Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program - Assistant State LTC Ombudsman - Lansing

POSITION: The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP), is seeking a full-time Assistant State Long Term Care Ombudsman for Training, Closure, and Volunteer Management. MLTCOP is housed in the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative, a legal services program that is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services. The Assistant State Long Term Care Ombudsman for Training, Closure, and Volunteer Management will be based out of the Lansing office with a hybrid in-office/remote work schedule (although on-site visits to facilities will be required).

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: MLTCOP promotes the rights of long-term care residents and seeks to improve the quality of care and life experienced by residents of nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes. The program oversees local ombudsmen across the state who help individual residents resolve complaints and educate residents, their families, and the public on long term care consumers’ rights and options. The program also advocates for systemic reforms that will benefit over 100,000 Michigan long term care residents.

MEJI advocates for and represents low-income older adults and people with disabilities on issues related to healthcare, benefits, long term care, elder abuse, and individual rights. In addition to MLTCOP, it houses the MI Health Link and MI Choice, Community Transition Services and PACE Ombudsman Programs and engages in litigation and systemic advocacy efforts.

MEJI is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low-income individuals and older adults through several statewide programs. MSAS is administered by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through civil legal aid offices and statewide advocacy programs. MAP’s mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. Visit miadvocacy.org for more information.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Assistant State Long Term Care Ombudsman for Training, Closure, and Volunteer Management will:

  • Conduct Designation Training for all new ombudsman candidates utilizing the MLTCOP Designation Training consisting of homework assignments, classroom training, and in-person mentoring. Maintain the MLTCOP Designation Training to ensure it is current and addresses program requirements to prepare new ombudsmen for success;
  • Assist the State LTC Ombudsman in the development of a training agenda including materials and speakers for MLTCOP-hosted ombudsmen trainings;
  • Participate in resident relocations when a facility is closing or being decertified from the Medicare and Medicaid programs to ensure residents are informed of their rights, given choice of relocation options, and relocated in a dignified and organized manner. Monitor the care and services provided to residents and report any concerns to the state ombudsman, facility administration, and state relocation team leader to ensure residents’ needs are being met. Coordinate with local ombudsmen to conduct follow-up visits with residents relocated to their service area to identify and address any concerns related to the relocation or at the new setting;
  • Develop a Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and Management Program consisting of job descriptions, recruitment materials, reporting forms, and tools to support paid ombudsmen in the direct supervision of volunteer ombudsmen. Develop a strategy for recruitment of volunteers at the state and local levels of the program;
  • Provide case consultation and support to local ombudsmen advocating on behalf of residents in licensed long term care settings;
  • Assist in the MLTCOP’s performance of its official duties including complaint resolution and systems advocacy to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents; and
  • Provide statewide education to residents, family members, providers, advocates, and others regarding the rights and interests of long term care residents.

QUALIFICATIONS: Successful applicants will possess a strong interest in training and mentoring, great people and organization skills, good judgment, excellent presentation and communication skills, and an ability to juggle multiple responsibilities. A minimum of 3 years’ experience serving as a Long Term Care Ombudsman is required. Experience training or teaching is preferred but not required. Applicants must be able to travel in-state including overnight stays and must be fully vaccinated for COVID.

BENEFITS: Salary is from $51,000 depending on experience and includes excellent benefits.

MSAS/MEJI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

TO APPLY: Please email your resume with a cover letter to scoolbaugh@meji.org with the subject line, “MLTCOP ASLTCO-TCVM Position.” Please indicate whether you are applying to any other positions with LSSCM, MAP, or MEJI. If you have questions about the program or the position, please email Shelby Coolbaugh at scoolbaugh@meji.org

The position is open until filled; applications received by March 18, 2022 will receive priority.

Date Posted