Part-Time Ombudsman

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is currently seeking energetic, self-motivated, and detail-oriented candidates for the position of Part-Time Ombudsman. The WPCOG is an innovative and forward-thinking organization dedicated to addressing planning issues for the region. Situated in the beautiful rolling hills and mountains of western North Carolina, WPCOG is a regional governmental agency owned by the 28 local governments in the region and organized in 1968 to provide long-range planning, technical assistance, and regional delivery of services. Our organization is one of 16 regional councils in North Carolina formed under NC General Statutes 160A 470-478. Local governments eligible for WPCOG membership include Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties located in Western NC and the 24 cities and towns within those counties.

The WPCOG is organized into seven departments including: Administration; Area Agency on Aging; Finance; Community and Economic Development; Community and Regional Planning; Regional Housing Authority; and Workforce Development. The WPCOG has grown tremendously in recent years by offering a range of new services. As a result, the WPCOG team has grown by over 50% to 75 professionals. See our annual report for information about the many ways the WPCOG serves the region as one of the most comprehensive COGs in the nation.

AREA AGENCY ON AGING (AAA) DEPARTMENT:

The WPCOG AAA is the region’s leading source of information, options and services for individuals as they grow older. This is possible by working with the region’s older adults, caregivers, service providers and community leaders to build livable and senior friendly communities that are prepared to meet the challenges of a growing aging population.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Part-Time Ombudsman will serve as an advocate for residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities, identifying, investigating, and working to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of LTC residents. Volunteer development is an important aspect of the scope of work. Responsibilities include advocacy, planning, outreach, education & training, information & assistance, resource development, research, technical assistance, and program implementation. Ombudsman will conduct regular visits to LTC facility in the service area observing resident care, record and review findings with care facility management and in extreme cases refers cases of discovered or complaints of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to county adult protective services. The position will aid the public on the LTC systems in general and provide community presentations on the Ombudsman program. The position will also be responsible for conducting trainings to LTC staff and education to LTC residents. It is important that this employee maintains confidentiality when performing all job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a preferable major in human services or related field.
• Experience providing services to older adults or residents in long-term care facilities.
• Experience conducting presentations and trainings to groups of different sizes.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

The hourly hiring rate for this position is $26.18. New hires are eligible for up to a 5% increase with the successful completion of a probationary period.

WPCOG is a member of the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System. This entitles vested employees with at least five years of employment to a defined benefit at the time of retirement. Members contribute 6% of gross compensation each month. This is a before-tax deduction. Western Piedmont Council of Governments contributes an actuarially determined percentage of the gross payroll of members each month.

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments will contribute 5.2% of each employee’s salary and match 4%, for a possible total of 9.2%, to either the NC 401k or the NC 457.

WPCOG provides for the following paid leave options that will be prorated based on hours:

• Holiday Leave
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• Longevity Pay

HOW TO APPLY:

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED! Please submit a cover letter, resume, references, and WPCOG application to HR Manager, Tasmin Mack, at WPCOG PO Box 9026, Hickory, NC 28603. Emailing application materials is acceptable, tasmin.mack@wpcog.org. Questions should be directed to Tasmin at (828) 485-4275. Final candidates will be subject to an interview process. The WPCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $26.18 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• No weekends

Work Location: In person