DSHS HCLA RN​/Adult Family Complaint Investigator

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 Lakewood.

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 Lakewood Field 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. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

• 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

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders
• Knowledge of long‑term care services, regulatory standards, and licensing practices
• Ability to conduct investigations, interviews, and evaluations using sound judgment and critical thinking
• Proficiency with computer systems and data management tools used for reporting and tracking
• Skill in managing time, prioritizing workload, and meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to maintain professionalism, objectivity, and composure in challenging or sensitive situations
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with multidisciplinary teams, agencies, and community partners

• 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.

• 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…