Do You Want To Volunteer?
Helping People, Change Lives. Become and advocate for those living in long term care facilities. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program will train you to advocate for these residents, ensuring their rights are protected.
Consider becoming an Ombudsman Volunteer
Learn more about the role of a
Volunteer Ombudsman
Hear from Care Connection Ombudsman Volunteer, Robert Forbush, about his volunteer experience
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Ombudsman Volunteer Job Description
Qualifications
- Must be over the age of 18
- Must complete a Family Care Safety Registry and Highway Patrol background check
- Must complete required Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Training
- Must have dependable transportation
- Has not been employed in a LTC facility within the last 12 months or have a member of immediate family working in a facility
- Must not have a family member in the assigned facility
- Be certified and designated as a representative of the program by completing the required training
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