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Responsibilities

• Visit residents in assigned long term care facility or facilities on a regular basis (2-4 hours per week suggested or according to an agreed upon schedule with Regional Coordinator)
• Visit with residents, identifying complaints and concerns
• Educate residents about their rights, community services available to them, laws, regulations and standards governing LTC facilities
• Monitor facilities for the implementation of residents’ rights
• Encourage self -advocacy and interaction between residents, staff and community including resident councils and family support groups
• When a complaint is received by or on behalf of a resident:
• Determine the facts of the complaint
• Determine if the complaint was/was not verified
• Work with the resident and provider to resolve the problem(s)
• Communicate with the nursing home administrator or other designated staff person during each visit
• Acceptance and adherence to the Volunteer Ombudsman Code of Ethics and Standards
• Work cooperatively with residents, the Regional Ombudsman and LTC providers
• Attend Ombudsman Program training sessions
• Attend state-wide Ombudsman Volunteer conferences as able
• Submit monthly activity reports

Skills

• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in preparing and entering information
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, by phone, computer and in person with contractors, other organizations and clients
• Excellent listening skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Effective organizational skills
• Decision making skills
• Ability to work independently within the framework of the Agency’s established policy.
• Mediation and problem solving skills
• Time management skills
• Possess the ability to work independently