Investigator – Compliance, Oversight, Monitoring, and Investigations Team (COMIT)

BACKGROUND

Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ) is the State of Arizona’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System and is part of a national network of public interest firms dedicated to advancing the civil and human rights of all people with disabilities in the community and in institutional settings.

DRAZ is seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated investigator to join its Compliance, Oversight, Monitoring, and Investigations Team (COMIT). This role supports the objectives of the Developmental Disabilities Group Home Monitoring Program. Under DRAZ’s contract with the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), COMIT Investigators are responsible for conducting Quality of Care Investigations for individuals residing in state-funded group homes operated by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). DRAZ’s COMIT initiative commenced on January 1, 2023, and have since been extended into a fourth-year. For additional details, please refer to ARS § 36-595.03 for more information.

POSITION SUMMARY

Investigate Quality of Care (QOC) complaints against group home providers alleging abuse, neglect, unexpected death, effectiveness/appropriateness of care, safety/risk management and/or members rights violations.  Staff will be responsible for managing a caseload of at least 3-5 investigations concurrently.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Reviewing Quality of Care (QOC) complaints as assigned by the COMIT Manager and actively participating in investigations to determine the root cause of incidents related to quality of care.
2. Researching group homes identified in complaints by locating and reviewing licensing records, incident reports, news articles, etc.
3. Completing QOC investigations by:
   1. Developing a detailed case plan with clear and achievable steps for completion.
   2. Gathering and reviewing all information relevant to the complaint, including group home documentation, medical records, police reports, public records, policies, procedures, etc. Completing in-person and telephonic interviews of group home residents, employees, and other relevant parties. Drafting accurate witness statements and maintaining comprehensive interview notes.
   3. Visiting group homes and/or day programs as needed to obtain evidence.
   4. Comprehensive review and analysis of all available information to support the determination as to whether the allegation is substantiated or not substantiated
   5. Documenting all findings and investigation activities in a clear, concise, and objective manner.
   6. Prepare comprehensive reports summarizing investigation findings and conclusions, while identifying any systemic issues with providers—regardless of the case outcome.
   7. Include recommendations for corrective action as appropriate.
   8. Identify group home residents who may benefit from DRAZ advocacy and, when applicable, make referrals to relevant outside agencies.
   9. Maintaining well organized, comprehensive and accurate electronic case files.
   10. Ensure all deadlines are consistently met in a timely and efficient manner, in alignment with established timelines and expectations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. At least two (2) years of experience completing legal investigations, quality assurance reviews, compliance work, or the equivalent.
2. Demonstrated experience interviewing individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental health diagnoses.
3. Demonstrated experience interviewing respondents who are alleged to have violated policies, rules, procedures, laws, etc.
4. Ability to remain calm, neutral, and professional during interviews and interactions with all case participants.
5. Experience writing professional investigative reports.
6. An understanding of basic medical terminology and/or experience reviewing, analyzing, and summarizing clinical records.
7. Experience in managing a case load and working independently with minimal direct supervision.
8. Ability to understand and apply policy, statutes and other relevant legal concepts.
9. Must possess a high level of integrity and be able to maintain confidentiality and complainant privacy on all investigations.
10. Must be able to travel to group homes and provider locations throughout Arizona. See Travel and Working Conditions below.

Upon hire, staff must obtain a Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to ARS 41-2758.07, and pass a APS/DCS central registry background check in order to work with children/vulnerable adults.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in a health or human service field including, but not limited to social work, counseling, psychology, education, criminal justice, sociology, or nursing.
• Previous experience investigating QOC complaints against DDD providers.
• Prior experience working in or alongside state-funded group homes and familiarity with applicable policies and regulations.
• Familiarity with incident reporting procedures, including related processes, documentation standards, and protocol compliance.
• Familiarity with treatment systems/supports for individuals with developmental disabilities in Arizona.

REMOTE WORK SKILLS:

Ability to work independently to organize, prioritize and complete job responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner. Position requires technical proficiency and resourcefulness with strong communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, technical procedures, and government regulations. Skilled in writing clear, concise reports and professional correspondence. Capable of effectively presenting information and responding to inquiries in both formal and informal settings. Comfortable engaging in dialogue with potentially uncooperative or resistant individuals, while maintaining professionalism and composure.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Job requires specialized computer skills. Must be adept at using various applications including Microsoft 365 programs, SharePoint, database, spreadsheet, report writing, project management, word processing, and communicating via e-mail, Microsoft Teams and phone. Effectively and independently uses computer to research topics related to job duties.

REASONING ABILITY:

Strong ability to identify systemic and programmatic issues, gather and analyze data, establish relevant facts, and draw sound conclusions based on both direct and circumstantial evidence. Proficient in interpreting and applying rules, laws, and policies to complex and unique case scenarios.

TRAVEL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

In-state travel will be required for this position, including possible overnight stays in remote regions. As a result, candidate is required to possess and maintain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license and will be subject to driver’s license record checks. Employees may be required to use their own transportation; however, mileage will be reimbursed.

COMPENSATION:

DRAZ offers a competitive salary and benefits package based on experience and is competitive with other public interest organizations and the State of Arizona. Salary starts at $50,000 annually. Employment benefits include generous leave, health, dental, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan. DRAZ observes all federal holidays.

DISCLAIMERS:

This position description is intended to provide a general summary and overview of the key duties and responsibilities associated with the role. It does not encompass the full scope of work or expectations and should not be considered all-inclusive. Management reserves the right to modify, amend, or rescind this description at any time, with or without prior notice.

Candidates for this position are subject to a search of the Adult and Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804.

DRAZ is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Natalie Luna Rose at nlunarose@disabilityrightsaz.org.

APPLY:

Send resume, cover letter, and a list of a minimum of three professional references to:

J.J. Rico

Chief Executive Officer

Disability Rights Arizona

4539 E. Ft Lowell Road

Tucson, AZ 85712

center@disabilityrightsaz.org

Two of your three references must be current or former supervisors. DRAZ will notify applicants before contacting references. In your cover letter, you must clearly explain how your experience relates to the essential functions noted above.  Finalists will be asked to submit a writing sample. Candidates for this position will be interviewed telephonically or via videoconferencing.