State Long Term Care Ombudsman

Aging and Long-Term Services Department - State Long Term Care Ombudsman

Compensation

$64,476.00 - $149,044.00 Salary

Job Description

The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman position is mandated by the Older Americans Act and is designated by the Aging and Long-Term Services Department Cabinet Secretary. Ombudsmen provide information and assistance, advocacy, training, and education to strengthen the long-term care system. Ombudsmen investigate complaints concerning the health, safety, welfare, and rights of long-term care residents, and are resident directed in their work to resolve complaints to the satisfaction of the residents of long-term care services. This position manages the statewide operations of the Ombudsman Program, and is responsible for recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating employees and volunteers to provide Ombudsman representatives in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The duties of this position include but are not limited to:

[20%] Identify, investigate and resolve complaints that are made by or on behalf of residents and that relate to action, inaction or decisions that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare or rights of the residents, including the welfare and rights of the residents with respect to the appointment and activities of guardians and representative payees.

• Provide services to assist the residents in protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of the residents. The Ombudsman will also represent the interests of the residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal and other remedies on behalf of residents to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of the residents.

• Inform the residents about means of obtaining services and ensure that the residents have regular and timely access to the services provided through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office, and ensure the complaints receive timely responses.

[40%] Manage and monitor program operations to ensure efficient cost effective and customer-oriented delivery.

• Analyze, comment on and monitor the development and implementation of federal, state and local laws, regulations and other governmental policies and actions that pertain to the health, safety, welfare and rights of the residents, with respect to the adequacy of long-term care facilities and services in the state and recommend any changes in such laws, regulations, policies and actions as the office determines to be appropriate.

• [30%] Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and supervise staff and volunteers and ensure that there are no conflicts of interest of staff or volunteers supervised.

• Manage and monitor systems, including reporting forms, databases and computerized intake and case tracking systems. Track trends, analyze and report program data and outcomes including dissemination of program information.

• Establish policies and procedures for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office.

• Prepare Annual Report.

[10%] Engage in coalition building and ongoing collaboration with health care professionals, providers, consumers, advocates, associations, and other state agencies.

The incumbent in this position must demonstrate expertise in:

1. Long-term services and supports or other direct services for older persons or individuals with disabilities.

2. Consumer-oriented public policy advocacy.

3. Completion of applicable training requirements.

4. Leadership and program management skills; and

5. Negotiation and problem-solving skills.