Long Term Care Ombudsman, Montgomery County

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Montgomery County, PA

Reports to: Montgomery County Ombudsman Program Manager

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 humorous, hardworking colleagues

This position is exempt from overtime compensation.

Office based in: CARIE’s office is in Philadelphia. However, the responsibilities of this position will be fulfilled through fieldwork conducting facility visits within Montgomery County and/or conducting work from a home office. This position requires regular travel within/around Montgomery County and access to a car.

Position Posted: 12/19/24

CARIE has a contract with The Montgomery County Office of Senior Services to provide Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Services for Montgomery County. The Ombudsman Program advocates for long-term care consumers through complaint resolution and education on residents’ rights. This full-time position reports to the Ombudsman Program Manager. The Ombudsman Program covers 59 nursing homes, 11 assisted living facilities, 62 personal care homes, 6 Domiciliary Care Homes, and 15 Adult Daily Living Centers in Montgomery County.

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 31staff positions with an annual budget of nearly $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.

• *COVER LETTER AND RESUME ARE REQUIRED. All applications submitted without a Resume and Cover Letter will not be considered**

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.
• Provide a monthly report to the program manager and executive director.
• 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.
• Ability to travel locally and flexibility to work occasionally outside of regular work hours.
• Public speaking/training expertise a plus.

Requirements:

• Must be free of conflict of interest (annual screening and as needed)
• Must pass Criminal, Child Abuse and Driver background checks (conducted monthly)
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Must have access to a car, current driver's license, and proof of auto insurance.
• Remain objective and impartial while investigating complaints.
• Provide three professional references.

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.
• Availability for occasional work outside of normal office hours.
• Some lifting of 10-20 pounds may be necessary.

Please email cover letter and resume to:

Name: Millie Ofray

Title: Montgomery County Ombudsman Program Manager

Email: administration@carie.org

• *COVER LETTER AND RESUME ARE REQUIRED. All applications submitted without a Resume and Cover Letter will not be considered**

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.