REGIONAL LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN

Centralina Regional Council•Charlotte, NC

4d•$47,500 - $55,000•Onsite

About The Position

Centralina Regional Council seeks a well-organized, customer service-oriented individual with a strong human services background to join the Centralina Area Agency on Aging. The role supports older and disabled adults in the region by providing advocacy services for people in long-term care and assisted living facilities, investigating complaints, and resolving issues. The position involves observing and receiving complaints about resident care, visiting facilities to gather evidence and document findings, and meeting with facility management to discuss findings and negotiate corrective plans and timelines. The ombudsman also provides technical assistance and counseling to the public about navigating the long-term care system and placement, and delivers training about legislation and regulations governing older citizens’ rights and long-term care.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, social work, or a related field, and three to five years of experience working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families in areas such as advocacy, complaint resolution, investigation, customer service, mediation, negotiation, or conflict resolution; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations relating to long-term care.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations relating to aging programs and the role of social and other service organizations in meeting older adults’ needs.
Knowledge of the physical and mental health, nutritional, economic, social, housing, and recreational needs of older adults.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups, including staff, service providers, governmental agency representatives, advisory boards, volunteers, consumers, associates, and the general public.
Ability to multitask and manage multiple simultaneous priorities.
Strong organizational skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to lift 10 pounds of force occasionally and visual acuity to prepare data, proof work, and do extensive reading.

Responsibilities

Observe and receive complaints regarding the care of residents in long-term care facilities.
Visit facilities to observe and gather evidence regarding care or complaints, and record findings.
Meet with facility management to report findings and negotiate a plan of correction and timeline, facilitating information mediation.
Develop and provide technical assistance to the public in navigating the long-term care system; counsel the public regarding long-term care placement.
Provide training to increase awareness and information regarding legislation and regulations governing the rights of older citizens and long-term care.
Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records.
Maintain the confidentiality of client information as required by state and federal laws, regulations, and professional practice standards.