Resident Advocate-Long Term Care Ombudsman - Riverside, United States - Council On Aging

Description

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Resident Advocate (Field Long Term Care Ombudsman) - Riverside and Coachella Valley

FSLA Category: Non-Exempt

Compensation: $18- $21/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.

REPORTING TO: Long Term Care Ombudsman Coordinator/ Director.

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Residents living in nursing and residential care homes.

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

· Regularly visit older adult residents in nursing and residential care homes: conduct mandated number of unannounced visits to assigned skilled nursing and board and care facilities as required each quarter.

· Receive and respond to inquiries and complaints made by or on behalf of residents in nursing and board & care homes.

· With required consent, assist residents by advocating and/or mediating to ensure resident rights and quality of life are maintained.

· Investigate and resolve complaints as necessary within the scope of LTC Ombudsman; make referrals to the proper agencies as needed.

· Maintain professional objective relationships with nursing and board & care personnel through regular visits to each facility within an assigned area. Ensure resident advocacy is never compromised and perception of objectivity is consistently maintained.

· Adhere to COASC dress code standards and take responsibility for representing the program and COASC with a professional image when engaging with the community.

· Attend monthly staff meetings and participate in ongoing training.

· Consistently use COASC authorized communication systems to ensure confidentiality and professional practices.

· Enter documentation of activities to ensure ODIN is current and accurate by the end of each week.

· 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.

· Strong desire and/or experience in working with older adult population.

· Highly skilled and effective in communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and maintaining professional relationships.

· Consistently maintains objectivity, impartiality, and confidentiality in documenting, discussing and reporting incidents.

· Ability and willingness to follow complaints to conclusion.

· Proven ability to manage time and projects successfully.

· Sensitivity to the human condition as it relates to the aging process and tactfulness in public contact.

· Available for occasional weekend and evening work.

· Ability and willingness to make presentations to small groups.

· Have a valid California driver's license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation.

· Submit to and successfully complete LiveScan Fingerprinting background check.

· Proficient in current office equipment and practices including Microsoft Office

· 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.