Ombudsman

SPHS GROUP•Charleroi, PA

About The Position

SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA AREA AGENCY ON AGING, INC. Overall Function: Provides Ombudsman services to consumers living in nursing facilities, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, Dom Care homes or in their own home. Essential Functions: Completes investigations and resolves resident complaints regarding quality of life and quality of care issues as directed by the resident. Conducts facility coverage visits as assigned in compliance with Department of Aging policy. Educates consumers/residents/staff regarding resident rights and offers information on how consumers/residents can best exercise those rights. Prepares and submits all required case forms, reports, billings, documentation, and correspondence to the AAA Ombudsman in an accurate and timely manner meeting National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS) standards. Provides advocacy and representation for residents facing involuntary discharge or transfer; ensures residents are informed of their appeal rights and assists in navigating the fair hearing process. Provides information and consultation to residents, facility staff and individuals in the community and attends resident plan of care meetings as requested. Provides social and emotional support and empowerment to residents/consumers/families to ensure proper service delivery in long-term care environments. Supports community outreach initiatives including conducting educational presentations within the community, participating in facility surveys, providing legislative advocacy, and working with Resident and/or Family Councils. Supports the development of the PEER Project within the community, including initial training and coordination of post-graduation activities. Performs other mission-critical advocacy tasks and special projects as assigned, provided they do not constitute a conflict of interest as defined by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Adheres to all policies, laws, regulations, codes of ethics, conflict of interest and confidentiality as outlined by federal and state laws, and agency policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology, Human Services, Social Work or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state regulations governing long-term care facilities, including the Older Americans Act and applicable Pennsylvania Codes.
Demonstrated knowledge of resident/consumer rights in each applicable long-term care setting and have the ability to research information as needed.
Demonstrated ability to make incisive observations, obtain vital information and make appropriate recommendations during interviews and/or while reviewing case records.
Demonstrated knowledge of financial entitlement programs and health/social services available to the consumers.
Demonstrated proficiency in 'Person-Centered' advocacy, ensuring the resident's expressed wishes remain the primary driver of all investigations and resolutions.
Must not be excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal health care program.
Must successfully obtain Criminal History Clearance from the PA State Police, Child Abuse Clearance from the PA Department of Human Services and FBI Fingerprint Clearances.

Responsibilities

Completes investigations and resolves resident complaints regarding quality of life and quality of care issues as directed by the resident.
Conducts facility coverage visits as assigned in compliance with Department of Aging policy.
Educates consumers/residents/staff regarding resident rights and offers information on how consumers/residents can best exercise those rights.
Prepares and submits all required case forms, reports, billings, documentation, and correspondence to the AAA Ombudsman in an accurate and timely manner meeting National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS) standards.
Provides advocacy and representation for residents facing involuntary discharge or transfer; ensures residents are informed of their appeal rights and assists in navigating the fair hearing process.
Provides information and consultation to residents, facility staff and individuals in the community and attends resident plan of care meetings as requested.
Provides social and emotional support and empowerment to residents/consumers/families to ensure proper service delivery in long-term care environments.
Supports community outreach initiatives including conducting educational presentations within the community, participating in facility surveys, providing legislative advocacy, and working with Resident and/or Family Councils.
Supports the development of the PEER Project within the community, including initial training and coordination of post-graduation activities.
Performs other mission-critical advocacy tasks and special projects as assigned, provided they do not constitute a conflict of interest as defined by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Adheres to all policies, laws, regulations, codes of ethics, conflict of interest and confidentiality as outlined by federal and state laws, and agency policies and procedures.