Assistant Independent Ombudsman

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• Functional
  
  Title:
  
  Assistant Independent Ombudsman
• Job Title: Ombudsman III
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Ombudsman for SSLCs
• Posting Number: 13652
• Closing Date: 02/26/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
• Salary Range: $5,500.00-$6,500.00
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: Days (First)
• Telework:
• Travel: Up to 25%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
• Facility
  
  Location:
  
  Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center
• Job Location City: CORPUS CHRISTI
• Job Location Address: 902 AIRPORT RD
• Other Locations: Corpus Christi
• MOS Codes: ,X,27A,51JX,92J0,LGL
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The Office of the Independent Ombudsman (OIO) for State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs) is an independent state agency, administratively attached to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The OIO is comprised of a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about the OIO's mission to serve as an independent and confidential resource that advocates for SSLC residents' rights, dignity, and respect.

Our vision is that OIO's advocacy enables SSLC residents to lead safe, meaningful, self-determined lives. We are seeking to fill an Assistant Independent Ombudsman position working on-site at one of the state's 13 SSLCs. The selected candidate will have at least 5 years' experience providing advocacy and support to people living with disabilities, possess a strong character, demonstrate professionalism, able to work independently and as a team player, and is passionate about serving residents of the state supported living centers.

OIO staff are offered the same insurance coverage and other benefits available through HHSC and the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, opportunities for career advancement and more.

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The Assistant Independent Ombudsman (AIO) performs advanced investigatory, mediation and consultative work. The AIO evaluates service delivery, practices, and policies to ensure State Supported Living Center (SSLC) residents' rights are protected, assesses the adequacy of staff training, and monitors staff-to-resident ratios. The AIO identifies, receives, and investigates complaints and concerns regarding residents' rights and delivery of services. The AIO documents investigations, provides recommendations, and monitors outcomes of investigation findings.

Work involves utilizing person-centered thinking, advocating for residents of the SSLCs, escalating and resolving issues or conflict, and keeping the Independent Ombudsman (IO) apprised of issues and complaints at the center. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Identify, initiate, receive, and investigate complaints and concerns regarding residents' rights, service delivery and facility practices at the SSLC. Utilize HEARTS, the case management system, to document and track investigation progress, evidence, findings, and recommendations. Provide and monitor recommendations to address systemic and SSLC service delivery concerns to protect and advocate for residents' rights. (25%)

Manage and facilitate a legislatively mandated audit of the SSLC which the AIO is assigned and serves as an audit team member at other SSLC site visits. Collect audit data throughout the year and during on-site audits using Salesforce to evaluate: the ratio of direct care employees to residents, the provision and adequacy of training to SSLC employees, and policies, practices, and procedures to ensure each resident is encouraged to exercise their rights, including the right to file a complaint, and the right to due process.

Participate and contribute in work groups to evaluate and modify audit procedures and tools. (25%)

Evaluate the delivery of facility services to residents to ensure their rights are fully observed and protected, and the residents' perspective, interests and preferences are included in decision making and planning. Observe and attend Human Rights Committee (HRC), Incident Management (IM),…