NOCO Peer Leader/Volunteer Ombudsman- Office on Aging

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The CO-PEER leader/Volunteer Ombudsman is an important person in the Ombudsman
Program. A Volunteer Ombudsman must be skilled in communication and problem solving, be
empathetic and have good judgment. In addition, a volunteer must be comfortable with public
speaking, and be available to set up CO-PEER trainings and follow up meetings. The position
requires at least a two-year commitment with a minimum of one hour per week visiting residents
in an assigned Long Term Care facility or facilities. A Volunteer Ombudsman reports directly to
the Regional Ombudsman within the Larimer County Office on Aging and provides timely
documentation of visits and contact with residents/families/facilities.
Specific duties include:

● Completion of the Ombudsman Certification training course established by the Office of the
State Long Term Care Ombudsman, along with 10 hours of shadowing with a certified
Ombudsman
● Attending scheduled Volunteer training dates with the local office
● Attending at least 15 hours of in-service training per year to keep certification current
● Visiting assigned facilities on a regular, but unannounced, schedule, as well as set schedule
with CO-PEER trainings/follow up meetings
● Having strong communication skills and a high comfort level with public speaking
● Facilitating CO-PEER meetings and assisting with resident-led projects
● Responding to referrals from the office
● Reporting any serious problems to the office as soon as possible
● Asking for technical assistance when unsure of how to proceed
● Completing all required paperwork accurately and in a timely manner
● Maintaining cooperative relationships with appropriate agencies such as Adult Protection,
State Health Department and law enforcement
● Maintaining resource files with appropriate laws and regulations that affect the Ombudsman
program
● Maintaining the ethical standards of the profession which includes upholding the
confidentiality of all information regarding facilities, staff, residents, and their families