Long Term Care Ombudsman

Michigan Advocacy Program•Lansing, MI

10d•$53,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking a full-time local long term care ombudsman to work in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties and serve as part of the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP). This position has optional office space available in MEJI’s Lansing office. The work week includes frequent meetings with people who live in residential settings throughout the three county service area. The office portion of the work can be done entirely remotely or through a hybrid arrangement. Candidates must reside in Ingham, Eaton, or Clinton counties or in adjacent counties very near to the three county service area. DESCRIPTION OF MEJI AND MLTCOP PROGRAM: MEJI advocates for and represents low-income older adults and people with disabilities on issues related to long term care, healthcare, benefits, elder abuse, and individual rights. MEJI houses the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program; two local long term care ombudsmen; the MI Health Link and MI Choice, Community Transition Services and PACE Ombudsman Programs; and it engages in litigation and systemic advocacy efforts on behalf of vulnerable adults. Visit meji.org for more information. The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP) advocates for the health, safety, well-being, and rights of residents in licensed nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes. Ombudsmen work at the direction of the resident and take action only with the resident’s consent. All ombudsmen services are provided free of charge. MEJI is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low-income individuals and older adults through several statewide programs. MSAS is administered by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through civil legal aid offices and statewide advocacy programs. MAP’s mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. Visit miadvocacy.org for more information.

Requirements

Successful applicants will possess strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, advocacy, and time management skills as well as an ability to work independently and a desire to empower and support vulnerable individuals.
Understanding the preferences, needs and concerns of older people and people with disabilities is essential to this job.
Those skills can come from working as a caregiver, advocate, or service provider in a professional role or from life experiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the field of aging, health care, and/or long term care and working with members of minority communities would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

Making routine facility visits
Interviewing residents
Providing information on long term care and residents’ rights to residents and the public
Negotiating with facility staff regarding resident concerns
Supporting resident and family councils
Collaborating with legal and state ombudsman staff
Maintaining case documentation
Participating in rigorous on-going training
Coordinate activities with the other Lansing area ombudsman

Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary starting at $53,000 depending on experience.
MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts.
If an applicant does not require health benefits, they have the option to take a $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary.
MAP also has a generous leave policy beginning with 3 weeks paid vacation and 15 paid holidays, as well as a 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment.
MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume