Architect IV-591225 (Hybrid)

Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Architectural Review Unit (ARU) 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 healthcare construction inspections and investigates complaints. Conducts required annual 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. 

 Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Provides high-level technical architectural assistance. Plans and coordinates the design and construction of healthcare 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 healthcare facilities. (25%)

Oversees and conducts field inspections and survey complaint investigations on highly complex and large-scoped healthcare 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 lifesaving 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 health care facilities. Coordinates with contractors, construction managers, and other code officials. Coordinates inspection travel. (25%)

Facilitates meetings with health facility representatives (architects, engineers, contractors, health 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 healthcare facilities Attends enforcement conferences and hearings to provide expert testimony relative to violation of rules related to architectural/engineering requirements. (20%)

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. (20%).

Performs other duties as assigned for smooth daily operations and management objectives, to include assisting with developing and implementing departmental policies and procedures. 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. (10%).

 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 healthcare industry and life safety applications. Knowledge of NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code and NFPA 101: Life Safety Code.

Knowledge of conducting healthcare 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. 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.

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 learn, remember and integrate complex concepts and complicated processes involving healthcare 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.

 Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Licensed Architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

Valid Class C (or higher) Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state, is required. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

 Initial Selection Criteria:

The following six (6) criteria are REQUIRED. The hiring supervisor cannot consider any applicant that does not meet all six (6) of the required criteria for this position.

1. Experience writing reports and letters via organizing, preparing, proofreading, and presenting information in written format.

2. Experience using computers for such functions as word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail programs.

3. Experience in a position requiring direct contact with the public and responding professionally and clearly presenting information verbally.

4. Possess a valid Class C (or higher) Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.

5. Registered Architect.

6. Educational experience that indicates a proficiency in architectural knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform code reviews and inspections.

 Additional Information:

Requires travel through Texas, including overnight travel. May be required to work other than usual hours (8 am – 5 pm M-F), including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Occasional outside work in inclement weather. Must have reliable transportation. 

 MOS Code:

510X, 653X, 32EX  HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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