Benefits)

HCG Harford County, Maryland•Bel Air, MD

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as an advocate for residents living in licensed nursing homes and assisted living facilities, working under the general supervision of the Client Advocacy Services Manager. The Ombudsman protects resident rights, investigates and resolves complaints, promotes person-centered care, and works to improve the quality of life and quality of care for residents. The position operates in accordance with the Older Americans Act, Maryland Department of Aging requirements, and Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program standards. The Ombudsman provides confidential advocacy services, conducts regular facility visits, educates residents and stakeholders regarding resident rights, and collaborates with facility staff, families, community partners, and regulatory agencies to resolve concerns and enhance resident well-being. Ombudsman services are resident-directed and focus on supporting resident choice, dignity, independence, and self-determination. Harford County Government Core Values are essential to successful job performance and this position, as with all positions at Harford County, is accountable for integrating Core Values in the execution of responsibilities.

Requirements

2 years of experience working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, long-term care services, advocacy, case management, or a related field
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Gerontology, Public Health, Counseling or related field
Must have a valid Driver's License and ability to travel regularly throughout the service area
Ability to successfully complete Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman certification and ongoing training requirements
Ability to interview residents and address sensitive situations involving complaints, abuse allegations, and conflict resolution
Ability to travel between facilities and community locations
Ability to navigate nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 pounds as needed
Knowledge of the elderly and their needs
Knowledge of the State and Federal programs including regulatory and policy issues
Skilled in counseling and interviewing techniques
Skilled at performing social case work
Ability to supervise, to plan, direct and evaluate programs, to prepare reports, to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Knowledge of basic computer programs including Word, Excel and Access
Ability to learn new computer programs as required by the State (NAPIS, AIM, and Ombudsmanager)

Responsibilities

Investigate, mediate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Advocate for residents' rights, preferences, and interests while maintaining confidentiality
Work directly with residents, families, legal representatives, and facility staff to address concerns and achieve satisfactory resolutions
Monitor complaint trends and identify systemic issues affecting resident care and quality of life
Assist residents in understanding and exercising their rights under federal and state regulations
Assists clients in order to determine eligibility and obtain services and programs
Performs social case work including screening and/or assessing the needs of clients and their family members in regard to specific OOA programs
Conduct routine and unannounced visits to assigned long-term care facilities
Meet privately with residents to assess concerns, identify unmet needs, and provide advocacy
Observe facility conditions and identify issues affecting resident quality of care or quality of life
Participate in resident and family council meetings and support resident leadership opportunities
Document facility visits, observations, and interventions in accordance with program standards
Provide education regarding resident rights, abuse prevention, grievance procedures, and quality-of-life issues
Conduct presentations and training sessions for residents, families, facility staff, volunteers, and community organizations
Promote awareness of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and available services
Develop outreach materials and informational resources
Provides counseling for clients and their families regarding programs and to advise of same based on state and federal guidelines or regulations
Maintain accurate and timely electronic records of complaints, investigations, facility visits, and outreach activities
Prepare reports required by the Maryland Department of Aging and local administration
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local Ombudsman program requirements
Protect the confidentiality of all resident information and records.
Performs related administrative functions including data collection, data analysis and report writing