ADRC Speciallist/LTC Ombudsman

SOUTHWEST MONTANA AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: ADRC Specialist/LTC Ombudsman

ADRC Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS: Two years undergraduate education or equivalent, two years professional experience with at least one year in aging, long term care, or a related field. Ability to work with the public, well organized, ability to quantify and report information and a pleasant demeanor necessary. Transferable skills from comparable education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the Area Agency Director.

SUPERVISION: Executive Director of Southwest Montana Aging and Disability Services is the supervisor for this position. All Agency employees are responsible to the Policy decisions set forth by the Area V Agency Board of Directors and any training requirements and standards that determine certification under Agency programs.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Receive training in and perform Information and Assistance, (I&A), duties for Adult and Disability Resource Center such as screening clients for assistance programs such as Medicaid and SNAP including assisting them to complete applications.
• Receive training and perform duties under the Options Counseling Program.
• Receive training and perform duties under the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, counseling Medicare beneficiaries.
• Receive training and perform duties under the Veterans Directed Care Program.
• Perform outreach for counseling and informational seminars.
• Enter information for self and volunteers into Capstone.
• Update web site and Facebook, put together quarterly newsletter and targeted mailings.
• Help with identifying and writing grants.
• Help with Agency and area wide reporting requirements.

TRAINING:

• This position requires certification in the state Information and Assistance Program, SHIP, and Options Counseling. Training will be provided by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior and Long-Term Care – Aging Services Division.
• Mandatory attendance is required at yearly recertification trainings provided by the state.
• Training in other related services may be requested.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Job Description

A Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LLTCO) serves as an advocate for all residents in nursing homes, Critical Access hospitals, and assisted living facilities and serves as a liaison between residents, their legal representatives (if applicable), long-term care facility staff, and other parties as appropriate.

The LLTCO visits assigned facilities on a routine basis; investigates and resolves complaints; provides education and information to residents, families, facilities, and the community; and compiles information pertinent to the Ombudsman Program data collection system. The LLTCO maintains and upholds privacy and confidentiality as required by the Older Americans Act and the Health Insurance Portability Act (HIPPA).

In accordance with the Older Americans Act, the LLTCO must be free of conflicts of interest that may interfere with job responsibilities. Specifically, an applicant must not have been employed in any capacity with a long-term care facility for the past two years; must not be related to a resident of the facility where s/he will provide Ombudsman services; and must have no financial interest in the provision of long-term care services.

This is a 1/4-time position located within Area V Agency on Aging in Butte, MT. Direct supervision will be through the Area Agency on Aging Director with program supervision, technical assistance, training, and direction from the Regional and State Ombudsman.

This position will provide Ombudsman coverage in Silver Bow, Deer Lodge, Granite, Powell, Beaverhead, and Madison counties. Considerable travel is required, and applicants must have reliable transportation and a current and valid driver’s license.

Job Requirements

Knowledge:

A local long-term care Ombudsman (LLTCO) must be professional, impartial, and fair in pursuit of the rights of residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. A LLTCO is first and foremost a resident advocate and will approach every problem from this essential perspective.

A LLTCO should:

• Have knowledge of the needs and problems of long-term care

residents and their families or legal representatives.

• Generally, understand the medical, social, mental, and emotional.

process of aging.

• Be familiar with the State and local long-term care system of social services and public benefits programs related to long-term care residents.
• Have some understanding of the legal system.
• Be familiar with the federal CMS guidelines for all nursing facilities and state regulations for assisted living facilities.

Skills:

This position requires:

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate and listen effectively.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills, including mediation and

negotiation.

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to be tactful, diplomatic, and non-judgmental.
• A genuine interest in the problems facing long term care residents as well as a person who enjoys interacting with older and/or disabled individuals.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• The ability to manage a complex workload – to identify and analyze issues, evaluate them based on priority, and solve them creatively under pressure – and with collaboration when appropriate.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Strong computer skills and record-keeping skills.
• All resident information to be maintained in a private and confidential manner.

Ombudsman Duties

§ Receive the designation of Local Long Term Care Ombudsman from the State Long Term Care Ombudsman and fulfill Long Term Care Ombudsman responsibilities assigned by the federal Older Americans Act and State Long Term Care Ombudsman statutes on behalf of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.

§ Adhere to the Ombudsman Code of Ethics.

§ Visit assigned facilities on a regular basis and receive, investigate, and resolve complaints and concerns by residents, family members, friends, facility staff, and others.

§ Act as a mediator in disputes between residents and other parties while representing the resident’s point of view.

§ Maintain the confidentiality of complainants and residents per federal and state statutes.

§ Document complaints and cases, compile information, and provide monthly reports as required by the Regional and State Ombudsman in adherence to federal reporting requirements.

§ Attending meetings (staff meetings, resident and family council meetings, Adult Protective Team meetings, etc.).

§ Provide information, training, and education to residents, families, facilities, and the community.

Training/Certification Requirements

Extensive training will be offered in collaboration with the Regional and State Ombudsman. It will begin with 6 hours of Friendly Visitor Training. Successful completion of a core online curriculum with the MT Geriatric Education Center will be required along with simultaneous mentorship from the Regional Ombudsman. Successful participation and completion of a 45-hour Ombudsman Certification Training is required. The LLTCO is also required to complete 16 hours of continuing education annually. This training can be acquired through annual Recertification Training and various conference opportunities (Governor’s Conference on Aging, MT Gerontology Society Conference; Alzheimer’s Conference; etc.).

TRAVEL DEMANDS:

This position will require travel throughout the state for various required trainings and meetings, (up to 2 or 3 times per year). Extensive travel may be required within the six-county service area. Some travel will occur in the winter on potentially hazardous roads. Travel expenses are reimbursed at rates established by the Area V Agency on Aging Board of Directors.

DUTIES EXPECTED FOR ALL AGENCY STAFF:

• Attending State and other training seminars or conferences when needed.
• Attend meetings and visit sites within the service area when needed.
• Greet public, answer phones, and perform receptionist duties for the Area V Agency Office when needed.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned.

HOURS: Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, forty hours per week. Hours may very due to need.

SALARY: Salary for this position starts at $34,500 a year with a $500 increase upon completion of the new hire period and when training requirements are met.

BENFITS: Benefits include a company paid group health plan and contributions to a company pension plan.

TO APPLY:

Send cover letter and resume, (with list of references), to Southwest Montana Aging and Disability Services, P.O. Box 459, Butte, MT 59703; or return application materials to the local Job Services. You can call 782-5555 for more information. Deadline is 4 p.m. on July 6, 2018.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $34,500.00 - $35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Butte, MT 59701

Salary : $34,500 - $35,000