Long Term Care Ombudsman

The SPAN Center: Capital Area Agency on Aging•Richmond, VA

About The Position

Serves as an advocate for long-term care recipients, working in concert with state and federal requirements regarding the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, serving individuals receiving care in long-term care facilities, adult day health centers, and in community settings (e.g., home health, long-term services and support). The Ombudsman investigates and works to resolve complaints and concerns, provides information and assistance to individuals and the community at large, educates facility staff and long-term care residents on resident rights and responsibilities guaranteed by law.

Requirements

Knowledge of the theories, principles and techniques of mediation and conflict resolution; ability to advocate in a professional and diplomatic way; knowledge of the aging process and the physical, psycho-social needs of older adults.
An understanding of and compassion for the challenges that aging and disability can present, and an understanding of the principles and processes of advocacy.
Knowledge of medical terminology and experience/ understanding in interpreting medical records, including physical and mental health assessments and treatment plans, functional status, and medication administration.
General understanding of the principles and processes of resident assessment and person-centered care
Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports and to maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of program work and case investigations in the program’s electronic data system.
Ability to communicate ideas effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments effectively; ability to read, interpret and apply work related laws, ordinances, policies and other regulations and guidelines applicable to the program role.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with residents, family members, facility administrators and other providers, human service professionals, medical professionals, nursing and assisted living facility staff, and the general public.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in nursing or related field or human services.
Must successfully complete Ombudsman certification within six months of hire date.
Must be able to fulfill all traveling requirements of this position
Must be free of conflicts of interests that interfere or have the appearance of or potential for interfering with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman's responsibilities.
A criminal background check through law enforcement agencies will be conducted on all successful applicants prior to their being appointed to this position.

Nice To Haves

Prefer experience in a social work, nursing home or other long-term care facility.

Responsibilities

Investigates complaints, mediates conflicts to facilitate resolutions in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Ombudsman services are provided to anyone living in a long-term care facility, those receiving community-based long-term care, including home health and adult day health care.
Works with facility staff to correct issues and problems; conducts in-service training for facility staff.
Care recipient must give consent for Ombudsman to utilizes relevant resident information as needed (e.g., physical and mental health assessment, care plans, and records of care and treatments administered
Provides information and consultation to persons with long term care service needs, questions, and concerns.
Ombudsman provides consumer education/ information verbally and in written form to persons seeking information on long term care.
Designs and conducts public presentations and training on long term care topics; attends and conducts meetings and training sessions.
Enters timely documentation into the LTC Ombudsman Program’s electronic data management system.
All program activities performed per requirements of the Office of the State LTC Ombudsman, including accurate and complete documentation of complaint investigations and actions to resolve complaints.
Maintains confidentiality as required by law.
Maintains up-to-date working knowledge of state and federal LTCO laws, rules and regulations.
Participates in advocacy efforts to support and address the diverse needs of the communities we serve.
Supports opportunities for community volunteers to engage with relevant aspects of their department or program, with support from Volunteer Services Staff.