Long-Term Care Ombudsman

About CARIE: The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders, (CARIE) is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1977 and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for vulnerable older adults. CARIE is recognized throughout the region and the country as a resource for a wide range of people seeking to resolve elder care issues. CARIE currently has 31 staff positions with an annual budget of about $3,000,000.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are our core values. We appreciate ideas that come from a diverse work environment and are committed to bringing diversity of thought, experience, and expertise into all aspects of our work. We promote a culture of accepting, respecting, and valuing differences that include attributes such as age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, sexual identity, ability, language, family circumstances, and cultural backgrounds. All candidates that meet the requirements of this position are encouraged to apply.

Position Posted: 4/12/24

This is a full-time position that will report the Philadelphia Ombudsman Supervisor. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCO) is under contract with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. This program covers 18 nursing homes, 67 licensed personal care homes, 75 Domiciliary Care Homes and 19 Older Adult Daily Living Centers in North Central, Center City, West, and South Philadelphia. Ombudsman is a Swedish word meaning "citizen representative." The Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as an advocate for long term care consumers by handling complaints and educating residents and families about their rights.

Salary: $50K/year

Benefits: Medical (covered 90% by organization), Dental, Life insurance, 401(K), Expense Reimbursement for travel related to the job, Professional Development Opportunities, Mission-driven organizational culture, and passionate, hardworking colleagues

This position is exempt from overtime compensation.

Job Description:

• Attend training to obtain and maintain certification as a Pennsylvania Long Term Care Ombudsman.

• Be prepared to conduct all activities related to the work of a long-term care ombudsman, including facility visits, complaint investigations, responding to requests for information and assistance and advocacy on behalf of long-term care consumers.

• Attend and participate in LTC resident/participant meetings and family meetings.

• Maintain documentation in database according to required timeframes.

• Conduct speaking engagements, collaborate with other organizations, attend hearings, and keep track of systemic issues for advocacy. 

• Support volunteer ombudsman and PEER (Pennsylvania's Empowered Expert Residents) program as needed.

• On-board new staff/volunteers as necessary.

• Attend agency staff meetings and committees as assigned, regional ombudsman meetings and required training.

• Review literature (reports, articles, studies, etc.) on a regular basis to stay current on long-term care issues. 

• Write occasional reports, articles, or other materials.

Education, Skills, and Experience:

• Have education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or related field.

• Ability to comfortably engage with consumers, families, providers and community organizations in-person, by phone or a virtual platform. 

• Experience in and/or knowledge of aging policy and the long-term care system.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and proficient with time management and task prioritization skills.

• Ability to use Microsoft Office proficiently.

• Public speaking/training expertise a plus.

• Bilingual is highly preferred.

Requirements:

• Must be free of conflict of interest (annual screening and as needed).

• Must pass Criminal Background Check.

• Provide three professional references.

• Must be able to use public transportation to travel to North Central, Center City, West, and South Philadelphia. 

• Must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and keep all vaccinations up to date.

• Remain objective and impartial while investigating complaints.

Typical Physical and Mental Demands:

• Must work well under pressure and can be creative and analytical.

• Must be able to operate office equipment including but not limited to computer, telephone, fax, copier; move freely around the office; sit or stand at a desk and telephone for long periods of time; communicate in person, virtually and over the telephone with individuals and groups.

• Ability to travel locally and flexibility to work occasionally outside of regular work hours.

• Some lifting of 10-20 pounds may be necessary.

Please email cover letter and resume to:

Name: Jessica Hartfield

Title: Program Manager

Email: adminstration@carie.org

NO CALLS PLEASE

Equity Statement: CARIE provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

Medical (covered 90% by organization), Dental, Life insurance, 401(K), Expense Reimbursement for travel related to the job, Professional Development Opportunities, Mission-driven organizational culture, and passionate, hardworking colleagues

This position is exempt from overtime compensation.