Pending Board Approval:

GENERAL SUMMARY

The purpose of this job is to improve the quality of life for residents of skilled nursing homes, licensed adult foster care homes, and Homes for the Aged.  Performs investigations and helps resolve complaints. Gathers evidence and documents findings. Negotiates corrective action plans and timelines. Educates residents and community members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigates and helps resolve complaints from residents, family members, or others regarding violations of residents' rights, care issues, abuse/neglect, concerns over services, and complaints against a facility.
• Observes and gathers evidence regarding care and/or other resident-focused complaints; documents findings; meets with residents, responsible parties, and facility staff to discuss findings and negotiate a plan of correction with a timeline; refers serious findings to the appropriate state agencies.
• Responds to a high volume of calls covering complaints, resident rights, reporting abuse/neglect, requests for information and assistance, resources, facility staff, State of Michigan Surveyors, members of the public including law enforcement, adult protective services, media, legal aid resources, and elected officials.
• Documents cases and maintains related files in Ombudsman Manager.
• Educates residents and community about resident rights, community services, laws, regulations, and standards governing Long-term Care (LTC) facilities.
• Conducts complaint visits and quarterly visits to each Nursing Home in the service area.
• Participates in local and state Elder abuse coalitions. 
• Performs related work as required.* *

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Social Justice, Legal Advocacy, or a related field.
• 5 to 7 years of related work experience with resident rights, elder abuse, federal regulations, and long-term care advocacy.
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Long-term Care Ombudsman certification to be completed within three months of hire.

VETERANS:  Please provide your joint services transcript with your application.

County positions include a benefits package{cke-saved-href="https://www.kalcounty.com/eif/benefits/Summary%20of%20Benefits%20for%20Non-Union%20Full%20Time%20Employees%202024.pdf"} with medical coverage, paid leave, and much more.  Available supplemental dental and vision.  Defined Benefit pension after the vesting period.