POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: Compliance Director
Schedule: Monday-Friday
Location: Longview, WA
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Opening Date: June 12, 2024
Salary Range: $116,810.38-$146,012.98 per year DOE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled. First Review- June 26, 2024

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

Position Summary
The Compliance Director is responsible for design, implementation, administration, and oversight of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s (CIT) Compliance Program. As the lead for this program, they collaborate with executive leadership to achieve the objectives of the program. The essential duty of the Compliance Director is to manage the program to ensure that policies, procedures, documentation, plans, and administrative systems are in place and that effective education, monitoring and auditing activities support operational, and financial compliance with applicable laws and with sound risk management practices.
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 for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manages day-to-day operations of the Program to ensure that CIT adheres to relevant laws and regulations as well as grant and contract requirements.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of corporate and Tribal compliance program requirements and best practices, state, and federal laws applicable to CIT grant requirements, and ongoing guidance, advisories, or program notices from relevant governmental agencies.
• Assists in the development and maintains CIT’s Code of Conduct for personnel, including contractors.
• Assists in the development of staff’s Conflict of Interest Policy and maintains related records demonstrating compliance with said Policy.
• Identifies grant and contract requirements, monitors compliance with requirements, including through periodic auditing, and in collaboration with Grants and Procurement Department provides related education for CIT personnel.
• Responsible for overseeing development of the organization’s annual Compliance Plan in coordination with the Tribal Council, Tribal Manager and Audit Committee. This function includes conducting an annual risk assessment with input from executives, management, and others as appropriate, incorporating elements of the OIG annual workplan, prioritizing identified risks, establishing action plans for operations and the compliance department, ensuring that all required elements of a compliance plan are addressed and evaluating the plan’s effectiveness. It may include overseeing contracted auditors and advisors.
• Oversees implementation of the Compliance Plan and regularly reports to the Tribal Manager and Audit Committee on implementation of the Plan. Annually presents to the Tribal Council, Tribal Manager and Audit Committee the progress toward implementation of the Compliance Plan, including activities and actions undertaken during the preceding period, proposed Compliance Program activities for the next period, and any recommendations for changes in the Compliance Program. Provides quarterly written information and updates to the Audit Committee on the progress toward implementation of the Compliance Plan and other significant compliance matters.
• Develops, maintains, and implements CIT’s policies related to compliance matters, implements procedures for adherence to compliance requirements, and ensures that policies are communicated and accessible to all CIT employees. Establishes and oversees systems for monitoring compliance with key policies.
• In conjunction with Human Resources, develops and regularly updates an effective compliance training program for employees, including appropriate introductory training for new employees as well as ongoing training at the appropriate level for employees and managers. Maintains compliance related training records.
• Oversees and participates in internal and external audits including audits related to compliance with documentation and billing requirements, policy and contract adherence and sound revenue cycle functions. Ensures that corrective action plans, with accountabilities and timelines are developed in conjunction with operations and administrative leaders.
• Chairs the Compliance Committee, maintains the Committee charter, and ensures that the Committee monitors corrective action plans, reviews corrective action status, and oversees any additional follow-up actions.
• Establishes and oversees a system for employees to report compliance concerns, on an anonymous basis if desired, and to ensure that reporters are not subject to retaliation. Maintains a complaint log and related records documenting any compliance-related complaints, investigative steps, status, and resolution.
• Objectively conducts, oversees, or assists with investigations of reported or suspected violations of CIT’s compliance requirements or its Code of Conduct. This includes ensuring the confidentiality of investigations and developing plans for necessary actions.
• In coordination with the Tribal Manager ensures timely reporting of violations or potential violations (including but not limited to overpayments) to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate and/or required.
• Participates in regulatory reviews, surveys, and site reviews of CIT. In collaboration with executive leadership, assists and monitors, as appropriate, for survey and site review preparation.
• Fosters an organizational culture of compliance and collaborates extensively with executive leadership to achieve the objectives of the compliance program.
• Maintains a current working knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, including statutes and regulations specific to CIT operations and maintains an awareness of CIT systems and infrastructure.
• In collaboration with the Security Officer and IT oversees technical and administrative activities related to privacy and security, including gap analysis and monitoring for actual or potential system or breach of patient/member information; and managing the organization’s response to any privacy breach or disclosure of information, including any required notification or reporting.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, the Security Officer, IT and develops for review and approval by the Tribal Manager and Tribal Council policies and procedures related to privacy and security management and best practices and ensures the communication of procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality, objectivity, and professionalism throughout all work activities.
• Establishes a routine system for handling compliance investigations.
• Promotes quality of care and workplace safety.
• Foster a team environment to effectively lead and retain staff. Provide opportunities for staff to grow and develop new skills.
• Abides by all relevant organization policies.
• Works extremely well under pressure, meets multiple and often competing deadlines.
• At all times demonstrates cooperative behavior with supervisors, subordinates, colleagues, clients, and the community.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

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.
• Knowledge and skills working with federal and state grants preferred.
• Skill in running reports using an electronic health record system and other financial systems.
• Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
• 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 with co-workers at all levels.
• 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, public or tribal administration, legal studies or related field required. Legal degree or master’s degree, highly preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience working directly with corporate and or Tribal compliance, legal or risk management and in a supervisory capacity.
• Certification from a compliance organization such as SCCE, AAPC or others is preferred.
• Familiarity with operational, financial, quality measurement and general personnel procedures and regulations required.
• Knowledge of HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
• Capacity to work at a fast pace with multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Superior interpersonal skills. Able to work well with all levels of diverse work force.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of chain of command as it relates to corporate compliance program, including appropriate protocols for notice and respective timelines.

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 CIT’s 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.

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.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and a Drug & Alcohol-Free workplace.

Except as provided by Title 25 CFR, Section 472 which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.