Pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations Volume 4 section 1324.21 (iii) – We are unable to appoint a candidate as a long-term Care Ombudsman if they have been employed by or has participated in the management of a long-term care facility within the previous twelve months.
The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado’s front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA), and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do, and employees are rewarded with competitive compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We’d love to meet you!
When someone contacts the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for help, our first question is always the same: What does the resident want us to do? We work at the direction of residents or their representatives. Our program, which is authorized by the federal Older Americans Act is charged with performing advocacy work on behalf of older adults and adults with disabilities who live in nursing homes and assisted living residences. Work includes serving as an advocate for and protecting the rights of residents of nursing home and assisted living communities, which involves receiving, investigating and resolving complaints made by and on behalf of residents living in nursing homes and assisted living residences. The success of advocacy work has a direct impact on the safety and quality of life of residents in long-term care facilities.
How Do We Help? Ombudsman representatives assist residents with issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety, and personal preferences. Problems can include, but are not limited to:
Violation of residents' rights or dignity
Physical, verbal, mental, or financial abuse
Poor quality of care
Dietary concerns
Medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation issues
Improper transfer or discharge of a resident
Want to make an impact in the work you do? Ombudsmen make a difference in the lives of residents in nursing homes and assisted living residences every day!
ABOUT THE POSITION OF Ombudsman
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.
Conducts ongoing visits of licensed long term care facilities for observation and compliance monitoring of settings and service practices; conducts interviews with facility staff, administration and residents; performs situation assessments to determine need for intervention and/or escalation of review by outside agency; partners with and makes referrals to state, county and local departments and/or other outside agencies.
Receives and reviews complaints; conducts investigations and gathers grievance information; observes and gathers evidence on specific rights violations, patterns and related complaints; provides information on investigation processes, rights and regulations; and maintains client confidentiality in proceedings.
Prepares and presents investigation report findings to facility administration and provides direction on complaint resolution strategies; coordinates action plan and directs service providers on problem resolution; refers criminal allegations to appropriate state agency.
Responds to information requests regarding long term care placement options, industry rules and regulations, and provides general guidance related to client needs, facility criteria, regulatory compliance and care standards.
Prepares and maintains documentation of all actions in accordance with state statute; determines case status and required actions.
Serves as a community representative on stakeholder committees, attending meetings, and by providing advice and recommendations for the maintenance and improvement of effective resident and family council meetings; advocates against policy or actions that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare or rights of residents.
Develops and provides community education and materials to increase awareness of long-term care issues, resident rights, and to promote community involvement in facility and industry concerns.
Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
Researching industry trends, solutions and best practices.
Conducting investigations and monitoring compliance.
Conducting interviews, gathering evidence and reporting findings.
Performing facility and situation assessments to determine intervention needs or actions.
Gathering data, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason.
Interpreting, monitoring and reporting information and statistics.
Authoring original reports, documents and presentations.
Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations.
Coordinating deadlines and prioritizing competing demands.
Exercising confidentiality.
Providing resident advocacy of rights and promoting awareness of issues related to long term care.
Exercising political acumen, tact and diplomacy.
Developing and providing education and related materials.
Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment).
Providing customer service.
Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Familiarity with basic concepts of digital accessibility, including techniques for accessible writing, presenting, remote meetings, and document creation.
Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
Principles and practices of compliance monitoring and complaint investigation.
General practices and issues related to long term care settings and human services advocacy.
Treatment and intervention methods related to assigned area.
Best practices, trends and emerging technologies.
Principles and practices of program administration and management.
Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research.
Principles and techniques of effective oral presentations.
Record management principles.
Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment).
Customer service principles.
Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment.
Modern office technology.
Researching industry trends, solutions and best practices.
Conducting investigations and monitoring compliance.
Conducting interviews, gathering evidence and reporting findings.
Performing facility and situation assessments to determine intervention needs or actions.
Gathering data, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason.
Interpreting, monitoring and reporting information and statistics.
Authoring original reports, documents and presentations.
Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations.
Coordinating deadlines and prioritizing competing demands.
Exercising confidentiality.
Providing resident advocacy of rights and promoting awareness of issues related to long term care.
Exercising political acumen, tact and diplomacy.
Developing and providing education and related materials.
Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment).
Providing customer service.
Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Familiarity with basic concepts of digital accessibility, including techniques for accessible writing, presenting, remote meetings, and document creation.
Education and experience requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in gerontology, social work or related human services field and two to four years of related human services experience. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
Licensing/Certifications:
Depending on assignment, some positions may require:
Valid Colorado Driver’s License and access to an automobile or to substantively equivalent alternative transportation.
Must become certified by the state ombudsman within the first three months of employment.
STATUS:
Full-time, Exempt
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The hiring salary range for this position is $5,003.44 - $6,006.16/month or $2,501.72 - $3,003.08/semi-monthly depending on qualifications.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To view the full job description, a complete listing of benefits, and to apply for this position, please visit our website at https://drcog.org/drcog-job-openings.
This position is open until 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Monday, March 31, 2025.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
