Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Pierce County • Tacoma, WA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman supervises the regional LTC Ombudsman program, ensuring volunteers are trained, educated, and informed to advocate effectively within long-term care communities. The role builds relationships with volunteers, residents, and families, and supports residents through self-empowerment, education, upholding resident rights, and resident-directed interventions. It calls for dispute resolution, conflict intervention, practical problem-solving, and creativity.

The position also involves community engagement and coordination, and project planning to develop and implement strategic plans addressing the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities in Pierce County. The successful candidate works collaboratively with a team and community partners to provide high-quality services and supports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in health, nursing, social sciences, psychology, sociology, counseling, social work, or a closely related field; additional education or experience may substitute for recruiting requirements.
• At least 3 years of social service experience, including at least 2 years in aging or geriatric long-term care.
• At least 1 year of supervisory or lead experience.
• At least 1 year of experience recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers.
• Must be a resident of Pierce County, the region served.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in management principles and techniques, including volunteer management.
• Demonstrated experience training adults and public speaking.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain certification as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman designated by the State Long-Term Care Ombuds.
• Must be able to travel throughout Pierce County.
• Must authorize and complete a background check as a condition of employment.
• Must be free of conflicts of interest under WAC 365-18 that interfere with or appear to interfere with Ombudsman responsibilities; must not have been employed in any capacity by a long-term care facility during the year before appointment and must have no pecuniary interest in providing long-term care services.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
• A resume and cover letter are required; applications without them will not be considered.

Responsibilities

• Inform residents, their representatives, and others about residents’ rights, and offer and provide services.
• Prepare summary statistical and narrative reports as instructed by the State Ombuds; use computer systems to generate required monthly and annual summary reports.
• Receive and conduct fact-finding on complaints relating to administrative actions that adversely affect the health, welfare, or rights of residents of regional long-term care facilities, and work to resolve those complaints.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers who assist with complaint fact-finding and resolution.
• Supervise and evaluate Certified Volunteer LTC Ombuds and staff.
• Provide technical assistance and supervision concerning facility visits, complaint receipt and resolution, fact-finding, investigation, and complaint-resolution approaches such as mediation and negotiation.
• Develop and implement strategic plans responding to the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities in Pierce County.
• Build collaborative relationships with community partners and coordinate community engagement efforts.

Benefits

• Pierce County offers leadership classes, online learning, and other training opportunities for continuous professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager