Long Term Care Ombudsman (Lewiston)

North Idaho College•Lewiston, ME

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults across North Idaho. As a Long-Term Care Ombudsman based in Lewiston, this role serves as a trusted advocate for residents in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, working to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected. This position routinely visits long-term care facilities throughout the region, building relationships with residents and staff while providing timely access to information and support. The Ombudsman receives and investigates concerns, mediates issues, and works toward fair, respectful resolutions that protect residents’ health, safety, and well-being. The role also includes presenting program information to community groups, maintaining accurate case records, and ensuring all activities align with state and federal guidelines. There may be opportunities to recruit, train, and support volunteer ombudsmen as part of expanding program reach. The ideal candidate brings strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment. Success in this role requires the ability to analyze information, manage confidential matters, and maintain detailed documentation. Strong organizational skills, comfort with technology, and the ability to prioritize work across a large service area are essential. A collaborative mindset and the ability to build trust with diverse populations will support effective advocacy and meaningful outcomes for residents.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of one-year full-time equivalent related experience in social work, nursing, public health, geriatrics, administration, community organization or another related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.
Ability to analyze information.
Ability to manage confidential matters.
Ability to maintain detailed documentation.
Strong organizational skills.
Comfort with technology.
Ability to prioritize work across a large service area.
Collaborative mindset.
Ability to build trust with diverse populations.
Valid driver's license and proof of liability insurance.
Must successfully complete the Idaho Ombudsman Certification training program, fingerprinting, and criminal background check.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advocate for residents in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
Routinely visit long-term care facilities throughout the region.
Build relationships with residents and staff.
Provide timely access to information and support.
Receive and investigate concerns.
Mediate issues and work toward fair, respectful resolutions.
Protect residents’ health, safety, and well-being.
Present program information to community groups.
Maintain accurate case records.
Ensure all activities align with state and federal guidelines.
Recruit, train, and support volunteer ombudsmen (potential opportunity).