Ombudsman Program Coordinator

Exceptional Family Resources•Syracuse, NY

10h

About The Position

ARISE/EFR partners with people with disabilities to advance independence and remove barriers through advocacy and services. The Ombudsman Program Coordinator provides federally guaranteed advocacy services to residents of skilled nursing and/or assisted living facilities in assigned regions. The position is based in Syracuse and covers Onondaga County, with travel to Cortland, Cayuga, and Oswego as necessary. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for 40 hours per week, including a one-hour paid lunch. This is a non-exempt position paying $20.96–$23.00 per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, health, public administration, gerontology, law, or a related field.
Program management experience, with at least two years of experience working with seniors and/or individuals with disabilities.
Three years of experience in human services, including at least one year in aging or long-term care.
Demonstrated commitment to advocacy work, with at least one year of experience as an advocate.
Working knowledge of community resources.
Demonstrated professional computer proficiency.
Strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills.
Valid New York State driver license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

Provide regular and ongoing ombudsman advocacy presence in supported long-term care facilities.
Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with facility administrations and meet with staff as needed.
Participate in and mediate care plan meetings to advocate for residents’ needs.
Document casework with appropriate notes and accurate details.
Initiate and maintain working relationships with agencies and community groups involved in supporting or enforcing quality of life in long-term care facilities.
Recruit, screen, and interview potential ombudsman volunteers and provide shadowing opportunities.
Maintain the confidentiality of files and resident information in accordance with State Long Term Care Ombudsman policies and HIPAA.
Increase public support for long-term care residents and awareness of volunteer opportunities through public forums, community speaking engagements, agency fairs, and radio or television interviews.
Provide resources and support to facility Family Councils.
Attend monthly Resident Council meetings.
Maintain ombudsman certification by obtaining 18 hours of continuing education credits annually.
Provide education to facility staff, including on residents’ rights, upon request.
Maintain working knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to long-term care.
Complete New York State-mandated ombudsman certification training.
Use the Peerplace Data Management System to document volunteer and program activity in accordance with the National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS).
Oversee upkeep and maintenance of regional data in Peerplace and run reports as necessary.
Maintain and regularly update the folder of “Frequently Updated Lists and Spreadsheets.”
Attend County Office of Aging meetings monthly.
Uphold policies and procedures and exercise sound judgment in keeping protected health information and other sensitive information strictly confidential.
Perform other duties as assigned.