Are you retired? Do you want to be a Certified Volunteer Ombudsman?

If you would like to obtain more information about the certified volunteer ombudsman, I am taking phone calls, and face to face meetings.

Volunteer Ombudsman Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A Volunteer Ombudsman is an individual designated by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to carry out the duties of the Ombudsman Program. The Volunteer Ombudsman, in accordance with ombudsman policies and procedures, must:

● Make regular visits to assigned facility and promptly respond to requests;

● Identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents;

● Provide services to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents;

● Provide information about the Ombudsman Program;

● Support the development of resident and family councils;

● Represent the interests of residents; and

● Inform the Ombudsman Program if unable to temporarily or permanently perform these duties.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

● Interact with and get to know residents and families in an assigned facility.

● Seek out non-communicative and isolated residents.

● Respect and protect the privacy and confidentiality of residents.

● Ensure residents have timely access to ombudsman services and receive timely responses to complaints.

● Develop a cooperative working relationship with facility staff.

● Identify, investigate, and resolve complaints from residents, families, and friends consistent with guidance from the supervising Staff Ombudsman.

● Provide information to the MLO regarding problems in assigned facility and discuss concerns, problems, and questions involving the facility with the supervising Staff Ombudsman.

● Follow instructions from your supervising Staff Ombudsman and Managing Local Ombudsman (MLO).

● Submit monthly reports to the Ombudsman Program.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Residents and other complainants have the right to remain anonymous. All information that is obtained while performing ombudsman duties is confidential and must not be shared with anyone outside the Ombudsman Program without consent

of the resident or complainant. Violation of confidentiality policies is grounds for de-certification as an ombudsman.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

● Ability to focus on the resident as the primary client;

● Ability to dedicate time to visit an assigned facility on a regular basis;

● Ability to work independently and as a team member;

● Ability to interact in an unbiased, objective, and diplomatic manner;

● Ability to analyze facts and convey them accurately;

● Ability to learn about ombudsman rules, regulations, and residents' rights;

● Skill in summarizing information, writing details, and reporting data; and

● Ability to devote time required to obtain annual in-service training and develop and submit required reports.