Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Grant/FT/Benefits)

Job Description Summary:The Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as an advocate for residents living in licensed nursing homes and assisted living facilities, working under the general supervision of the Client Advocacy Services Manager. The Ombudsman protects resident rights, investigates and resolves complaints, promotes person-centered care, and works to improve the quality of life and quality of care for residents.

The position operates in accordance with the Older Americans Act, Maryland Department of Aging requirements, and Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program standards. The Ombudsman provides confidential advocacy services, conducts regular facility visits, educates residents and stakeholders regarding resident rights, and collaborates with facility staff, families, community partners, and regulatory agencies to resolve concerns and enhance resident well-being.

Ombudsman services are resident-directed and focus on supporting resident choice, dignity, independence, and self-determination.Harford County Government Core Values are essential to successful job performance and this position, as with all positions at Harford County, is accountable for integrating Core Values in the execution of responsibilities.Job Description:Budgeted Salary: $59,280 annuallyEssential Duties:Resident Advocacy and Complaint ResolutionInvestigate, mediate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilitiesAdvocate for residents' rights, preferences, and interests while maintaining confidentialityWork directly with residents, families, legal representatives, and facility staff to address concerns and achieve satisfactory resolutionsMonitor complaint trends and identify systemic issues affecting resident care and quality of lifeAssist residents in understanding and exercising their rights under federal and state regulationsAssists clients in order to determine eligibility and obtain services and programsPerforms social case work including screening and/or assessing the needs of clients and their family members in regard to specific OOA programsFacility Visitation and MonitoringConduct routine and unannounced visits to assigned long-term care facilitiesMeet privately with residents to assess concerns, identify unmet needs, and provide advocacyObserve facility conditions and identify issues affecting resident quality of care or quality of lifeParticipate in resident and family council meetings and support resident leadership opportunitiesDocument facility visits, observations, and interventions in accordance with program standardsEducation and OutreachProvide education regarding resident rights, abuse prevention, grievance procedures, and quality-of-life issuesConduct presentations and training sessions for residents, families, facility staff, volunteers, and community organizationsPromote awareness of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and available servicesDevelop outreach materials and informational resourcesProvides counseling for clients and their families regarding programs and to advise of same based on state and federal guidelines or regulationsDocumentation and ReportingMaintain accurate and timely electronic records of complaints, investigations, facility visits, and outreach activitiesPrepare reports required by the Maryland Department of Aging and local administrationEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local Ombudsman program requirementsProtect the confidentiality of all resident information and records.Performs related administrative functions including data collection, data analysis and report writingYears of Experience:2 years of experience working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, long-term care services, advocacy, case management, or a related fieldEducation:Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Gerontology, Public Health, Counseling or related fieldCertifications, Licensures, and Examinations:Must have a valid Driver's License and ability t