Job DescriptionJob Description
DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN
Catholic Charities, Berks County
Position Description
Job Title: Berks County Long Term Care Ombudsman
Department: Older Adults
FLSA: Non- Exempt/Full-Time
Reports to: Reports to Ombudsman Supervisor and Director of Community Support Programs
Job Function: An ombudsman provides trained advocate services for residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care facilities in Berks County.
Duties and Responsibilities
Resident Advocacy & Rights
Educate residents, families, and facility staff on residents' rights under state and federal law.
Investigate individual complaints, working towards resolution via discussion, negotiation, and if needed, escalation.
On-Site Monitoring & Engagement
Conduct routine visits to assigned LTC facilities to assess resident quality of life, physical conditions, and facility practices.
Encourage appropriate referrals to external agencies.
Stakeholder Connections
Building trusting partnerships with facility staff, administrators, residents, and families.
Network with Pennsylvania's Department of Aging, local Area Agencies on Aging, healthcare providers, and legal advocates to coordinate care interventions.
Training & Community Outreach
Attend and present training sessions and community outreach events on elder rights, LTC facility oversight, and awareness of LTC Ombudsman services.
Develop and distribute educational materials for residents and community members.
Assist Supervisor with recruitment, retention, and training of volunteers for the Volunteer Ombudsman Program.
Participate in Volunteer Ombudsman meetings and trainings.
Policy Advocacy & Reporting
Report trends and systemic issues to the regional/state LTC Ombudsman program.
Participate in policy development and improvement initiatives both regionally and statewide.
Responsible for other duties as assigned.
Additional Conditions of Employment
Due to the nature and mission of the Catholic Church, all employees are bound to exhibit respect for the teachings and discipline of the Church regarding matters of faith and morals, including maintaining a lifestyle that is in conformity with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Minimum Educational Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related human services degree.
Obtain and maintain Pennsylvania Ombudsman certification.
Other Requirements:
Proficiency in oral and written English language. Proficiency in Spanish is helpful.
Very strong customer service skills, including the ability to collaborate and communicate with facility staff and administration as well as family members.
Aptitude for working with individuals/families and managing difficult situations.
Must be skilled at making client assessments.
Well-developed computer skills, including ability to easily use Outlook, Word, Excel, and ability to learn program-specific web-based applications.
Must enjoy working in a very fast-paced environment, with the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
Attention to detail.
Required Clearances and Trainings
Prior to start date, all Safe Environment Clearances must be received and reviewed, including FBI fingerprint, Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services clearances. All clearances must be renewed in accordance with Diocese of Allentown and/or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for duration of employment.
Prior to start date, completion of Mandated Reporter Training (MRT) and every 5 years thereafter or when required by agency, Diocese of Allentown, and/or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Completion of Protecting God's Children Training (PGC) within 3 weeks of start date and monthly online bulletins, as well as any recertification, for the duration of employment.
Any additional requirements implemented by the Diocese of Allentown, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or specific grantors, for the duration of employment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements.
Physical Demands:
Notwithstanding applicable ADA accommodations, while performing the duties of this job, employee is regularly required to: sit; walk and stand; speak or hear, both in person and by telephone. Use of hands to operate standard office equipment; with occasional reaching and lifting up to ten pounds is required.
Employee is required to be able to drive his/her vehicle to LTC facilities and other Catholic Charities or Diocese of Allentown locations; the ability to drive to those locations safely is required, unless exceptions are explicitly recommended by the Program Supervisor and Executive Director, or in keeping with ADA requirements.
Working Conditions:
Work within Long-Term care facilities and community settings and comply with all facility rules and regulations.
Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:00pm; 37.5 hours per week.
Must be willing/able to drive anywhere within the 5 counties of the Diocese of Allentown and on occasion outside of the Diocese of Allentown.
Must be willing/able to travel to conferences, trainings, etc., when required by supervisor.
May occasionally be required to work additional outside of regularly scheduled hours.
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume via iSolved or to the following:
Diocese of Allentown
Attn: Catholic Charities- Andrea Neagle
P.O. Box F Allentown, PA 18105-1538
aneagle@allentowndiocese.org
OR
FAX: 610-439-7693
No phone calls please.
EOE M/F/D/V
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