DEPT OF VETERAN SERVICES

Address:   4141 North S Herera Way, Phoenix AZ 85012

Salary: $70,400.00 to 74,800.00 (DOE) 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 

In this position the candidate is responsible for coordinating a structured Quality Assurance program that meets all federal and state regulatory requirements. The program is multi-disciplinary, multi-level and facility-wide and involves all essential departments in a process of evaluating, correcting and managing systems that affect the quality of care provided within the skilled nursing facility. Ensures that the facility's practices meet or exceed an expected standard of quality by utilizing the principles of continuous quality improvement.

The candidate also provides education for staff at all levels to improve regulatory compliance and systems and to better meet the needs of our Veterans/Members.

They Learn, implement and monitor Arizona Management System (AMS) methods. Utilizes AMS concepts and tools for problem solving and continuous work/process improvements and efficiencies. Actively involved in AMS processes such as huddle boards, problem solving, job breakdown sheets, success tracking, and standardized work. Incorporates a cultural focus on Veteran/Member-centered care in the performance of job duties.

• Drafts policies and procedures pertaining to quality assurance using guidelines such as nursing home regulations, facility practices, evidenced-based practice, complaints, audits, observation and other informational sources.
• Gathers and analyzes data through audits, interviews and other activities to monitor compliance of all disciplines, departments and services with applicable policies and procedures, standards and regulations. Reviews monthly CASPER (Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting) report and develops Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) based PIPs (performance improvement plans) where needed. Prepares, distributes and interprets reports, statistical analyses, data summaries and other written information to facility staff pertaining to the activities of QAPI. Prepares periodic reports summarizing the status of facility compliance with established goals and measures set for quality assurance.
• Assists supervisors /managers in developing and implementing corrective action plans. Monitors and reports on facility’s plans for correcting deficiencies identified by surveying agencies. Ensures that facility meets state, federal and VA regulations, ensures facility's policies and procedures meet regulations and are consistent with the facility’s practices.
• Investigates incidents of non-compliance. Works with the Administrator in investigating allegations of abuse, neglect and mistreatment of residents. Conducts special studies upon request.
• Coordinates facility preparations for surveys. Monitors and reports on facility’s plans for Correcting deficiencies identified by surveying agencies. Ensures that facility works to meet state, Federal and VA regulations. Ensures facility's policies and procedures meet regulations and are consistent with the facility's practices. 
• Chairs and coordinates internal Quality Assurance Committee meeting as well as the Infection Control Committee meeting. Prepares pertinent information and makes presentations of necessary information to meeting participants. Participates as a member of other committees which impact the Quality Assurance Program.
• Identifies training needs and develops and implements educational programs for staff across all shifts in all work practices and other areas related to quality assurance and compliance education and re-education. Utilizes assessment and scheduling protocol to evaluate quality of training and ensure that staff is adequately trained to meet desired outcomes.
• Maintains records to document training and compliance with regulations. Coordinates provision of Information for regulatory surveyors with Administrator and Director of Nursing.
• Attends meetings. Completes required in-service training. Participates in special projects assigned by Administrator. Assumes staff assignments when necessary.
• Infection Preventiveness: Maintain current antibiotic listing by unit for daily review with IDT. Confirm appropriate and effective use of antibiotics per diagnostic test results and coordinate with nursing administration and physicians as needed. Maintain weekly tracking and trending of infections per individual units and determine need for staff education. Coordinate with Director of Nursing for in-services. Map out all infections with McGeer and non-McGeer criteria to provide for timely tracking and trending. Conduct infection control surveillance daily rounds to confirm compliance with individual care plans for residents with infections by facility staff. Prepare monthly summary utilizing weekly tracking, trending, and facility mapping for QAPI committee. Present material for identified staff education. Keep abreast of any current information and attend educational opportunities to assist in role such as provided by CMS and CDC.
• Coordinate and manage surveillance data with daily/weekly rounds on an inter-departmental level. Utilize collected data to assess compliance with existing infection control protocols. Identify and address potential risk factors and need for education with each department. Coordinate submittal of interdepartmental infection control reports to QAPI.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of management and administration.
• Facility programs, policies and procedures.
• Quality assurance and utilization review principles and methods.
• Patient care standards.
• Nursing processes, practices and techniques.
• OBRA and other pertinent nursing home regulations as they apply to quality assurance activities.
• Basic statistical and data gathering techniques.
• Basic training interventions that may be used to develop staff skills and knowledge.
• Varied approaches and techniques of adult instruction consisting of measurement, assessment and skill based competencies. Infection Preventiveness. 

Skills in:

• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Applying nursing techniques to address quality issues.

Ability to:

• Analyze and interpret information and data. Work with all levels of organization.
• Hold other staff accountable.
• Develop and coordinate training programs.

• Requires current license to practice in Arizona as a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse.
• This position is subject to the vaccination requirements outlined in CMS Interim Final Rule - Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination (published November 5, 2021) (86 FR 61555).
• Current Negative Tb skin test (Mantoux skin test) within the last 6 months or a written statement from a physician, physician’s assistant or a registered nurse practitioner indicating freedom from tuberculosis, if in the past has had a positive skin test or tuberculosis.
• DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card required.
• Infection Preventiveness Certification required.
• In-state travel; valid AZ Driver's License is required.
  
  

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Referral Incentives available for qualifying positions
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment
  

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact Human Resources at recruiting@azdvs.gov and 602.781.7032 for assistance.