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 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 Pilot Program. COMIT Investigators, pursuant to DRAZ’s contract with the State of Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES), are responsible for completing Quality of Care Investigations clients residing in Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) funded group homes.  DRAZ’s COMIT initiatives started January 1, 2023 and will continue for a three-year term. See ARS § 36-595.03 for more information.

POSITION SUMMARY

Investigate Quality of Care (QOC) complaints against group home providers alleging abuse, neglect, and/or health/safety violations.  Staff will be responsible for managing a caseload of at least 5-8 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 detailed reports summarizing investigation findings, conclusions, identifying systemic issues with providers regardless of case outcome and making recommendations for corrective action as needed. Identify group home residents who would benefit from DRAZ advocacy and making referrals as needed to outside agencies.
4. Maintaining well organized, comprehensive and accurate electronic case files.

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. Demonstrated experience managing a case load and working independently with minimal direct supervision.Ability to understand and apply legal concepts.
8. Must possess a high level of integrity and be able to maintain confidentiality and complainant privacy on all investigations. Willingness to travel to group homes and provider locations throughout Arizona as needed. See Travel and Working Conditions

Upon hire, staff must obtain a Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to ARS 41-2758.07 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.
• Familiarity with treatment systems/supports for individuals with developmental disabilities in Arizona.
• Knowledge of the P&A System.

 

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, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write clear reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions. Must be comfortable conversing with potentially uncooperative parties.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Job requires specialized computer skills. Must be adept at using various applications including database, spreadsheet, report writing, project management, graphics, word processing, and communicating via e-mail. Effectively 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:

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:

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.

Candidates for this position are subject to a search of the 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. Candidates for this position will be interviewed telephonically or via videoconferencing.