Location: Longview,WA, USA
POSITION TITLE: Compliance Officer
DEPARTMENT: HHS Administration
LOCATION: Longview
REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Health & Human Services
FLSA STATUS: Exempt; Full-Time
SALARY RANGE: $121,472 - $151,944 per year DOE
CLOSING DATE: January 16, 2025
* If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.*
Position Summary:
Oversees the Tribal HHS Compliance Program, functioning as an independent and objective body that reviews and evaluates compliance issues/concerns within the department. The position ensures the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Tribal Council, Health Board, management, and employees are following the rules and regulations of regulatory agencies, that company policies and procedures are being followed, and that behavior in the organization meets the Tribes Standards of Conduct. Serves as staff to the HHS Executive Director and Health Board by monitoring and reporting results of the compliance/ethics efforts of the department and in providing guidance for the Board and senior management team on matters relating to compliance. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of CIT and the HHS program.
This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.
* If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.*
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
* Develops, maintains, and revises policies and procedures for the general operation of the Compliance Program to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct.
* Manages day-to-day operations of the Program.
* Facilitates regular meetings to ensure communication between staff and program-related activities.
* Contributes to departmental effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues and goals that must be addressed; by providing information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; by recommending options and courses of actions; and by implementing compliance directives.
* Develops and reviews Standards of Conduct to ensure continuing currency in providing guidance to management and employees.
* Collaborates with other programs and departments within the Tribe (e.g., Risk Management, Internal Audit, Quality Improvement, Safety, etc.) to direct compliance issues to appropriate existing channels for investigation and resolution.
* Anticipates and recommends mitigation efforts for potential business risks, ensuring strong stewardship and management accountability at all levels.
* Directs the full life cycle of the compliance oversight processes, including investigations, issue resolution, ongoing training/education, and guidance for colleagues.
* Monitors and records outstanding issues and the status of corrective actions.
* Develops and leads the execution and board approval of system-wide annual audit and compliance work plans focused on assessing and enhancing internal controls and compliance regulations.
* Consults with Tribal Legal Counsel as needed to resolve difficult legal compliance issues. Responds to and deals with alleged violations of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and Standards of Conduct by evaluating or recommending the initiation of investigative procedures.
* Acts as an independent review and evaluation body to ensure that compliance issues/concerns within the department are being evaluated and resolved appropriately.
* Identifies potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk; develops/implements corrective action plans for resolution of issues; and provides guidance on how to avoid similar situations in the future.
* Provides reports on a regular basis to keep the Health Board and senior management informed of the operation of compliance efforts.
* Prepares and presents reports on the status, activities, and plans for current and future operations to the Tribal Manager, Health Board, Executive Council, and/or Tribal Council as needed.
* Ensures proper reporting of violations to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate and/or required.
* Institutes and maintains an effective compliance communication program for the organization, including promoting (a) use of the Compliance Hotline; (b) heightened awareness of Standards of Conduct; and (c) understanding of new and existing compliance issues.
* Works with the Human Resources Department as appropriate to develop an effective compliance training program, including appropriate training for new employees as well as ongoing training for all employees.
* Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
* Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
* Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
* Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
* Skill in running reports using an electronic health record system and other financial systems.
* Skill in coaching and consulting employees at varying levels within the organization.
* Skill in operating various word-processing and database software programs in a Windows environment.
* Ability to interpret applicable federal, tribal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
* Ability to work cooperatively in conjunction with senior management and organizational goals.
* Ability to evaluate program effectiveness and financial status.
* Ability to develop and offer program presentations.
* Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
* Ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with staff to develop teamwork environment.
* Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and contribute to the creation of an inclusive environment.
* Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and contribute to the creation of an inclusive environment.
* Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
* Ability to exercise independent judgment.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Minimum Qualifications:
* A Bachelors degree required, Masters desired, Certification in Healthcare Compliance.
* A minimum of 10 years experience in a healthcare organization, to include demonstrated leadership and progressive responsibilities in areas of healthcare/corporate compliance.
* A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
* Experience in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement and fraud and abuse laws.
* Familiarity with operational, financial, quality assurance, and human resource procedures and regulations is a must, as is the ability to work cooperatively in conjunction with senior management and organizational goals.
* Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
* Valid drivers license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
* Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.
Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CITs established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Background Investigation Requirements:
* Pre-employment drug screen.
* Reference checks, education and employment verification.
* Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
* Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.
Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in an office/clinical setting with a moderate noise level. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Work may involve exposure to potentially dangerous situations. Overnight travel and/or evening work may occasionally be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.