State Certified Ombudsman

Save to Favorites

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEARCHING FOR COMPASSIONATE, CARING AND PATIENT VOLUNTEERS TO BECOME STATE CERTIFIED OMBUDSMEN IN LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES!!!

About Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County:
Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. (OSSMC) is committed to working with residents, families, facilities and stakeholders to create a community dedicated to protecting the rights of all residents living in long term care in San Mateo County. We create immediate change for residents through our hands on advocacy efforts addressing issues that range from quality of care issues to egregious abuse. Join us as we drive change in the elder care community.

Our Mission:
We challenge long-term care facilities to deliver the highest standards of individualized care for their residents. We advocate for the health, safety, and dignity of these residents and broader changes in the system. We advocate for resident's rights--making sure that they are not physically or financially abused and ensuring that the dignity of the residents is always preserved and advocated for.

Why Volunteer?
Our volunteers change lives. The moment ombudsmen walk in the door of a nursing home, things change; drowsy eyes grow bright, shy smiles appear, call bells are answered more promptly. Lonely people are greeted by someone other than a staff person perhaps for the first time in days, if not weeks. Our volunteer ombudsmen benefit, too; they often meet amazing people of great wisdom and hear remarkable stories that might otherwise be lost.Ombudsmen are committed to ensuring that residents of nursing homes receive the quality care they need and the respect they deserve. They are caring, compassionate, courageous advocates for those who cannot (or dare not) speak for themselves.

We understand that not everyone has the time to devote to being a field ombudsmen. That's why our Volunteer Corps is geared for those who want to can devote one to five hours per week to help OSSMC improve the lives of seniors and the disabled who live in long-term care. Volunteer Corps members can choose from amongst a variety of marketing, fundraising, and administrative tasks.

How to Become a Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman Prerequisites:
You need to have a passion for working with elders -- not as projects, but as people deserving of respect and quality care. All else flows from that central point. Most residents of nursing homes are responsible adults -- our job is to treat them and their concerns accordingly. An important aspect of being an advocate is enabling folks to speak up for themselves. Additionally, care providers are rarely "the bad guys," but are often unaware of issues, sometimes ill-trained, and occasionally unsuited for the work.The task of an ombudsman is to mediate, negotiate, and make sure situations are resolved so that the elder is safe and well cared-for. If you have these qualities, we'd love to talk to you.

The program does have the following requirements before the training can begin:
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have interest in aging community
• Computer skills
• Great communication and listening skills
• Be patient and understanding
• Attend a volunteer info session
• Must pass a criminal background check

Time Commitments
Although we're well aware that life can change suddenly and without warning, OSSMC asks that our volunteer field ombudsmen strive to commit for 15-20 hours per month (3-4 hours per week).

Training
We offer a flexible 36 hour program which includes a combination of classroom instruction and online materials as well as field visits. After completing your initial training, you will receive the support and guidance of an experienced Regional Coordinator during an internship period. You will not be asked to go out on your own until you are confident and comfortable doing so.

Following successful completion of your training, you will be certified by the State of California as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman. You'll then be assigned to one or more nursing homes to visit, evaluate, and follow up on any complaints.
Technical and moral support is always available from your supervisor or another one of our staff members.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and would like some more information, we encourage you to attend our volunteer information sessions.
Please contact Sherine Elamad by phone or email!

Contact info:
Sherine Elamad
Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 650-780-5705

Locations we work in: Long term care facilities in Belmont, San carlos, Burlingame, Daly city, Foster city, Half moon bay, menlo park, millbrae, pacifica, san mateo, east palo alto, redwood city, redwood shores, san bruno, montara and many other cities within the san mateo county, healthcare.