Resident Advocate (Field Long Term Care Ombudsman) - Orange County

POSITION TITLE: Resident Advocate (Long Term Care Ombudsman) - Orange County

HOURS: 10 to 24 Hours per week, flexible schedule

FSLA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $21-$24/hour

PURPOSE: To investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents living in nursing and residential care homes. To provide advocacy and mediation to ensure that resident rights and quality of life are maintained or improved. To receive and refer or respond to complaints made by or on behalf of residents in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs), and adult residential facilities.(ARFs).

REPORTING TO: Director, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Orange County

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Residents living in SNFs, RCFEs, and ARFs 

RESPONSIBILITIES & JOB FUNCTIONS (including but not limited to):

• Receives and responds to inquiries and complaints made by or on behalf of residents in nursing and residential care homes.

• Receives and follows up on reports involving developmentally disabled (DD) residents in ARFs and under Regional Center of Orange County.

• Develops professional relationships with nursing and board & care personnel through regular visits to each facility within an assigned area.

• Develops ability to handle complex complaints in SNFs and large RCFEs after undergoing training and mentoring by experienced Ombudsmen in those settings

• Attends monthly in-services and regional meetings and staff meetings, as scheduled, and participates in other relevant ongoing training.

• Maintains records of documentation and submits required records in a timely manner.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified as a State Long-Term Care Ombudsman or the ability to successfully complete the 36-hour State Certified Long Term Care Ombudsman training and 10-hour minimum post training mentoring.

• Six months experience in social services or institutional setting (volunteer, staff or internship).

• Ability to document activities thoroughly in a concise manner.

• Objectivity and impartiality in documenting, discussing and reporting incidents.

• Ability and willingness to follow complaints to conclusion.

• Sensitivity to the human situation as related to the aging process and tactfulness in public contact.

• Ability and willingness to drive to facilities throughout Orange County, as needed

• Ability and willingness to make presentations to small groups.

• Valid California driver's license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation.

• Submit to and successfully complete LiveScan Fingerprinting background check.

• Proof of negative TB status.

• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Note: Ombudsmen are by law, prohibited from employment in a long-term care facility or from having any financial interest in a long-term care facility during the time they are acting in an Ombudsman capacity. An Ombudsman will be required to sign the Conflict of Interest policy prior to commencing any assignments.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform this job.

While performing the duties of this job the employee will be required to sit for periods of time. Standing, walking and bending are required movements. The employee will occasionally need to lift approximately 20 lbs.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The ability to transport oneself to needed appointments with reliable transportation is required.