Part-Time Community Ombudsman

Shawnee Health; Carterville (IL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Job summary

Shawnee Health is seeking a Part-Time Community Ombudsman to advocate for residents in long-term care facilities in Southern Illinois. The role focuses on protecting residents’ rights, resolving concerns, and improving quality of life through person-centered advocacy, education, and communication.

The Ombudsman will work with residents, families, and facility staff to address complaints and promote dignity, respect, and person-directed care, with flexible hours to accommodate community needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, nursing, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
• Experience with older adults or long-term care settings preferred
• Strong communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Conduct visits to long-term care facilities to meet residents and observe conditions
• Investigate, document, and resolve complaints per Ombudsman policies
• Educate residents, families, staff on residents’ rights and advocacy services
• Maintain confidential, timely case documentation
• Collaborate with facility staff, families, and community partners
• Participate in community outreach and education events
• Uphold ethics and legal guidelines; work independently and manage time effectively

Skills

Advocacy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Job description

Join Southern Illinois’ leading healthcare organization, with over 350 team members who believe that in taking care of each other and our patients and clients, we create new opportunities for success and bring big dreams to life.

The Part-Time Community Ombudsman serves as an advocate for residents living in long-term care facilities. This role focuses on promoting and protecting residents’ rights, resolving concerns, and improving quality of life through person-centered advocacy, education, and communication.

The Community Ombudsman works directly with residents, families, and facility staff to address complaints, provide education on residents’ rights, and support a culture of dignity, respect, and person-directed care.

This position will have flexible hours!

Duties

• Conduct regular visits to long-term care facilities to meet with residents and observe conditions and quality of care
• Receive, investigate, and resolve complaints in accordance with Ombudsman Program policies
• Educate residents, families, staff, and community members on residents’ rights and advocacy services
• Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed case documentation
• Collaborate with facility staff, family members, and community partners
• Participate in community outreach and education events
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all ethical and legal guidelines
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively

Education & Experience Requirements

Required

Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, Nursing, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience)

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred

Experience working with older adults or individuals in long-term care settings

Strongcommunication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills