: Produces clear, accurate, and timely written reports including statements of deficiencies and investigation summaries that meet statutory and department standards.
• Time management: Organizes and prioritizes a varied workload across multiple facilities and complaint types to meet regulatory deadlines without close supervision.
• Interpersonal communication: Communicates findings and regulatory expectations clearly and professionally to providers, staff, clients, families, and fellow team members, including in difficult or contentious situations.
• Objectivity: Maintains a professional and respectful approach when working with persons who may be resistant, distressed, or in conflict, applying consistent and fair judgment across all interactions.
• Collaboration: Works with Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, the Ombuds office, and other agencies to coordinate investigations and share relevant findings appropriately.
• Computer proficiency: Uses Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Teams effectively, and enters and retrieves data accurately in state electronic systems including RCS databases.
• Adaptability: Responds to changing workload needs, emergency assignments, and modified duties during declared emergencies or disaster situations as required under the DSHS Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

Who should apply?

We are searching for professionals who meet one of the following:

Associate Degree in Nursing/Diploma Nurse AND five years of experience as an RN in a long-term care setting and/or behavioral health setting.

OR

Bachelor of Science in Nursing and three years of experience as an RN in a long-term care setting and/or behavioral health setting.

OR

Master of Nursing/Master of Science in Nursing and two years of RN experience in a long-term care setting and/or behavioral health setting.

Note: Must hold a valid Registered Nurse license and able to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Washington.

Please note:

• Selected candidates must successfully complete required state surveyor and investigator training, including certification requirements.
• Degrees in Social Work must be from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!

Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Peter Bonato at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #04965.

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.

Supplemental 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 applicants 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 drivers 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.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

What is your highest level of education completed?

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree in a related field (social work, psychology, sociology, etc.)
• Master's degree in a related field
• Doctorate or higher

02

Please briefly describe your professional experience in planning, administering, licensing, monitoring, or delivering social or health service programs. Include specific roles and length of experience.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov