Monitor- 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 detail-oriented and passionate staff for its Compliance, Oversight, Monitoring, and Investigations Team (COMIT) who will contribute to its goals and objectives under the Developmental Disabilities Group Home Monitoring Program.  COMIT staff, pursuant to DRAZ’s contract with the State of Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES), are responsible for evaluating the quality of services at group homes for residents with complex needs who have both developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses. DRAZ’s COMIT initiatives started January 1, 2023, as a Pilot Program and secured a new contract with DDD and has been funded through December 31, 2026. See ARS § 36-595.03 for more information.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Monitor will conduct in-person site reviews throughout Arizona to 1) confirm that group homes are providing clients with complex needs adequate services/supports and 2) ensure that group home residents are free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Plan for group home visits by locating and reviewing licensing records, Person-Centered Service Plans (PCSPs), Behavior Treatment Plans (BTPs), incident reports, complaints, etc.
2. Visit group homes in-person to confirm that they are providing safe, supportive, and enriching environments for Members by, at a minimum:
3. Completing interviews of group home Members and Staff.
4. Reading Member’s PCSPs and reviewing relevant medical documentation.
5. Evaluating whether Members are receiving the services listed in their PCSPs and determining whether those services are effective for the Member.
6. Verifying that any physical interventions used on Members adhere to their PCSPs and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
7. Complete standardized agency forms summarizing the results of monitoring visits and any proposed recommendations.
8. Must be able to obtain a Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to ARS 41-2758.07and pass an APS/DCS central registry background check in order to work with children/vulnerable adults.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Two years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities and/or mental health diagnoses as a case manager/coordinator or service provider.
2. Experience developing/evaluating, or providing services pursuant to, PCSPs, Individual Education Plans (IEP), or BTPs. Candidates must be supportive of the principles of person-centered service planning.
3. Experience working in a group home setting, preferably as a Group Home Manager.
4. An understanding of basic medical terminology.
5. Familiarity with treatment modalities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
6. Knowledge of common services/supports for individuals with developmental disabilities (g. residential, day treatment and training, employment and vocational rehabilitation, and behavioral health services).
7. Ability to critically read PCSPs and corroborating documentation to evaluate, compare and analyze whether a provider is adherent to its requirements.
8. Willingness to travel to group homes throughout Arizona. See Travel and Working Conditions below
9. Attention to detail with the ability to accurately document observations on standardized forms.
10. Ability to adhere to deadlines associated with submitting any reports, documentation, etc.

 

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.
• Experience conducting interviews, investigations, or compliance/quality assurance reviews.
• Familiarity with the policies and rules of Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Experience working in an Arizona DDD group home for clients with complex needs.
• Knowledge of the P&A System.

 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to conduct interviews. Ability to establish positive and professional relationships with Group Homes and DRAZ coworkers. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions. Must be able to provide people with disabilities the opportunity for self-determination and empowerment. Communicate using patience and negotiation skills. Work collaboratively in a team environment.

 

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

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret rules, laws, and policies and apply to unique case circumstances.

 

TRAVEL AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Extensive in-state travel is required, including possible overnight stays in remote regions. As a result, candidates are 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

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

DISCLAIMERS

The purpose of this position description is to serve as a general summary and overview of the major duties and responsibilities of the job. It is not intended to represent the entirety of the job nor is it intended to be all-inclusive. Management reserves the right to modify or rescind this position description at any time, with or without prior notice.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact J.J. Rico at center@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. Candidates for this position will be interviewed via videoconferencing.