Volunteer Advocate for Long-Term Care or Assisted Living Residents

As a certified Ombudsman volunteer, you will enhance the quality of life of nursing and rest home residents or assisted living residents by advocating for the residents of assigned facility. Volunteers serve as a link between residents, families, staff, and others to resolve resident complaints and concerns.

We are seeking volunteers in the following locations: Amesbury/Salisbury, Andover/North Andover, Beverly, Billerica/North Billerica, Cambridge, Chelmsford/North Chelmsford, Chelsea/Revere/Winthrop, Danvers, Dracut, Everett, Bradford/Haverhill, Ipswich/Marblehead, Lawrence, Lowell/Tewksbury, Lynnfield/Saugus/Swampscott, Malden/Medford, Melrose/Stoneham/Wakefield, Methuen, Newburyport, Peabody, Reading/North Reading, Salem, Westford

Core Responsibilities:

• To advocate for residents in assigned facilities or assisted living communities.
• To assess, resolve and provide information and referral for concerns of residents, families and the community that are received during a facility visit.
• To complete visits to assigned facilities on a weekly basis, unless otherwise authorized by the Program Director or Assisted Living Specialist.
• In the event of not being able to visit an assigned facility due to a state-of-emergency, connect with residents and the designated facility staff contact by alternative communications; phone, Microsoft teams, Zoom, Skype, etc.
• Maintain open communication during visits with assigned facility contact person to resolve concerns of residents brought forward during visits.
• Complete visit, case, and consultation reporting requirements within 48 hours of completion of a visit, contacting the Director or Assisted Living Specialist with any questions or concerns.
• Identify and report issues that may affect the health, safety, welfare, and resident rights and or any serious concern, including reports or observations of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment immediately to the Program Director or Assisted Living Specialist.
• Maintain confidential information regarding the residents, their concerns only to be shared within the Ombudsman Program and with consent of the resident to all others.
• Notify the Program Director or Assisted Living Specialist immediately of any conflicts of interest that may arise during time as serving as a volunteer.

Requirements/Skills:

• Complete a volunteer application process.
  • Complete a phone screening with Volunteer Program Coordinator and an interview with the Ombudsman Program Director or Assisted Living Specialist.
  • Complete and pass a CORI.
• Complete at least one shadow visit with Ombudsman Program Director or Assisted Living Specialist prior to attending certification training.
• Successfully complete a certification training presented by the Massachusetts Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman.
• Attend scheduled monthly LTCOP Staff meetings, if unable to complete must schedule an individual meeting with the Ombudsman Program Director, Assisted Living Specialist, an/or their designee.
• Complete re-certification training every two years, regardless of when first certified.
• Complete 24 hours of continuing education per year.
• Participate in Field Supervision with the Ombudsman Program Director, Assisted Living Specialist, and/or their designee as required.
• Begin field training within two weeks of completing the classroom training, which includes joint visits with the Ombudsman Program Director, Assisted Living Specialist, and/or their designee. Must be completed within 60 days of the final class.
• Have reliable transportation or access to it.
• Understanding of basic computer/technology skills, including, but not limited to; web-browser, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype, etc.
• Have and be able to maintain excellent communication skills.

Learn more about becoming a volunteer Ombudsman here.