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

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