Summary

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Ensure that licensed facilities and services comply with adopted regulations codes and standards that provide for the health, safety and well-being of their clients. Evaluate evidence and conduct Investigations on behalf of the Department. Maintain effective working relationships with the facility, associates, law officers, judicial personnel, professional and nonprofessional individuals, and the general public. Analyze complex situations, determine pertinent facts, reach reasonable conclusions, and propose solutions. Schedules licensure inspections based on current Division criteria. Evaluates licensed facilities, activities and 51:JfVices and identifies conditions out of compliance with fire and life safety standards. Conducts Centers for Medicaid Services (CMS) Life Safety Code Surveys based on NFPA 101 and NFPA 99 Health Facilities Code and CMS Emergency Preparedness Surveys based on and the CMS State Operations Manual. Conducts inquiries and Investigations resulting from complaints about activities in a thorough, unbiased and timely manner.

Schedules licensure inspections based on current Division criteria. Evaluates licensed facilities, activities and services and identifies conditions out of compliance with fire and life safety standards. Conducts inquiries and investigations resulting from complaints about activities ln a thorough, unbiased and timely manner. Employees will also conduct fire investigations on behalf of the Department. Performs comprehensive Life Safety Code certification surveys of Title 18 (Medicare) Title 19 (Medicaid) facilities for compliance with federal, state, and other applicable laws and regulations, including annual recertification, complaint investigation, revisit, initial, and validation surveys. Conducts surveys according to regulatory requirements and within mandated timeframes. Functions independently or as member of an Interdisciplinary team. Prepares for survey Including pre-survey review of CMS data including database and faculty reports, compliance history, and facility complaint history. Consults with Supervisor as required. Communicates with and interviews healthcare facility personnel, patients and families to obtain facts and seek clarification. Reviews provider plan of corrections for content and appropriateness. Reviews facility blueprints, plans and architectural drawings, sprinkler systems, fire alarm and smoke detection systems for compliance with federal/state codes.

Documents survey information, reviews plan of corrections and maintains record flies in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. Consults and advises responsible parties, including Department management. of the need to modify non-compliant conditions. Participates with other staff members to identify concerns, solve problems and make decisions related to facilities in a rational process, including recommendations to impose penalties when other actions have failed to assure compliance with standards. Studies codes and standards to maintain knowledge of current practices and requirements relating to health care facilities and shares this knowledge with facilities and other department staff of five (5). Discusses fire and life safety Issues with facility personnel and provides training in fire prevention and response strategies. Consults with local resource professionals and facility administrators through technical assistance, in-service training and staff development programs in assisting licensed facilities to more effectively comply with standards. Participates in conferences and seminars relating to the construction, renovation and operation of health care facilities. Performs other duties as necessary, such as training for new employees and other department staff and attending periodic division meetings.

Examples of duties

State Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and experience conducting investigations or performing other law enforcement duties. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required work experience.

Agency Additional Requirements: Must be a SC Certified Fire Marshal or successfully complete the International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I Course within one {1) year of employment. Must possess or successfully pass all Quality, Safety Educational Portal (QSEP) Life Safety Code - Fire Safety Evaluation System for Health Care requirements for HealthCare Occupancies (LSC/FSES-HCO) within one (1) year of employment. Operate a motor vehicle and travel to facilities requiring Fire & Life Safety inspections and communicate effectively and accurately with facility administration as noncompliant issues are discovered.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Qualifications

Knowledgeable using computer software programs as well as being able to understand information contained in a database program. Working knowledge of Federal and State regulations, International Building and Fire Codes, and other codes and standards as adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Supplemental information

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
15 days Sick Leave per year
13 Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
Retirement benefit choices *
- State Retirement Plan (SCRS )
- State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP )

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.

Fire Investigator-61010011

Key skills

About this role

Summary

Examples of duties

Qualifications

Supplemental information