State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

4d

About The Position

DHHS, Division of Developmental Disabilities, is looking for the next State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman has responsibility and authority for the leadership of the Nebraska State Long Term Care Ombudsman Office and program. This position provides direction and supervision of local Ombudsmen staff and volunteers across Nebraska. The role operates independently, acting as the primary representative of a statewide program dedicated to educating and supporting long-term care facility residents and their families, and advocates for residents, investigates complaints and resolves issues on behalf of those in long-term care facilities, ensuring their rights are protected and their well-being is prioritized.

Requirements

• General guidelines can include post high school coursework in behavioral or social sciences and independent work experience in social/human services.
• Knowledge of supervisory management concepts
• Knowledge of individual and systems advocacy processes and procedures.
• Problem solving, mediation, compliant resolution skills
• Strong verbal, listening, and written communication skills.
• An understanding of long-term care issues
• Experience in the fields of aging and health care
• Worked with and been involved in volunteer programs
• This position will require travel up to 50% of the time, therefore one must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation for travel to long-term care facilities.
• Successful completion of background checks and any other screenings required by regulatory agencies or employers.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to respond to emergencies or address resident concerns.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards related to long-term care facilities and residents' rights.
• Strong communication and consumer-oriented public policy advocacy skills.
• Negotiation, mediation, and problem resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in computer applications and data management systems.
• Commitment to promoting the well-being and dignity of long-term care residents.
• Not been employed by or affiliated with a long-term care facility within the previous 12 months.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, healthcare administration, gerontology or other human services field is preferred, Equivalent work experience may be substituted for degree.
• Related coursework, training and/or education may substitute for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.
• Relevant experience may include aging services or work in disability services.
• Significant experience in leadership and program management skills, and training employees or volunteers.
• Experience or knowledge working with older adults or individuals with disabilities in a long-term care setting.
• Knowledge of residential long-term care and gerontology and aging programs.
• Knowledge of long-term care regulatory systems and the survey process.
• Consumer oriented public policy advocacy skills

Responsibilities

• Oversee all functions of the long-term care ombudsman program, including programmatic and fiscal management of the program, supervision of all activities, and delegation of responsibilities including fieldwork, complaint investigation and resolution, plan review, and provision of emergency response services.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive complaint resolution process that enables the Ombudsman system to effectively identify, investigate, and resolve complaints from residents, families, or other stakeholders about abuse, neglect, inadequate care, or violations of residents' rights, while ensuring residents have prompt responses and timely consistent access to high-quality services.
• Develop and update policies, procedures, and standards for the administration of the Office, ensure staff and representatives adhere to the policies and procedures, and operate the program and maintain compliance with federal requirements of federal Older Americans Act, federal rule at 45 CFR Part 1324 and Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-2250
• Oversee onboarding and procedures for training, certification, and continuing education of representatives of the office of the long-term care ombudsman based on standards as described in 45 CFR Part 1324 and Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-2250
• Develop and distribute an annual State Ombudsman report and Identify strengths, efficiencies, and barriers in Ombudsman Program practices to enable continual program growth.
• Provide information and support to residents and families regarding residents' rights, available services, and options for addressing concerns or complaints.
• Conduct regular visits and inspections to long-term care facilities to monitor compliance with regulations and standards of care.
• Represent the interests of the residents and collaborate with government agencies, advocacy groups, legal services, and other stakeholders to address systemic issues affecting long-term care residents.
• Advocate for changes in laws, regulations, and policies to improve the quality of long-term care and protect residents' rights.
• Empower residents and families to assert their rights and actively participate in decisions affecting their care and quality of life.
• Maintain accurate records of complaints, investigations, and outcomes, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Participate in training and professional development activities to stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in long-term care advocacy.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life.
• Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
• For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

What This Job Offers

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