Ombudsman Specialist

Job Title: Ombudsman Specialist

Employment Type: Full-time exempt position; 40 hours per week Monday – Friday

Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc.
535 East Franklin Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740

The Washington County Commission on Aging (WCCOA), the designated Area Agency on Aging for Washington County, Maryland, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Long-Term Care Ombudsman Specialist to assist the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Ombudsman Specialist advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities by protecting resident rights, investigating and resolving complaints, and promoting improvements in the quality of care and quality of life. This position serves as a liaison among residents, families, facility staff, regulatory agencies, and community partners while ensuring compliance with federal and state Ombudsman Program requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

· Receive, investigate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, in accordance with resident consent and confidentiality requirements.

· Advocate for the rights, dignity, safety, and well-being of long-term care residents.

· Conduct routine visits to assigned long-term care facilities, including monthly visits to nursing homes, to establish rapport with residents and monitor quality of care, quality of life, and resident rights.

· Educate residents, family members, facility staff, and the community regarding resident rights and Ombudsman services.

· Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case documentation in the designated Ombudsman database in accordance with state reporting requirements.

· Collaborate with the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality by providing information relevant to facility surveys and participating in scheduled exit conferences when appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of long-term care services, resident rights, aging issues, and advocacy principles.
• Knowledge of federal and Maryland regulations governing long-term care facilities preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, email, internet applications, and electronic case management systems.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Gerontology, Nursing, Public Health, or a related field required.

· Certified Ombudsman preferred.

· Minimum of three (3) years of experience in social services, aging services, healthcare, advocacy, case management, or a related field preferred.

· Hours of employment may vary based on organizational needs and programming.

· Supervisory experience preferred.

· Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.

Requirements:

• Valid Maryland driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability to travel throughout Washington County.
• Successful completion of required background checks.
• Ability to complete Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman certification and ongoing required training.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary Range: $40,000 – $45,000 annually

• Health, dental, and vision insurance (single & family coverage available).
• Employer-Paid Life insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 5% employer match after one year of eligible service.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• social services: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Certification (Preferred)

Location:

• Hagerstown, MD 21740 (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $45,000