Overview
Description
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is dedicated to optimizing the health and well‑being of all Californians. The Nurse Surveyor Supervisor I (NSS I) plays a critical leadership role in supporting CDPH’s mission by providing first‑level supervision to Nurse Surveyors who evaluate health care facilities throughout the state. This position ensures that California’s hospitals, clinics, long‑term care facilities, and other health care entities meet State, Federal, and local regulatory standards that safeguard patient health and safety.
Under the direction of program leadership, the NSS I oversees the work of Nurse Surveyors responsible for licensing, certification, complaint investigations, and enforcement actions. The incumbent reviews all field staff reports, surveys, and correspondence, including documentation from the State Fire Marshal. The NSS I communicates with providers, administrators, and members of the public regarding regulations, policies, procedures, and survey expectations. This role is responsible for promoting quality, consistency, and timely completion of statewide survey activities to support CDPH’s goals and compliance responsibilities.
Responsibilities
• Provide first‑level supervision to Nurse Surveyors in both field and office settings, establishing and maintaining unit priorities, goals, and objectives.
• Delegate assignments, monitor weekly program activities, and ensure timely completion of surveys, investigations, and related work products.
• Recruit, interview, and hire staff; assess training needs; and provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
• Train new evaluators on unit protocols, departmental standards, policies, and State and Federal regulations.
• Evaluate staff performance using the Individual Development Plan (IDP), review and approve timesheets and leave requests, and prepare documentation related to attendance or disciplinary actions as needed.
• Guide and direct surveyors through all phases of State and Federal surveys, including investigative planning, decision‑making, field activities, and report writing.
• Review, edit, and correct work products such as surveys, citations, complaint investigations, field reports, and CMS Form 2567 deficiency statements.
• Provide consultation to district office staff and respond to questions regarding survey processes, regulatory requirements, and program policy interpretations.
• Communicate with health care facility operators, administrators, and the public on licensing, certification, survey expectations, and regulatory interpretations.
• Ensure assigned facilities are properly licensed and certified in accordance with State and Federal laws, regulations, and departmental policies.
• Apply regulatory standards governing hospitals, nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, clinics, adult day health centers, home health agencies, and other provider types.
• Advise leadership on emerging policy issues, trends, or program needs related to survey and enforcement activities.
• Oversee and coordinate enforcement actions, including citations and adverse actions, and collaborate with the Office of Legal Services and the Attorney General’s Office in the preparation and defense of legal actions.
• Travel up to 25% to conduct onsite supervision, survey support, training, or enforcement activities.
Qualifications
• Strong knowledge of State and Federal health facility regulations and survey processes.
• Experience supervising healthcare or regulatory staff.
• Prior experience conducting surveys, investigations, or compliance evaluations in health care settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially in regulatory or technical contexts.
• Ability to train, mentor, and support staff in complex regulatory work.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to evaluate health care operations objectively.
• Experience reviewing, writing, or editing CMS 2567s or similar regulatory documents.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary partners, stakeholders, and legal counsel.
About California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
Diversity Statement
At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
