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OMBUDSMAN SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Organizational Overview

Empowered Aging is a regional nonprofit organization serving seniors and families in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties. Empowered Aging is dedicated to ensuring dignity and quality of life for older adults through a variety of community based and congregate living programs. Current programs include Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Elder Justice, MSW Internship, and Healthcare Career Pathway. Empowered Aging, formerly Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa County, has a long history of advocating and protecting the rights of older and adults with disabilities. After years of dramatic growth, expanding to serve three counties and deliver multiple programs, Empowered Aging is seeking an innovative and forward-thinking team player to oversee its in-house volunteer recruitment, outreach, and fundraising efforts.

We believe aging is a natural phase of life, deserving of respect and dignity. Every day we empower, educate, and partner with older and dependent adults to best meet their unique needs – from providing opportunities to join activities they love to ensuring they are free from neglect and abuse.

When our elders thrive, we all benefit from their unique contributions and collective wisdom.

Vision: Creating communities where all can age with dignity, justice and respect

Mission: Empowered Aging empowers individuals and their families as they navigate the aging continuum, through person centered advocacy, education and collaborative leadership.

POSITION OVERVIEW The Ombudsman Support Specialist, working in Contra Costa County, is a critical and nimble team member within the Empowered Aging team charged with addressing issues negatively impacting the lives of long-term care residents through facility coverage and complaint investigation seeking to resolve issues that negatively impact the quality of life and quality of care of older and dependent adults. The Ombudsman Support Specialist, like all Empowered Aging team members, is charged with providing operational support to the Empowered Aging team on an as needed basis which may include complaint intake, volunteer training and other tasks as assigned. This position is nimble and designed to move with the needs of the organization and the residents/families we serve.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Complies with all federal and state requirements and local program procedures.

Responsible for coverage and complaint investigation at assigned facilities.

Ensures that all complaints received are investigated appropriately and closed in a timely manner; including appropriate documentation and data entry in ODIN

Provides back-up and support to other program staff members as needed.

Witness the execution of advance health care directives as in skilled nursing facilities

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the long-term care system and the rights and concerns of those who live within it.

Preference for those who have worked in long-term support and services

Working knowledge of dementia and its effects.

Excellent communication skills

Ability and talent for problem resolution

Eagerness to use and leverage technology to streamline processes

AA/AS or commensurate experience

Reliable transportation/ability to spend significant time driving to facilities

Ability to lift 50 LBS

COMPENSATION $25 - $27 per hour

REPORTS TO:

LTC Program Manager

SCHEDULE Our office hours are M-F 8am-5pm. Following the completion of a 90 day review period some flexibility is available.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

Empowered Aging is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. Each person is evaluated on the basis of personal skill and merit. Empowered Aging’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational and recreational programs. The Executive Director shall act as the responsible agent in the full implementation of the Equal Employment Opportunity policy.