Description
Mental Health Ombudsman volunteers are trained to advocate for, and speak on behalf of qualified mental health consumers and their families.
In accomplishing these duties, Mental Health Ombudsman volunteers will receive, screen and investigate consumer complaints and grievances; investigate the facts pertaining to a complaint or grievance; recommend solutions; and seek resolution of these complaints and grievances with the involved consumers, mental health providers and government staff.
Eligible consumers may reside in their own residence, residential group facilities, or hospitals to request services.
Some volunteer ombudsmen are trained to provide education and outreach about the rights of mental health consumers. This may involve public speaking to the public at large, to community/advocacy groups, consumer organizations, and provider/government staff.
Volunteers can also help perform administration and in-office duties in support of the Mental Health Ombudsman for Clark County.
What can an Ombudsman do for mental health consumers?
An ombudsman can:
Listen to the consumer's issues and help determine an appropriate solution(s);
Help the consumer with the processing of a complaint, grievance or fair hearing request;
Monitor the implementation of the agreed resolution; Recommend changes to the consumer or provider on how to avoid future problems;
Provide information about community resources, consumer rights and opportunities for involvement in local decision-making processes.
Direct callers to local, regional, and state mental health advocacy organizations, support groups, and qualified providers.
