What are the responsibilities and job description for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman position at ND Health and Human Services?
Aging Services Division - Remote in either Devils Lake or Grand Forks, ND - Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The ND Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Adult and Aging Services Division is seeking a Long-Term Care Ombudsman to serve as a resident directed advocate and assist with complaint resolution, problem solving, education and assistance, referrals, and training on long-term care issues.
As a Long-Term Care Ombudsman, you will make quarterly visits to long-term care homes in your assigned zone to safeguard resident satisfaction with their health, safety and welfare, and exercise of rights. You will also make visits as needed to advocate for complaint resolution. The assigned geographic zone includes the counties of Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Walsh, Ramsey, Benson, Pierce, Wells, Eddy, Foster and Nelson.
In this position, you will provide necessary information and referrals through consultations, as well as investigate, identify, advocate, mediate conflict, support effective communication, and work to resolve any complaints made by or on behalf of the long-term care residents. You will represent the interest of residents before government agencies and seek administrative, legal, and other remedies on behalf of the residents. You will support and promote the development of resident and family councils and provide information and training as necessary to the long-term care facilities, other agencies, and the public and family members on the LTC Ombudsman Program, Resident's Rights, etc. All activities will be documented in a secure database as per regulation and policy.
To thrive in this position, you should understand and have a commitment to the principles of person-centered planning, right to choice and self-direction. You should respect differences in opinion and values. You need to be able to plan, manage complex tasks to achieve outcomes in a timely manner. You should be able to convey ideas and facts orally and in writing using language the audience will best understand. You will need leadership and relationship skills to develop and maintain positive working relationships with a broad range of entities with diverse interests. This position is based in Devils Lake or Grand Forks, ND. Travel is required but can be preplanned based on a flexible schedule. There are state-fleet vehicles available for use. The successful candidate will possess effective verbal and written communication skills and the knowledge of, or willingness to learn, about the long-term care system, regulations and issues. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in conflict resolution and advocacy work.
To be considered for this position, you must have a bachelor's degree with a major in counseling; social work; psychology; nursing; criminal justice; gerontology; occupational therapy; or public health and three years of work experience in human service programs.
Conflict of Interest
If you answer yes to any of the following statements, you are NOT eligible to apply. These apply to North Dakota as a whole.
- Do you or a family member* have direct involvement in the licensing or certification of a long-term care facility or of a provider of a long-term care service?
- Do you or a family member* have an ownership, operational, or investment interest in an existing or proposed long-term care facility?
- Have you or a family member* been employed by or participated in the management of a long-term care facility in the previous three months?
- Are you or a family member* employed by the owner or operator of any long-term care facility in the service area?
- Have you or a family member* received, or have the right to receive, directly or indirectly, any type of compensation from an owner or operator of a long-term care facility?
- Have you or a family member* accepted gifts or gratuities of significant value from a long-term care facility or its management, a resident or a resident representative of a long-term care facility in North Dakota?
"Family member" for purposes of the Ombudsman position is defined as "a member of the household or a relative with whom there is a close personal, or significant financial relationship".
Location: ND HHS utilizes a blended workplace model. Depending on the role, employees may work from home, onsite or both. This position is a work from home in the Devils Lake or Grand Forks area and will have to travel regularly.
About Team ND
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Application Procedures
Your resume should include information to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as posted. If the Department's Human Resource Division is unable to determine that you meet the minimum qualifications credit will not be given. All application material must be received on or before the closing date by 11:59 pm.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Department of Health & Human Services does not offer or provide sponsorships.
This employer participates in E-Verify. Please visit the following website for additional information: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/careers/e-verify
A copy of your qualifying degrees transcript and any applicable certifications or licensures must be provided at the time of an interview.
For more information about the position or if you need an accommodation, please contact Karla Backman at kbackman@nd.gov or at 701.328.4617.
Employing Unit: ND DHHS - Adult & Aging Services
Telephone Number: 701-328-4617 or 1-855-462-5465 option 3
TTY Number: ND Relay Service 1-800-366-6888 (text); 1-800-366-6889 (voice)
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the Application Process or uploading attachments, please contact recruiter@nd.gov or (701)328-3290.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.
