Long-Term Care Ombudsman

United Way of Central Alabama; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

United Way of Central Alabama is seeking a Long-Term Care Ombudsman to advocate for the rights and quality of life of Alabama's seniors in long-term care facilities.

You will investigate complaints, educate facility staff, monitor laws, and collaborate with families, providers, and state agencies to ensure dignity and proper care.

This role involves travel across the state, evening/weekend availability, and maintaining accurate case files.

Qualifications

• Effective communication with industry customers, consumers, legislators and staff

Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve complaints by or on behalf of long-term care residents.
• Advocate on behalf of long-term care residents.
• Achieve program objectives by working with involved parties (family, facility staff, physicians, agencies).
• Monitor laws and regulations affecting long-term care facilities.
• Comment on proposed regulatory changes and interpret federal/state laws.
• Develop and present training for facility staff and community groups.
• Respond to complaints and inquiries relating to long-term care facilities or residents.
• Maintain appropriate case files and written records.

Skills

Communication

Investigation

Policy interpretation

Training delivery

Advocacy

Elder care knowledge

Microsoft Office

Reading policies

Public speaking

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join United Way as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman and make a real impact in the lives of Alabama's seniors! Advocate for resident rights, solve meaningful challenges, and help ensure every individual receives the dignity, respect, and quality care they deserve. If you're passionate about helping others and creating positive change, this is your opportunity to make every day matter.

Job Description:

The mission of the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is to enhance the quality of life, improve the level of care, protect individual rights, and promote the dignity of each Alabama citizen residing in a long-term care facility. The Ombudsman solves complaints on behalf of long-term care residents using a network of trained and certified Ombudsmen. The Ombudsman establishes productive liaisons with senior organizations, advocacy groups and cooperative associations that impact the lives of long-term care residents.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of long-term care residents.
• Advocate on behalf of long-term care residents.
• Achieve program objectives by working with involved parties, which could include family members, facility members, facility administration, medical professionals, local and state agencies, guardians and conservators, attorneys, law enforcement and the courts.
• Monitor the development and implementation of federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and administrative actions that affect long-term care facilities.
• Comment on proposed regulatory changes
• Interpret federal and state laws and regulations relating to long-term care facility residents.
• Knowledgeable of elder care laws, including the older Americans Act as amended, Title VII.
• Monitor the conditions in long-term care facilities via ongoing on-site facility visits and reviewing regulatory reports.
• Develop and present training for facility staff and community groups.
• Respond to complaints and inquires relating to long-term care facilities or residents.
• Provide consolation and technical assistance to family members, facility staff, guardians, attorneys, and others, including rapid response to urgent problems.
• Act as the resident’s representative/advocate in administrative conferences resulting from a notice of involuntary discharge from a long-term care facility.
• Respond to and make referral of suspected abuse to an appropriate agency.
• Maintain appropriate case files and written records of complaints and consultations

Knowledge

• Effective communication with industry customers, consumers, legislators and staff both orally and in writing
• Investigation and complaint resolution skills
• Interpreting and implementing policy and procedure
• Development and delivery of tracings and training materials
• Experience as an advocateInterest in working with the elderly population
• Ability to read/interpret policies, rules, and laws.
• Knowledge of nursing homes and adult home systems
• Experience and complaint investigation, mediation and conflict resolution
• Strong commitment to consumer advocacy and resident rights
• Good oral, written and organizational skillsKnowledge of community resources
• Training skills in public speaking
• Computer skills and experience using Microsoft Office, Windows, and Excel

Education/ Experience

A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a related degree in human services; OR Any combination of experience or education equivalent to three years of experience in a human service-related program.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment with occasional afterhours work and travel throughout the state

Rotating work schedule to include evening/weekend and on-call.

Travel to and from sites as needed and appropriate.

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

Requirements

Reliable transportation

Proof of automobile insurance commensurate with State law

Background checks to include but not limited to criminal record and drug screen

Must meet and maintain eligibility requirements to be insured by UWCA’s insurance

Cell phone

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an emergency regulation requiring COVID-19 vaccination of eligible staff at health care facilities that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The regulation also provides for exemptions based on recognized medical conditions or religious beliefs, observances, or practices.

Conflict of Interest

A person or member of the person’s immediate family has any financial or ownership interest in a long-term care facility or is employed by a long-term care facility.

A person who has been employed by a long-term care facility within the last two years.