Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Health Services Consultant II
Opening Date: October 3, 2024
Closing Date: October 17, 2024
Job Class Code: 4385
Grade: 24
Salary: $60,299.20- $82,576.00*
*This salary range is not negotiable.
Position Number: 02031-1341
Location: Portland, Lewiston, Augusta
-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-
This position does not require:
*Direct patient care;
*Shift work;
*Any supervisory duties; or
*Working early morning, nights, or weekends (except for unusual situations a few
times/year).
This position is:
* dispatched from the Surveyor’s home to nursing home facilities statewide, and
* generally M-F, 7:30a-4:30p, with up to 1 hr for lunch.
It does require:
* Statewide travel and occasional overnight stays, and
* Valid RN license.
• “I like being able to make a change in a resident’s life, even if it’s only one resident.”—BG.
• “Our Team/My Team-strong work knowledge, brainstormers, supportive, always learning, always there to help one another.”—JR.
• “It’s important to me to improve the system we have in place and advocate for vulnerable Mainers, and this job has provided me a work life balance that helps prevent burnout.”—AB
• “I appreciate being able to work autonomously, as well as with a team. I am encouraged to think critically, make decisions, respected for my knowledge and experience, and supported by management. “-JM
Those are just some of the reasons our nursing home surveyors value the work we do. If you’d like to feel this way about how you earn your living, we are looking for a professional who thrives in a team environment, yet works well independently, to support the Department of Health and Human Service’s mission to promote health and safety for all Maine people.
Core Responsibilities:
What can you expect to do as a Long-Term Care Surveyor?
• Work as part of a team of surveyors, conducting licensing inspections and investigating complaints (aka “allegations”) about care in nursing homes, some assisted living facilities, and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (“ICF/IIDs”);
• Complete reports, known as “Statements of Deficiencies,” outlining what, if any, rules/regulations facilities failed to follow;
• Interview complainants and witnesses to obtain information regarding allegations;
• Participate in training, including mandatory on-line training required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”);
• Complete CMS’s 2.5-hour Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test (“SMQT”) within 1 year of date of hire:
• Ensure that facilities are complying with both federal and State licensing requirements; and
• Provide technical assistance to facilities to ensure they understand those regulations.
Please NOTE: initial and on-going training is extensive, and passage of all required courses is mandatory. Therefore, initial probation for these positions likely will be one full year.
Minimum Qualifications:
Registered Nurse and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of nursing and/or in the delivery of health care services.
LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (This must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class)
• Licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Maine as issued by the State Board of Nursing.
Preferred candidates will also have:
o Knowledge of federal and Maine regulatory requirements for SNF/NF, Multi-Level, and ICF/IID facilities.
o Experience working in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, ICF/IIDs, ambulatory surgical centers, and/or other healthcare facilities.
o Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
o Ability to work with diverse individuals.
o Demonstrated ability to write concisely, clearly, and with correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.
o Demonstrated ability to communicate politely, professionally, and effectively in writing and verbally.
o Demonstrated experience working productively and professionally both on your own and with a team.
o Demonstrated ability to maintain objectivity and professionalism during occasional unusual and stressful circumstances.
o Demonstrated ability to draw valid conclusions and make independent decisions.
o Demonstrated ability to be a positive team member.
o A valid Maine drivers’ license.
o Reliable transportation.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
Application Information:
Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.
For questions about this position, please contact Celine Donohue, RN Health Services Supervisor, via email to Celine.Donohue@Maine.gov.
*To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application. In your cover letter, you must provide the following information:
1) explain what experience, if any, you have had doing the elements under “Job Description,” above; and
2) explain what you have, if any, of the attributes listed above under “Preferred candidates will also have”.
** Applications submitted with cover letters that do not address the information required above may not be considered for this vacancy.
To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.L.Harman@Maine.gov
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
