Serves as an advocate and resource for District residents living in long-term care facilities and those receiving in-home services through the Medicaid Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities (EPD) Waiver. Promotes and protects care recipients’ health, safety, welfare and rights by conducting individual and systemic advocacy; public and consumer education and empowerment; training for staff and volunteers; consultation to providers; collaborative activities with aging network stakeholder groups and District agencies; and, program development and management activities that effectively contribute to the Ombudsman Program’s compliance with federal and District requirements.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Investigates and resolves complaints on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities (i.e., nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and community residential facilities) and persons living in the community receiving services under the Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities (EPD) Medicaid waiver, in compliance with applicable program policies and procedures. Collaborates with regulatory agencies to ensure enforcement action as appropriate.
- Responds to requests for information and assistance from the general public, care recipients, care givers, and community organizations, about ombudsman, aging, long-term care and public benefits related services and issues. Empowers individuals through education and technical assistance to self-advocate when appropriate. Attends resident care plan and discharge planning meetings at resident’s request.
- Provides support to the Ombudsman Program’s assigned legal counsel in discharge and service termination cases on behalf of residents. Provides expert testimony as required. Refers residents and service recipients to legal assistance as appropriate.
- Provides information, technical assistance and training to service providers (e.g., facilities and home care agencies) in order to promote knowledge of ombudsman program services and to promote and protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term care residents and service recipients.
- Develops, conducts and evaluates training and educational presentations for the general public, care recipients, providers, government agencies, aging network stakeholder groups and ombudsman staff/volunteers, regarding ombudsman services and long-term care and elder rights issues. Assists with the development and distribution of consumer education materials.
- Promotes and supports the development and independent operation of resident and family councils, and consumer advocacy groups and coalitions that represent the interests of persons receiving home and community-based services.
- Accurately enters data on complaints and program activities into the Ombudsman Program’s data management system (Ombudsmanager) in a timely manner and in accordance with program policies and procedures. Analyzes data to identify complaint trends and makes recommendations for advocacy strategies, consumer education and changes to policies, regulations and legislation that impact the health, safety welfare and rights of long-term care consumers. Assists with producing evidence-based reports.
- Reviews literature and attends training, workshops, forums, and other educational events on long-term care, aging, and work-related issues in order to increase the knowledge and skills used in performance of the duties of the position and to remain informed about current trends and information in the field of advocacy and aging.
- Demonstrates AARP Values in all interactions.
Educational Background:
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Gerontology, Social Work, Psychology, Public Health Administration, juris doctorate, or a related discipline
Skills/Experience:
- 4 years of experience working with or on behalf of older adults or persons with mental or physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, or an equivalent combination of training and advocacy experience related to the duties of the position. A master’s degree in the above mentioned degrees may be substituted for two years of experience.
- Knowledge of District and federal regulatory systems as they relate to older adults and persons with disabilities.
- Knowledgeable of federal benefits programs including Medicare, Medicaid and SSA.
- Experience in mediation, complaint handling, problem solving, data analysis, legislative or systems advocacy, training, and excellent written/oral communication skills.
- Must have reliable, insured transportation and possess a valid driver’s license. Must be able to use personal vehicle for local travel and be available for some national travel.
Compensation/Benefits:
AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Jul 12 2018
Active Until:
Aug 12 2018
Hiring Organization:
AARP
industry:
Nonprofit