What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ombudsman position at MAC Incorporated?
Full-Time Position: Ombudsman
Organization: MAC, Inc.
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Salisbury, MD
Pay: $53,827.82/year (approximately $29.61/hour)
Schedule: Full-time (35 hours/week), Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
About MAC, Inc.
MAC, Inc. (Maintaining Active Citizens) is a nonprofit organization serving older adults and their families across the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Our mission is to provide programs and services that promote health, independence, and dignity for aging individuals in our community.
Position Summary
MAC, Inc. is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Long-Term Care Area Ombudsman to advocate for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the four-county region. The Ombudsman investigates complaints, monitors care quality, educates residents and families, and promotes public awareness to prevent the abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults. This role requires strong communication, mediation, and analytical abilities, along with knowledge of state and federal long-term care regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct monthly visits to nursing homes and quarterly visits to assisted living facilities.
- Investigate complaints from residents, families, staff, the public, or anonymous sources, ensuring resident consent when required.
- Maintain confidentiality of all investigation records and case information.
- Provide consultation and guidance regarding resident care and facility practices.
- Conduct in-service trainings on residents’ rights, abuse prevention, advance directives, and related topics.
- Educate on ethical issues including informed consent, refusal of care, and end-of-life decision-making.
- Lead public awareness efforts related to elder abuse prevention, including participation in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
- Maintain case files per Maryland Department of Aging and State Ombudsman Program standards.
- Support the establishment and education of resident and family councils.
- Assist the public in accessing nursing home survey reports, regulations, and best practice information.
- Collaborate with community partners, including Multi-D Team, Eldercare Network, Tri-County APS, and Wicomico County Service Agencies.
- Attend bi-monthly Ombudsman meetings (six per year) and other trainings or conferences within budget.
- Provide referrals for legal services through Legal Aid Bureau contacts and eldercare attorneys.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the CEO of MAC, Inc.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required in Social Work, Human Services, Gerontology, Nursing, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field.
- Two to three (2-3) years of relevant professional experience in long-term care, healthcare, social services, advocacy, case management, aging services, or a related field required.
- Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
- Understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
- Strong mediation, interviewing, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to read and interpret medical records and care plans.
- Proficiency in computer applications for documentation, reporting, and data entry.
- Knowledge of geriatric and psychiatric behavioral symptoms and related medication management.
- Strong research skills, including internet-based clinical research.
Physical Demands
- Ability to independently travel throughout the four-county service area.
- Frequent walking and standing during facility visits; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
- Extended periods of computer-based work and document review.
Why Join MAC, Inc.?
- Join a supportive, mission-driven team committed to serving older adults.
- Contribute to meaningful work that impacts vulnerable populations.
- Enjoy a collaborative and professional work environment.
To Apply
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your qualifications to:
wridout@macinc.org
Pay: From $53,827.82 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have Bachelor's degree required in Social Work, Human Services, Gerontology, Nursing, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field?
- Do you have two to three (2-3) years of relevant professional experience in long-term care, healthcare, social services, advocacy, case management, aging services, or a related field required?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $53,828