Field Ombudsman (Patient Advocate)

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a member of the Long Term Care program, the primary purpose of this position is to receive, investigate and resolve of complaints made by or on behalf of residents in long term care facilities. The focus of this position is advocacy for institutionalized older adults and disabled adults. This is a part-time position, working 20 hours per week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive, investigate and resolve complaints, including elder/dependent adult abuse.
• Conduct long term care facility site visits to personally observe problems and contact residents, their families, and others at the facilities.
• Responsible for fulfillment of scopes of services goals for designated city contracts.
• Document case/complaint and field activities.
• Witness Advance Health Care Directives and Property Transfers.
• Provide training and consultation to facility staff.
• Assist in the development of ongoing relationships with other agencies, including state licensing, senior legal services, and other local providers.
• Attend internal and external meetings as scheduled.
• Other responsibilities as assigned to support specific Agency, Division or Program needs..

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Social Services, Gerontology or Health Care (preferred), or a combination of relevant education and experience that demonstrate the ability to perform essential duties and responsibilities
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in senior services, case management, health care, advocacy or related areas.
• Familiarity with the long term care environment is desirable.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Successfully complete mandatory Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman 36 hour classroom based Ombudsman certification training course.
• Successfully complete mandatory Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman 10 hours of internship visits with an already certified Ombudsman
• Successfully clear DOJ and FBI background and criminal record check by the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman to be eligible for certification as a Long Term Care Ombudsman by the CA Department of Aging
• Familiarity with the process of aging, as well as the issues and concerns of older adults
• Effective communication skills: verbal, written and presentation
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent organization skills. This role will handle multiple projects/cases at a time and must be able to meet various deadlines for each project/case.
• Demonstrated success at problem-solving and conflict resolution
• Familiarity with community resources for seniors
• Self-starter, demonstrated ability to work independently and on a team
• Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds
• Computer skills: Windows, Word, other appropriate software
• Able to maintain high degree of confidentiality as mandated
• Cannot have worked in a licensed Long Term Care facility in the past year in Santa Clara County.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work at a desk, walk, and stand for extended periods of time during the workday.
• Ability to use a computer workstation.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to travel/drive within Santa Clara County due to client availability

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

• Criminal background check via livescan fingerprint
• Must have TB test performed and submit results
• Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster status
• Automobile, valid driver’s license and auto insurance per agency policy; or have access to reliable transportation 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work will be mostly indoors/outdoors even during times of inclement weather - office, community, and long term care facilities.
• Some work will be spent driving a vehicle on community roads to meet with clients based on their availability.
• Can be physically demanding as the work requires going to multiple sites (i.e. office, community sites, and long term care facilities). Approximately 60-70% of the workday will be physical (walking and standing).

HOURS AND OTHER CONDITIONS:

• Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• This is a part-time, non-exempt position, working 20 hours per week. Some evenings and weekends may be needed due to meetings, off hours support, and client availability.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency’s operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.

Catholic Charities is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization and employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability. Persons seeking employment are entitled to freedom from harassment and retaliation and reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities.