Ombudsman​/Elder Abuse Outreach Specialist

Ombudsman/Elder Abuse Outreach Specialist

Prince George's County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.

The Prince George's County Department of Family Services is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill an Ombudsman/Elder Abuse Outreach Specialist (Community Developer 1G), grade G18, in the Aging & Disabilities Services Division.

This position is (PART TIME) limited term grant funded (LTGF). Positions designated as limited-term grant-funded are temporary in nature and the employment period is contingent upon the grant's continued funding availability. This position does offer limited benefits.

This is senior level professional work whereby the incumbent serves as an Ombudsman/Elder Abuse Specialist, responsible for advocating/protecting the rights of long-term care residents to include nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This professional level of work requires the completion of the Maryland State Ombudsman certification training in the areas of community liaison, development, advocacy and/or social services for long term care client populations.

The primary role of the long-term care ombudsman is to serve as a resident advocate. Ombudsman are charged with serving as the residents' advocate in response to both individual complaints, as well as advocating for the concerns and well-being of all long-term care residents. The incumbent is led by the Program Coordinator and supervised by the Unit Manager.

About the Agency:
The Department of Family Services improves the quality of life and overall well-being of the communities by providing information, assistance and referrals, as well as promoting and developing high quality, innovative programs that educate, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity. The department is responsible for providing assistance to some of the County's most vulnerable citizens – children, families, victims of domestic violence, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans, and seniors.

The department is comprised of three divisions that serve the aging and disabled, victims of domestic violence, as well as children, youth and families in need of support and resources.

• Ombudsman Specialist handles the day-to-day functions of their assigned long-term care facilities to provide advocacy to residents through in-person visits, virtual visits, telephone calls and/or meetings from interested parties while maintaining compliance with federal, state and local policies, mandates an program requirements.
• Advocacy for residents is performed through established liaisons with facility nursing, activity, dietary and administrative staff. Uses a developed complaint intake system to record, track and resolve complaints.
• Assist the Ombudsman Program Coordinator with the recruitment, training, support, and maintenance of the Program's volunteers through monthly meeting, educational opportunities, outreach events and training programs.
• Assist in the advocacy and education of long-term residents and their families to promote the knowledge and skills needed to access the long-term care system and on the topic of Resident/Patient's Bill of Rights.
• Assist in developing and/or maintaining Family/Resident Councils in assigned long-term care facilities. Attend meetings when requested or required.
• Provide public educational outreach to the community and training to professionals, through public speaking engagements and developed printed materials. Conduct a minimum of two outreach/public speaking engagements annually.
• Develop and implement appropriate Resident Rights training programs at assigned long-term care facilities for facility staff.
• Willingly performs other tasks and duties assigned, which may not be specifically listed in this description; however, are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.
• Prepare accurate and concise reports, Program updates, training materials as requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Service, Sociology,…