The Volunteer Ombudsman provides to protect the human and civil rights of State Licensed Long Term Care residents though Advocacy, Investigation and Mediation. It requires confidentiality, the ability to listen and the ability to work effectively with both the resident, family members, care givers and facility management.

The Ombudsman Volunteer will obtain the same background application, training, testing and certification as a staff Ombudsman and works under the direction of either the area staff Ombudsman or the Regional Ombudsman. The minimum requirement for training is 20 hours, plus a testing process. There is also a continual training requiment and minimum volunteer hours (8 hours a month). Volunteer Ombudsman need to be able to either articulate or have computer communication skills and reliable transportation.

Volunteer Ombudsman can either be assigned a State licensed assisted living/skilled nursing facility or work a specific geographical area.

This is a very meaningful volunteer opportunity that provides both a sense of accomplishment and knowledge of senior resources.