DSHS HCLA RN /Adult Family Home Complaint Investigator

About the Department

DSHS HCLA RN / Adult Family Home Complaint Investigator

Washington’s older adults and people with disabilities deserve care they can count on. Join our team as an Adult Family Home Nurse Complaint Investigator with the Residential Care Services (RCS) division under the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) in Vancouver. 

In this role, you will conduct on-site complaint investigations, inspections and follow-up visits to ensure Adult Family Homes (AFHs) meet state licensing standards and provide safe, quality care to residents. You will play a critical role in protecting vulnerable populations by evaluating care practices, interviewing residents and providers, reviewing records, and clearly communicating findings. This position is essential to maintaining accountability, supporting providers, and ensuring that individuals receiving long-term care services live in safe, respectful, and well-regulated environments. Your commitment as a nurse complaint investigator strengthens our mission of advocacy and stability for residents who rely on high-quality care.

This is a great opportunity for the person looking for a highly visible position whose investigative work transforms the life of residents receiving long-term care services. This opportunity is based out of the Vancouver Office. Travel to AFHs and other long term care (LTC) settings is required and includes travel throughout a broad geographical area and possible travel to other regions. Work may require occasional overnight stays.

Some of what you'll be doing

• Conduct complaint investigations, inspections and follow-up visits for AFHs and other community programs in accordance with state regulations and procedures

• Plan and manage workload to meet statutory timelines, including preparation, investigation tracking, and completion of required reports
• Evaluate compliance with licensing standards and identify deficient practices in long-term care and specialized care settings
• Evaluate nursing care within parameters of state regulations
• Observe resident care, services, and living environments to ensure quality and safety standards are maintained.
• Interview residents, family members, providers, and community partners to gather information on care practices and service quality
• Review records and documentation, analyze findings, and prepare detailed reports, including statements of deficiencies and investigation summaries
• Maintain accurate data entry in state systems while safeguarding confidential information and following policies, procedures, and directives

Here are a few good reasons why you should consider this career opportunity 

• You will be making a difference for AFH residents
• You'll be able to add new skills and knowledge to your nursing skills and vulnerable adult long-term care "tool kit"
• You're assigned to a wide variety of investigations that keep your workday interesting with ongoing advocacy for residents
• You'll receive an excellent benefits package that rivals any employer in Washington State 

What we are looking for

• We are looking for a qualified RN with a high level of integrity and clinical nursing knowledge, critical thinking skills, and who is passionate about ensuring resident well-being and safety
• Ability to make critical decisions in high-stress situations based on the integration of information from multiple sources that may be discrepant  
• Knowledge and proficiency with laptop data-entry skills and database use  
• Ability to evaluate nursing care within the parameters of state and federal regulations 
• Be able to communicate findings clearly to AFH providers verbally and in writing in a clear, concise, non-threatening manner  
• Ability to communicate effectively with management, peers, residents, providers and the public  
• Ability to evaluate resident care services; exercise objective judgment, stimulate local cooperation and support for effective nursing services; and bring about improved practices 

Who should apply
Professionals with:

• 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, a 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, a Master of Nursing/Master of Science in Nursing AND two years of RN experience in a long-term care setting or behavioral health setting

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

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for

• 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.

Interested? In order for you to be considered further for this job, please include the following with your application:

• Minimum of three professional references including current supervisor
• Updated resume
• Cover letter

Note: This job requires travel to meet business needs.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 04967. 

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.

Other Qualifications

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 & 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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Benefits

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. That's 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

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov