Local Long Term Care Ombudsman

POSITION: The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking a full-time local long term care ombudsman to work in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties and serve as part of the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP).

This position has optional office space available in MEJI’s Lansing office. The work week includes frequent meetings with people who live in residential settings throughout the three county service area. The office portion of the work can be done entirely remotely or through a hybrid arrangement. Candidates must reside in Michigan. 

DESCRIPTION OF MEJI AND MLTCOP PROGRAM: MEJI advocates for and represents low-income older adults and people with disabilities on issues related to long term care, healthcare, benefits, elder abuse, and individual rights. MEJI houses the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program; two local long term care ombudsmen; the MI Health Link and MI Choice, Community Transition Services and PACE Ombudsman Programs; and it engages in litigation and systemic advocacy efforts on behalf of vulnerable adults. Visit meji.org for more information.

The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP) advocates for the health, safety, well-being, and rights of residents in licensed nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes.  Ombudsmen work at the direction of the resident and take action only with the resident’s consent. All ombudsmen services are provided free of charge.

MEJI is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low-income individuals and older adults through several statewide programs. MSAS is administered by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through civil legal aid offices and statewide advocacy programs. MAP’s mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. Visit miadvocacy.org for more information.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The local long term care ombudsman advocates for residents of licensed nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. The duties of the local long term care ombudsman include:

·       Making routine facility visits

·       Interviewing residents

·       Providing information on long term care and residents’ rights to residents and the public

·       Negotiating with facility staff regarding resident concerns

·       Supporting resident and family councils

·       Collaborating with legal and state ombudsman staff

·       Maintaining case documentation

·       Participating in rigorous on-going training

·       Coordinate activities with the other Lansing area ombudsman

QUALIFICATIONS: Successful applicants will possess strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, advocacy, and time management skills as well as an ability to work independently and a desire to empower and support vulnerable individuals. Understanding the preferences, needs and concerns of older people and people with disabilities is essential to this job. Those skills can come from working as a caregiver, advocate, or service provider in a professional role or from life experiences.  Experience in the field of aging, health care, and/or long term care and working with members of minority communities would be beneficial. 

BENEFITS: This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary starting at $53,000 depending on experience. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts.  If an applicant does not require health benefits, they have the option to take a $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary.  MAP also has a generous leave policy beginning with 3 weeks paid vacation and 15 paid holidays, as well as a 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment. MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

TO APPLY: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. You can also access the application by copying and pasting the following web address into your browser: https://miadvocacy.bamboohr.com/careers/185. The position is open until filled; applications received by Feb. 14, 2025 will receive priority. If you have questions about the program or the position, please email MEJI’s Director and Managing Attorney, Alison Hirschel at hirschel@meji.org.

MSAS/MEJI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Salary : $53,000