PART-TIME REGIONAL LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDS, Northwest Counties (Skagit County)

WASHINGTON STATE

LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

JOB TITLE: PART-TIME REGIONAL LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDS, Northwest Counties

MSC’S VISION AS AN EMPLOYER

At MSC, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion drives success for our clients, community and employees and makes us better able to serve our clients. MSC is building a future without poverty by creating pathways to help, hope and change for our neighbors. MSC is stronger as a team that welcomes diverse employees, perspectives, experiences and approaches to foster a stronger, smarter, and more informed workplace.

MSC strives to create an environment where employees are valued, empowered to positively support our mission, and recognized for their individual and team contributions. MSC strives to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. MSC believes that building a truly inclusive culture is essential for all our employees to bring their authentic, whole selves to work and experience a sense of belonging and support.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Regional Long-Term Care Ombuds (RLTCO) for Northwest Counties serves as an effective and visible advocate for the well-being of long-term care residents within a designated region. The RLTCO for Northwest Counties is a representative of the State Office of the Long-Term Care Ombuds and is designated as “Regional” Ombuds by the State LTC Ombuds. The Regional Long-Term Care Ombuds for Northwest Counties shall promote both individual and systematic complaint resolution activities, including community involvement, administrative and legislative monitoring and reporting.

The Regional Long-Term Care Ombuds for Northwest Counties shall promote the development of citizen

organizations, such as resident and family councils, to give residents of long-term care facilities, a voice in resident

health, safety, and policy-making process. Promote the regional program to increase awareness of and involvement

with local long-term care facilities. Recruit, train and supervise volunteers to help carry out complaint fact-finding

and resolution activities. Work with local organizations to develop additional funding for the regional program.

Establish communication channels with government agencies, long-term care providers and organizations,

professional groups and advocate groups within the region.

The RLTCO for Northwest Counties shall receive and carry out fact-finding, and resolve complaints relating to administrative action, which adversely affect health, welfare and rights of residents of long-term care facilities with the region. Encourage reconciliation over services or issues when necessary. LTC Ombuds are always resident driven and advocate for the resident. The RLTCO for Northwest Counties will assist long-term care providers, agencies, volunteers and others in becoming more responsive to the needs of residents. With the consent of residents, the RLTCO for Northwest Counties will refer complaints for investigation by the appropriate protective entities. Maintain a regional reporting system to collect ate related to complaints and conditions in long-term care facilities.

The RLTCO for Northwest Counties shall monitor complaints and the system in order to identify long-term care patterns and issues in the region. Analyze and develop policies and procedures to provide information and understanding to authorities charged with operation and regulations of the long-term care facilities within the region.

The RLTO shall supervise the staff and volunteer Ombuds of the Northwest Counties LTCO program. The staff member in this position is able to successfully incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion principles into their work

SCHEDULE: 20 hours per week. To comply with Labor Laws: 2-15 minute paid breaks

and 1-30-minute unpaid lunch break is required during each 8-hour work day. This position is

non-exempt.

Occasionally provide service during evening hours or weekends as needed, while still maintaining a

20-hour workweek.

LOCATION:

Federal Way, Washington (Main Office)

Telecommute from Whatcom or Skagit County, WA

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. Long-Term Care Ombuds Tasks

A. Receive the delegation of Long-Term Care Ombuds authority from the State Long-Term Care Ombuds, and, within the region fulfill Long-Term Care Ombuds responsibilities assigned by the

Federal Older Americans Act and state Long-Term Care Ombudsman statutes on behalf of the State Long-Term Care Ombuds.

B. Receive, carry out fact finding about, and resolve complaints and concerns raised by residents, family members, friends, and facility staff within the region.

C. Utilize mediation and other skills in resolving complaints by residents and other parties, by representing the resident’s point of view.

D. Maintain the confidentiality of complaints and residents per federal and state statutes.

E. Document complaints and cases per instructions from the State Ombuds; maintain the region’s computerized case management system to assure complaints are resolved in a timely manner.

F. Provide summary statistical and narrative reports per instructions from the State Ombuds; utilize computer system to generate monthly and annual summary reports as required by the State Ombuds.

G. Follow Program Instructions as issued in the official memo series from the State Ombuds.

H. Attend regular staff meetings convened by the Office of the State LTCO

I. Provide staff services to the Regional Long-Term-Care Ombudsman Advisory Council.

J. Provide supervision to Staff Ombuds

II. Volunteer management

A. Recruit qualified individuals to volunteer as a Long-Term Care Ombuds.

B. Coordinate initial 32-hour certification training, lead and organize training sessions.

C. Provide monthly trainings for all certified Ombuds. Training topics will be applicable to Ombuds work and relevant.

D. Supervise and evaluate the work of volunteer and staff Ombuds. Provide technical assistance and supervision on visiting assigned facilities, complaints receipt and resolution, fact-finding, investigation and utilization of a variety of approaches to complaint resolution (mediation, negotiation, etc.).

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION:

● The RLTO shall supervise the staff and volunteer Ombuds of the NW Regional LTCO Program (Four County Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan)

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

● 3 years’ supervisory experience of paid employees

● Demonstrated experience in data analysis and policy formulation.

● Demonstrated experience in management principles and techniques, including the management of volunteers.

● Demonstrated experience in training adults and public speaking.

● Must be free of conflict of interests as defined in WAC 365-18-040 and attached to this job description.

● Must be a resident of the region served by the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program who employs them.

● Must have reliable insured transportation and possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

● Must be able to successfully pass the Washington State Background Check.

EDUCATION/LICENSES/CERTIFICATION/FORMAL TRAINING:

● B.A. degree and four years’ experience. Prefer experience in advocacy work. May include direct work experience in human services or related field;

OR

● Minimum six years of direct work experience in human services or related field; OR

● Any combination of education, experience and measurable performance, which demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of this position.

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES:

● Read, write and understand the English language. Bi-lingual a plus.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

● Excellent organizational skills and good computer skills.

● Excellent interpersonal communication skills

● Knowledge of gerontology or aging or long-term care systems and issues a plus.

● Ability to represent the agency and all of its programs to funders and donors in a professional manner

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

These physical requirements are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to ensure people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions.

● Lift up to 25 lbs. without assistance.

● Position requires frequent travel (driving), visiting care facilities large and small, telephone use, and attending meetings in the community. Occasional travel to Olympia or other areas for special events.

● Stretching/Reaching, Hand/Finger dexterity, Stooping (bend at waist) frequently

● Mobility and ability to sit in front of computer screen for long periods of time

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

● Work performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment.

● Travel throughout Northwest Counties.

Multi-Service Center does not tolerate discrimination of any type, and offers equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or any other considerations mad unlawful by Federal, State or local laws. Multi-Service Center is an at-will employer.

RESTRICTIONS

The employee must maintain certification as a Long-Term Care Ombuds and meet the following WAC 365-18-040 Conflict of Interest guidelines:

● Ombuds cannot be employed by, manage, or work as a paid consultant or independent contractor for a long-term facility, currently or within the last year.

● Ombuds or a member of his/her immediate family cannot have a significant ownership or investment interest in a long-term care facility or service, currently or within the last year.

● Ombuds cannot have a direct involvement in the licensing or regulation of a long-term care facility or long-term care service, currently or within the last year.

● Ombuds cannot solicit or receive gifts, money or estate property from a resident, unless the resident is a relative.

● Ombuds cannot be assigned to a long-term care facility in which the Ombudsman or a member of his/her immediate family is a resident.

● Ombuds shall not use this position for any financial benefit, direct, indirect or implied.

● Ombuds shall not conduct or engage in political or religious activities at the long-term care facility she/he is assigned.

● Ombuds cannot have direct personal involvement in the provision of involuntary services or involuntary commitment of a resident.

If you are interested in applying for this job opportunity, please send your resume and cover letter.

Multi-Service Center is committed to promoting equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace. Salary: $28.60 per hour-20 hours per week. Vacation, sick leave and Holiday Pay; 401k enrollment after 1000 of employment.

No phone calls please.