Ombudsman (Full-Time

Ombudsman Position

The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking a full-time Ombudsman in our MI Community, Home, and Health Ombudsman Program. This program represents long term care consumers who want to receive services and supports in their own homes and communities instead of in nursing homes as well as individuals with dual Medicare and Medicaid enrollment. Responsibilities for this position include:

• Managing an individual caseload, which may involve: client intake; assisting clients over the phone, via email, or occasionally in person; negotiating with agencies on behalf of the client; advocacy meetings with agencies or the state; regular case discussion calls; electronic case file management
• Providing information on the benefits and rights of each program
• Collaborating with community partners and state officials
• Coordinating agendas for meetings with agencies/health plans
• Drafting and maintaining educational materials
• Outreach, training, and communication to consumers, advocates, and the public

MEJI advocates for and represents low-income older adults and people with disabilities on issues related to long term care, healthcare, benefits, elder abuse, and individual rights. MEJI houses the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and the MI Community, Home, and Health Ombudsman, and it engages in litigation and systemic advocacy efforts on behalf of vulnerable adults.

MEJI is a program of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit organization providing free legal services to individuals and families with low-income, Michigan’s immigrant communities, older adults and adults with disabilities through several statewide programs. Visit meji.org and michigansas.org for more information.

Requires college degree. Successful applicants will possess strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication, problem-solving, advocacy, and time management skills. Applicants must possess an ability to work independently and a desire to empower and support vulnerable individuals. Candidates must be proficient with major software and web services including Word, Excel, G Suite, and have access to a reliable internet connection. Understanding the preferences, needs and concerns of older people and people with disabilities is essential to this job.

Experience advocating for vulnerable populations, especially older adults or people with disabilities, is preferred.

This is a full-time position with a salary starting at $53,000 depending on experience. MSAS offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts. If an applicant does not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of the year.

MSAS also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 15 paid holidays, as well as a 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment. MSAS is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

The Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.