Long -Term Care Ombudsman - San Mateo County

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OSSMC is looking for individuals who have a passion for working with elders - not as projects, but as people deserving of respect and quality care.

Most residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are responsible adults - OSSMC mission is to treat them and their concerns accordingly. 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 or neglected and ensuring that the dignity of the residents is always preserved and advocated for.

JOB DUTIES: The task of an Ombudsman is to advocate for residents and make sure that complaints are resolved to the satisfaction of the resident. We want to make sure that our elders are safe and well cared-for.

1. Provide advocacy services to protect the health, safety, welfare, rights and quality of life of residents in the long-term facilities to which assigned.
2. Receive, investigate and resolve complaints of residents, utilizing appropriate investigation and problem-solving methods.
3. Comply with all federal and state requirements and local program procedures.
4. Function cooperatively as a team member, under staff supervision, keeping your immediate supervisor apprised at all times of situations developing in assigned facilities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
The program does have the following requirements before training can commence:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have an interest in the aging community
- Be compassionate, patient and understanding
- Possess computer skills
- Complete and submit an application packet
- Pass a criminal background check
- Must have a car or transportation to get to and from facilities and monthly meetings

FREE TRAINING: State certified training is offered bi-annually - Spring and Fall. Training consists of 36 hours classroom training and 10 hours of practical, on-the-job training with a supervisor. Once certified, OSSMC offers continuing education in order to meet the 12 hours of annual continuing education as required by the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO).

BENEFITS:
" Opportunity to utilize one's communication and problem-solving skills
" Opportunity to make a difference in the life of a resident(s)
" Mileage reimbursement when a 12-hour minimum is worked for the month of reimbursement
" Once certified, Ombudsman are provided a badge and business cards

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 each month (i.e. 4-5 hours a week).