Summary
As the state designated Ombudsman for Charles County, this position has primary responsibility under state and federal law, for investigating complaints of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of residents' rights for all individuals who reside and receive services in licensed long term care (LTC) facilities, including skilled nursing facilities and assisted living homes. Secondary responsibilities may include providing information, referral and support within the Aging & Human Services Division, as appropriate.
Essential Job Functions
Investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of residents in licensed long term care (LTC) facilities throughout Charles County. Interviews residents, professionals, and family representatives of incapacitated residents in order to identify, investigate and resolve allegations or complaints.
Provides advocacy, mediation and crisis intervention for residents and families in long term care facilities.
Obtains consents, Inspects, documents, cites and reports violations of residents' rights and facility deficiencies. Maintains confidential case files pertaining to inspections and investigations.
Addresses the needs of institutionalized elderly victims of crime, by working in partnership with law enforcement agencies and public or private victim service organizations.
Recruits, trains and supervises certified volunteers and provides leadership in the development of resident and family councils.
Develops and administers educational and training opportunities for professionals, para-professionals, councils and the public on such topics as: elder abuse prevention; residents' rights; quality assurance in long term care; and culture change in the LTC industry.
Serves as a mediator/liaison to resolve complaints or concerns between facilities and residents or families of residents. Consults with and provides information to consumers and councils on all aspects of LTC and facility regulatory requirements.
Maintains statistical database and confidential client case files; prepares state and federal reports as required.
Provides information, referral and supportive services for clients in long term care programs within the Aging & Human Services Division, as appropriate.
Other Duties:
Performs related work as required.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of-
-Advanced knowledge of medical conditions, medical procedures & treatment protocols, psychological and social issues, and family dynamics and legal rights of the institutionalized populations
-Knowledge of social services and public benefit programs applicable to the elderly and other institutionalized populations.
-Investigative techniques
-Crisis intervention techniques
-Mediation and advocacy techniques
Ability to -
-Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
-Interpret federal and state laws and regulations
-Establish and maintain effective relationships with care facility residents, staff, and administrators, residents' families, health care professionals, and others encountered in the work.
-Prepare and maintain reports in a manner that will uphold legal scrutiny
-Consistently exercise sound judgment in difficult and ethically challenging situations with minimal supervision
-Communicate effectively orally and in writing
-Communicate with individuals who are hearing, visually, or speech impaired
-Educate and train professionals and para-professionals and volunteers on technical, regulatory and service aspects of the work, including outreach and awareness presentations to the public
Skills-
-Excellent problem-solving and decision making
-Operate PC and utilize a wide range of software products and use all standard office machines
-Advanced customer service
Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the above knowledges, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.)
Training and/or Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Human Services, Geriatrics, Social Work, Behavioral Science, Health Care or Related Field
Experience
Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in relevant field, with an emphasis on the elderly or institutionalized populations.
License or Certificates
-Valid Driver's License
-Complete state mandated Ombudsman Certification within 6 months of employment
Special Requirements
-Must be able to pass state and federal criminal background check within the first 3 months of employment.
-Must participate in ongoing professional training in specific topics relevant to residents' rights, geriatrics and disease processes as directed by the State Ombudsman.
-Must complete State Ombudsman "Conflict of Interest" form and be vetted by the State Ombudsman as a condition of employment.Additional Information
Physical Demands
The work is mostly sedentary with periods of light physical activity and is performed in office surroundings as well as visits to multiple off-site locations such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, as well as acute care facilities and medical offices. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods, lift and carry up to 20 pounds, climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboard. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision or hearing.
Unusual Demands
Exposure to communicable diseases and psychologically disturbing images, such as when observing wounds or injuries on the bodies of persons resulting from abuse/neglect. Employee may be required to alter work schedule beyond scheduled hours to participate in meetings, training, or in performance of duties.
Reports to:
Long Term Care Coordinator
Supervises:
Volunteer Ombudsmen
Revised 10/2018
Part-time, contractual (based on availability of federal and state grant funds).
