OMBUDSMAN OUTREACH & VOLUNTEER SPECIALIST

Annual Non-Exempt Salary : $37,850.50

The mission of the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is to protect the health, safety, welfare, human and civil rights of people living in nursing homes and adult care facilities.

Ombudsmen help long-term care residents understand and exercise their rights to good care in an environment that promotes and protects their dignity and quality of life.

Job Duties :

The successful candidate will be expected to :

• Participate in outreach activities, program education, and public awareness regarding systemic issues involving older adults, and to recruit Ombudsman volunteers.
• Respond to inquiries from prospective volunteers timely. Explain the Ombudsman program, volunteer expectations, and qualifications to determine if they are a good fit.
• Prepare, send, review, and track applications.
• Recruit, screen, place, and train volunteers.
• Mentoring volunteers.
• Provide Ombudsman coverage for long term care facilities, including in person visits.
• Coordinate pre and post shadowing visits for new volunteers with certified ombudsman.
• Design and implement strategies for recruitment of volunteers from diverse backgrounds reflecting the demographics of the service area.
• Set up, schedule, participate, and facilitate volunteer recruitment activities, certification, and in-service training in accordance with State Ombudsman Program requirements.

Schedule guest speakers as needed.

• Ensure volunteer recruitment and program documentation, reports, and records are updated and entered correctly into the data system in a timely manner in accordance with the requirements established by the Senior Long Term Ombudsman Program Coordinator and the NY State Ombudsman Program Rules and Regulations.
• Review required facility notices, including the Department of Health surveys and facility discharges. Follow up as needed for more complete information and track patterns.
• Attend Department of Health surveys and exit meetings when the assigned Ombudsman is not available.

Education Requirements :

• An Associates degree is preferred.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Related experience may be considered in lieu of higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities :

• Knowledge of long-term care resident's rights, quality of care and quality of life.
• Experience with community networking, collaboration, public speaking, and working with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Driver License and personal vehicle, ability to travel independently.

Benefits :

• 16 annual vacation days, 12 annual sick days
• 13 annual paid holidays : (now includes Eid-Al-Fitr and Yom Kippur)
• 401K with up to 10% employer investment
• Heavily subsidized health / vision / dental insurance
• Additional benefits available

Travel Required : Yes, within a 4-county catchment area

Location : Utica, NY

RCIL is a civil rights organization that offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of independent living and advocacy services through the numerous programs we manage.

RCIL is an equal opportunity employer, and it is the policy of RCIL not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion or veteran status.