Architect IV

Job Description:
If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you

Life Safety Code (LSC) Architect

Architect IV - Starting Market Rate Salary $,.60

Under the supervision of the Director, this position performs highly advanced (senior-level) architectural work performing the planning, design, and implementation of architectural and construction projects. Provides advanced consultative services and performs leadership functions by providing direction and guidance to highly specialized professionals. Leads complex and large-scope long-term care construction inspections and investigates complaints. Conducts annual, required and initial surveys to determine compliance with state licensure and/or federal certification requirements. Identifies and writes deficiencies in accordance with program requirements and makes appropriate referrals to state and federal agencies. Accurately interprets codes, rules and regulations and prepares guidance letters. Reviews and approves federal survey reports, trains inspection staff, and coordinates travel. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The state of Texas offers many to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as (k) and Programs? under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. Essential Job Functions:
Provides high-level technical architectural assistance. Plans and coordinates the design and construction of long-term care facilities, including its complex building systems to ensure codes and requirements are met. Provides code and policy interpretation to design professionals, facility directors and the public. Prepares guidance letters to train staff and teach public thereby reducing the number of failed inspections and increasing consistency among inspectors. Serves as an expert resource in architectural/engineering issues for long-term care facilities.

Oversees and conducts field inspections and survey complaint investigations on highly complex and large-scoped long-term care facilities, and evaluates data to ensure compliance with codes, standards, Medicare regulations, and project requirements. Lead worker providing direction to contractors during testing of multiple life-saving building systems (medical gas, emergency electrical system, nurse call, heating and air conditioning, emergency water, fire alarm system, and sprinkler system). Makes appropriate professional judgments and applies professional expertise in technical skills on fire safety design in evaluating long-term care facilities. Coordinates with contractors, construction managers, and other code officials. Coordinates inspection travel.

Facilitates meetings with long-term care facility representatives (architects, engineers, contractors, long-term care providers, etc.). Determines functional and spatial requirements of new structures or renovations. Provides public presentations and training regarding various areas of design and agency or program procedures and methods. Prepares educational materials and training forms. Serves as a preceptor and mentor in the orientation and initial training of newly employed architects/engineers. Participates in the rule review development and revision related to architectural and engineering requirements for long-term care facilities Attends enforcement conferences and hearings to provide expert testimony relative to violation of rules related to architectural/engineering requirements.

Prepares state and federal reports, reduces facts to specific findings, and recommends solutions. Oversees and reviews drawings, blueprints, records, technical reports, structure specifications, materials, and equipment. Evaluates facility’s corrections for compliance with laws and specifications.

Performs other duties as assigned for smooth daily operations and management objectives, to include assisting with developing and implementing departmental policies and procedures. Represents the agency with expert testimony for depositions, hearings, and/or trials involving actions taken against facilities on behalf of facility residents. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of architectural and design principles, techniques, and procedures; of construction methods and management; of engineering specifications related to design work; and of mathematical applications.

Knowledge of long-term care industry and life safety applications. Knowledge of Long-Term Care safety codes.

Knowledge of conducting long-term care inspections. Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract construction administration.

Knowledge of fire safety principles, fire prevention practices, fire and safety hazards, fire control and protection equipment, and disaster preparedness principles.

Skills in communicating effectively, intelligently, and professionally with public, stakeholders, and other State agencies.

Skill in composing, editing, and proofreading correspondence and reports. Technical writing ability to prepare concise reports and business correspondence.

Skill in the operation of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint, and other applicable software.

Skill in establishing and managing positive and professional business and working relationships with co-workers, other program personnel, and the public.

Skill in project management monitoring.

Skill in making program management decisions impacting service delivery.

Skill in the use of architectural tools and problem solving.

Ability to record that information by drafting correspondence.

Ability to communicate verbally with various facility personnel to obtain required survey information.

Ability to conduct interviews, record information, prepare case narratives/lengthy documents using word processing.

Ability to learn, remember and integrate complex concepts and complicated processes involving long-term care Life Safety Code regulations.

Ability to visualize architectural designs and to apply architectural concepts

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define complex problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to coordinate a substantial workload and oversee/prioritize multiple assignments with minimal supervision, and to exercise independent judgment.

Ability to independently analyze new situations and respond with sound technical judgment.

Ability to understand the urgency and set the priorities for the Unit.

Ability to direct others yet work in a team environment with all levels of staff.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.

Ability to climb ladders and go through tight spaces, such as attics and mezzanines.

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