STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Utilization Review Nurse Coordinator (35 Hour)

Recruitment #210420-5613HC-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – North Region seeks a qualified and talented individual for the position of Utilization Review Nurse Coordinator. This position is based out of our Private Division and located in East Hartford, CT.  This is a full time 35 hour per week position with a schedule of Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm.  However, must be flexible to meet the needs of the agency.   

Are you a self-starter? Do you have a passion for supporting others? Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal human services environment in the public sector? If so, we want you to join us!  

You will discover the opportunity to:  

  • Engage in a rewarding career;
  • Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
  • Thrive in an exciting environment;
  • Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve;
  • Make a difference in the public sector;
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment.  

We hope you take this opportunity to continue your career with us and make an impact by serving your state!

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.   

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).  

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application. Please note you will be unable to make revisions once the application is submitted to the JobAps system.  

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions, which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. Please regularly check your email for notifications. You must reply by the due date indicated on the notification or you will be automatically disqualified from consideration.  

If selected for further consideration, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, attendance, supervisor references, college transcripts, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.   

Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status updates during the recruitment process. Please note that not all applicants will be contacted for interview and are encouraged to apply for future postings.  

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.  

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

If you require an accommodation to participate fully and fairly under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Renee LaBarge, DDS EEO Director at (860) 418-6022 or Renee.LaBarge@ct.gov.            

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker, at Julie.Barker@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for coordinating a utilization review program which promotes effective cost recovery, quality of care and/or compliance with relevant federal and state laws, regulations and standards.

In the Office of Protection and Advocacy and the Department of Developmental Services this class is accountable for performing investigations of abuse, neglect and death in individuals with intellectual disabilities including individuals under the care of the Department of Developmental Services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

WORKING LEAD (REGULATORY) : Coordinates work flow and determines priorities to assure highest quality of care with efficient utilization of available services; schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work; establishes and maintains program protocols and procedures; provides staff training and assistance; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; acts as liaison with other operating units, agencies and outside officials regarding program policies and procedures; prepares reports and correspondence; assesses, evaluates and monitors documentation of all hospital disciplines when performing case reviews; attends professional workshops, seminars and in-service training; may supervise Utilization Review Nurses and other staff engaged in review of medical records of individuals in state health care institutions for purposes of maximizing reimbursement revenue via Medicare Part B programs; may review medical records and compile documents for case presentations; may provide pre-certification for and coordination of inmates admitted to and discharged from acute care facilities; may lead an inspection team in IPR/UR and licensing review functions; may conduct entrance and exit interviews of care providers; may supervise and participate in hospital Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement programs including preparation of appeals on behalf of a facility relative to intermediate denials; may testify in court; may coordinate review and audit of occupational injury and/or disease disability cases for purpose of determining medical management, cost containment, peer review and rehabilitation; may notify acute care hospitals of scheduled utilization review including conducting second level review of cases and case referral to a physician consultant for final disposition; performs related duties as required.

ADVANCED WORKING LEVEL (INVESTIGATORY): Conducts complex investigations into allegations of abuse or neglect of individuals with intellectual disabilities; conducts complex investigations into cases where a death has resulted of an individual with intellectual disability or for whom the Department of Developmental Services has direct or oversight responsibility for medical care; reviews medical care that was provided to individuals; assists in the investigation to determine if the death is a result of abuse or neglect; participates in the reviews of events, overall care, quality of life and medical care preceding a death; works cooperatively with State and local police, State's Attorneys and other protective services organizations; interviews alleged victims, direct care providers, families and other potential witnesses; prepares comprehensive, complex investigative reports; may provide information and assistance to the Independent Mortality Review Board or Fatality Review Board for Persons with Disabilities; maintains records and documentation; reviews medical records for pertinent information related to investigations; may testify in court proceeding; performs related duties as required.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: Coordinates activities of care team, plans and schedules meetings, tracks input and attendance; insures outcome of process is accurate document for care planning; audits process according to utilization guidelines and ensures process is completed within appropriate regulatory time frames; trains all Health Care Team members on Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) care planning system; acts as resource to all areas involved in Minimum Data Set (MDS) process; ensures compliance with state statutes, federal Veterans Affairs regulations and state Department of Veterans Affairs policies and procedures; monitors and manages timely electronic transmission of MDS program data; routinely conducts chart audits and maintains log of deficiencies and discrepancies; identifies errors in coding of MDS and RAI forms during completion process; communicates to leadership and interdisciplinary team members any changes to directives and guidelines; enters MDS data into information system; assures ongoing record documentation supports MDS and RAI coding; develops plan of action to correct identified quality deficiencies; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of principles, practices and current trends of nursing; considerable knowledge of standards of medical care; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to analyze patient profiles and progress charts; some supervisory ability.

REGULATORY: Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of regulations and standards pertaining to utilization review; considerable knowledge of care and service delivery to injured workers.

INVESTIGATORY: Considerable knowledge of statutes, policies and procedures governing the care and treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities; considerable knowledge of problems and needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities; considerable knowledge of various types of residential placement facilities; knowledge of investigatory methods and techniques; considerable interviewing skills; ability to research and analyze data; considerable skills in the preparation of extensive written reports.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: Knowledge of Minimum Data Set process in a long term care setting and coordination of an interdisciplinary team; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of experience as a registered professional nurse.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

REGULATORY: Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in the assessment of the quality and propriety of health care services as required by JCAH and/or Medicare and Medicaid standards and regulations at the level of Utilization Review Nurse.

INVESTIGATORY: Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been working with individuals with Behavioral Health or Intellectual Disabilities.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in the review and assessment of individuals in a long term care setting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

A Bachelor's degree in nursing may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:  

  • Experience with effective supervisory techniques.  
  • Experience with Outlook and Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Microsoft TEAMS.  
  • Experience with medical and behavioral needs of individuals with developmental disabilities across the life span.    
  • Experience with State Medicaid benefits and services, including home health aide services and resources including Money Follows the Person (MFP).  
  • Experience with the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA).    
  • Experience reading, evaluating and applying DDS Policy/Procedures/Regulations.  
  • Experience with the DDS mortality review process.    
  • Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.  
  • Experience in discharge planning from hospitals or rehab, to family or own homes.
  • Experience with Private Agency Providers, Skilled Nursing Facilities.
  • Experience conducting complex investigations into allegations of abuse or neglect of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a current license as a registered professional nurse in Connecticut.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.