Long Term Care Ombudsman

Save to Favorites

The volunteer advocates to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of residents in long-term care facilities. Without the volunteer, many residents do not have anyone to support them or help them get their needs addressed. Each certified volunteer ombudsman has legislative authority to enter their assigned facility and see all residents in order to fulfill the program's mission.

Duties:
1. Spend a minimum of one hour per week at a local assigned long-term care facility.
2. Visit with residents and identify concerns.
3. Encourage self-advocacy and interaction between residents, staff, and community.
4. Receive, investigate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents in the facility.
5. Identify concerns with facility staff members.
6. Promote respect between facility residents and staff.
7. Maintain confidentiality.
8. Submit a brief monthly report.
9. Attend monthly meetings as volunteer's schedule allows.

Qualifications:
1. Total of 36 hours completed. At least 20 hours of classroom/zoom training, at least 10 hours in the field shadowing an experienced ombudsman, up to 7 hours of independent study/homework, and pass exam to be certified by the State Ombudsman.
2. Must have transportation to and from the facility.
3. Must be able to pass a KBI background check and provide references.
4. Must be able to communicate well and maintain confidentiality.
5. Required to have 18 hours of on-going training each year after the first year.

Dates Needed:
Volunteer can set their own schedule according to what is convenient for them.

Time Needed:
Volunteer can set their own schedule according to what is convenient for them.

Where to Report:
After training, volunteers will be orientated to the facility by the regional ombudsman. A contact person at the facility will be identified at that time.