Department of Aging Human Services Associate - Ombudsman

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice.  Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

Pay Schedule I, Grade 25, Regular Schedule:  35 hours per week.

A vacancy exists in the Department of Aging at the Ateaze Senior Center in Dundalk.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in this classification may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application.  Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note:  Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered.  A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position.  Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You must attach your transcript(s), certification(s) and professional license(s) to your application.  Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of professional Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered.  Proof of professional licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Job Purpose
Under general supervision, the Baltimore County Department of Aging Ombudsman program provides advocacy services to residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities. The Ombudsman also provides education and resources to the consumer and to family members as it relates to Residents Rights.

Essential Job Duties

• Participates in coordination of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. 
• Provides advocacy, investigation or mediation and follow up activities regarding concerns and/or complaints about Baltimore County's nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
• May file complaints on behalf of long-term care residents.  
• May act as facilitator to resident and family councils.  
• Conducts advocacy visits to long-term care sites to ensure that standards of basic care and amenities are afforded to residents.  
• Maintains case records in accordance with federal, state, and local policies and procedures including those designed to protect the identity, confidentiality, and privacy of residents and complainants.  
• Assists with collection and interpretation of data and preparation of narrative and statistical reports.
• Communicates orally and in writing with professionals, community groups, and individuals.  
• Assists in the development and implementation of program policies, procedures, and evaluation mechanisms.  
• Assists in the development, coordination, and implementation of on-going training for professionals and community groups.  
• May provide in-service trainings to staff of long-term care facilities.  
• Assists in recruiting volunteer ombudsman through classified ads, press releases, and distribution of fliers and brochures.  
• Speaks to community groups, and participates in departmental activities pertinent to the program.  
• Assists in the planning and development of volunteer ombudsman materials and activities as well as training and follow-up sessions with volunteer staff.  

Examples of Other Duties
Performs other duties as assigned.

NOTE:  The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class.  They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class.   Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a social or behavioral science.

Experience as described in the Essential Job Duties may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working directly with the elderly
• Knowledge of Long-Term Care (LTC) system and its operation
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable Federal, State, and local regulations regarding Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities
• Knowledge of the theories and principles of human behavior, growth and development, and other issues affecting the elderly
• Ability to advocate services for the elderly

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to performance of duties.
• Knowledge of community resources and support groups available to clients.
• Knowledge and skills with using the computer to prepare documents and e-mails. 
• Strong oral and written communication (case documentation) skills.
• Skill in problem solving, negotiation, and mediation.
• Interviewing and assessment skills.
• Ability to conduct educational programs for residents or the community.
• Ability to lead and instruct other workers within the program.

Some positions within this classification may require possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver's license at the time of appointment.
 
Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
 
Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.
 
Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Human Services Associate - Ombudsman
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You must attach your transcript(s), certification(s) and professional license(s) to your application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.This position requires satisfactory completion of County sponsored CPR and First Aid training.
 
Employees appointed to this position must obtain Ombudsman Certification within the first year and maintain certified throughout the duration of employment.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
These positions are essentially sedentary with occasional walking, lifting, or other restricted physical activities. Positions may require traveling between work sites.
 
Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Salary : $47,865 - $55,062