Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Grant/FT/Benefits)

Harford County, Maryland; Bel Air (MD); On-site; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

State Retirement Plan

Deferred Compensation

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Harford County Government seeks an Ombudsman to advocate for residents in licensed long-term care facilities. The role involves confidentially handling complaints, educating residents on rights, and collaborating with families, staff, and regulators to improve quality of care.

The position requires a Bachelor’s in a related field, clean driving record, and willingness to travel across the service area. Eligible for Maryland certification and ongoing training, with a salary budget of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent in a related field.
• Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman certification and ongoing training are required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly within the service area.
• Experience with older adults, advocacy, case management, or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, mediate, and resolve complaints from residents of nursing homes and facilities.
• Advocate for residents' rights and preferences while maintaining confidentiality.
• Work with residents, families, legal representatives, and staff to address concerns and achieve resolutions.
• Monitor complaint trends and identify systemic issues affecting care and quality of life.
• Assist residents in understanding and exercising their rights under federal and state regulations.
• Provide social case work to determine needs and services for clients and families.
• Educate residents and stakeholders about resident rights and available programs.

Skills

Interviewing

Counseling

Travel to facilities

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Access

Job description

Job Description Summary:The Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as an advocate for residents living in licensed nursing homes and assisted living facilities, working under the general supervision of the Client Advocacy Services Manager. The Ombudsman protects resident rights, investigates and resolves complaints, promotes person-centered care, and works to improve the quality of life and quality of care for residents. The position operates in accordance with the Older Americans Act, Maryland Department of Aging requirements, and Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program standards.The Ombudsman provides confidential advocacy services, conducts regular facility visits, educates residents and stakeholders regarding resident rights, and collaborates with facility staff, families, community partners, and regulatory agencies to resolve concerns and enhance resident well-being. Ombudsman services are resident-directed and focus on supporting resident choice, dignity, independence, and self-determination.Harford County Government Core Values are essential to successful job performance and this position, as with all positions at Harford County, is accountable for integrating Core Values in the execution of responsibilities.Job Description:Budgeted Salary: $59,280 annuallyEssential Duties:Resident Advocacy and Complaint ResolutionInvestigate, mediate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilitiesAdvocate for residents' rights, preferences, and interests while maintaining confidentialityWork directly with residents, families, legal representatives, and facility staff to address concerns and achieve satisfactory resolutionsMonitor complaint trends and identify systemic issues affecting resident care and quality of lifeAssist residents in understanding and exercising their rights under federal and state regulationsAssists clients in order to determine eligibility and obtain services and programsPerforms social case work including screening and/or assessing the needs of clients and their family members in regard to specific OOA programsFacility Visitation and MonitoringConduct routine and unannounced visits to assigned long-term care facilitiesMeet privately with residents to assess concerns, identify unmet needs, and provide advocacyObserve facility conditions and identify issues affecting resident quality of care or quality of lifeParticipate in resident and family council meetings and support resident leadership opportunitiesDocument facility visits, observations, and interventions in accordance with program standardsEducation and OutreachProvide education regarding resident rights, abuse prevention, grievance procedures, and quality-of-life issuesConduct presentations and training sessions for residents, families, facility staff, volunteers, and community organizationsPromote awareness of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and available servicesDevelop outreach materials and informational resourcesProvides counseling for clients and their families regarding programs and to advise of same based on state and federal guidelines or regulationsDocumentation and ReportingMaintain accurate and timely electronic records of complaints, investigations, facility visits, and outreach activitiesPrepare reports required by the Maryland Department of Aging and local administrationEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local Ombudsman program requirementsProtect the confidentiality of all resident information and records.Performs related administrative functions including data collection, data analysis and report writingYears of Experience:2 years of experience working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, long-term care services, advocacy, case management, or a related fieldEducation:Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Gerontology, Public Health, Counseling or related fieldCertifications, Licensures, and Examinations:Must have a valid Driver's License and ability to travel regularly throughout the service areaAbility to successfully complete Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman certification and ongoing training requirementsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Ability to interview residents and address sensitive situations involving complaints, abuse allegations, and conflict resolutionAbility to travel between facilities and community locationsAbility to navigate nursing homes and assisted living facilitiesAbility to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 pounds as neededKnowledge of the elderly and their needsKnowledge of the State and Federal programs including regulatory and policy issuesSkilled in counseling and interviewing techniquesSkilled at performing social case workAbility to supervise, to plan, direct and evaluate programs, to prepare reports, to communicate effectively both orally and in writingKnowledge of basic computer programs including Word, Excel and AccessAbility to learn new computer programs as required by the State (NAPIS, AIM, and Ombudsmanager)Working Conditions:Frequent travel to nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the countyOccasional evening or weekend attendance at resident councils, community events, or meetingsCombination of office, community, and facility-based work settingsSAFETY:Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.COMPENSATION:Other compensation may include but is not limited to:OvertimeCompensatory timeShift DifferentialsBENEFITS:Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:Health, Dental & Vision insuranceFlexible Spending AccountsState Retirement Plan and Deferred CompensationLong Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and ChildrenGenerous Leave Package & Paid HolidaysTuition ReimbursementHarford County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.