Thank you for your interested in this position. Below we have included a comprehensive overview of the role, responsibilities, requirements, and more. We look forward to reviewing your application!

OMBUDSMAN SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Organizational Overview
Empowered Aging is a regional non-profit organization serving seniors and their families in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano Counties through advocacy, education and related programs. 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 Ombudsman, Friendly Visiting/Telephone Reassurance , Elder Abuse, Health Career Pathway, and MSW Internship. Empowered Aging is responsible for protecting the rights of and improving quality of life for 29,000 residents of long-term care and more than 500,000 seniors throughout the region.

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 Alameda 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.

Compensation: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour

Empowered Aging, previously known as Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda, started in Contra Costa County with just a few government grants, a single staff person, and a lot of determination. Over 50 years later, we have evolved, expanding our reach to meet the needs of our time that are impacting a vulnerable and vastly diverse senior community.

Yes, we are still long-term care ombudsmen advocating for residents and their families, but our voice has become so much bigger. Today, Empowered Aging is uniting individuals, organizations, and communities together around a common mission, a shared vision, and a path forward to a stronger, more equitable journey in aging through a variety of programs and collaborations. For many older adults and adults with disabilities, we’re the only connection and the only engagement lifting their voices, enabling self-sufficiency, and fighting for their just place in society. But that’s not all. Support for our work has grown too. As an independent nonprofit, government grants are just one funding source. We also rely on foundations, grateful families, and concern citizens to fuel our work – with the true measure of success being lives changed.

While our organization has transformed over the years to address the challenges and change in the world, one thing remains the same: our focus on improving and strengthening the lives of our elders. There are a number of ways that you, too, can get involved. Join us!

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