Ombudsman

At the Larimer County Department of Human Services, we strive to be responsive and provide timely resources in partnership with our community so that individuals and families are healthy, supported, and safe. We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and enthusiastic staff member to join our Operations and Organizational Development (OOD) Division as an Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman is responsible for monitoring the quality of life and protecting the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. This position investigates complaints, conducts routine visits, works with residents to resolve problems, and works with other agencies, serving under the direction of the Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman.

This position is a hybrid role and will require at least one day per week in the office. Remote work is required to have adequate internet access and space, and Larimer County provides a one‑time remote work stipend to assist with equipment and office supply needs.

• Receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints regarding the health, safety, welfare, or rights of residents of long‑term care facilities in Larimer County.
• Advocating for and protecting the rights of assisted living and nursing facility residents, serving as a liaison between residents, staff, families, and other agencies.
• Conducting routine visits to facilities to interact with residents, resident representatives, and families to explain the ombudsman program and function.
• Developing good working relationships with long‑term care facility administrators and staff, discussing issues with staff, and providing services to facility residents.
• Conducting community education to inform the public about the role of the Ombudsman Program through speaking engagements, and providing training for staff in nursing homes and assisted living facilities on a variety of topics.
• Attending seminars, conferences, workshops, classes, and lectures as appropriate to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments of the field, to maintain up‑to‑date working knowledge, and satisfy yearly certification hours.
• Documenting visits and conversations objectively, accurately, and in a timely manner.
• Maintaining confidentiality consistent with the mandates of the Ombudsman Program.
• Engaging in problem‑solving strategies to assist other Ombudsmen working on complex cases and situations.

• Be detailed and use excellent organizational skills.
• Effectively manage multiple projects at once.
• Take initiative and think independently.
• Recognize when to seek input/guidance and when to proceed independently.
• Work well with a range of personalities and people from various backgrounds.
• Be able to learn new computer systems and other processes.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.

• One (1) year of experience working in the field of aging and/or disabilities preferably in a long‑term care setting or in a field that is directly related to the performance of the duties and responsibilities as outlined in the description.
• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or a related Human Behavioral Sciences field.
• Certified as a Colorado Ombudsman within the first two (2) months of employment.
• Possession of a valid Colorado Driver’s License by the date of hire.
• Maintain required certification.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Account
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, and holidays

In office work will be located at one of the following three locations: 1501 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO; 2555 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins, CO; 200 Peridot Avenue, Loveland, CO.

All new employees and rehires will be required to submit fingerprints for a CBI criminal background check (c.r.s. 26-6-104).

All staff working in the Options for Long Term Care Unit, Adult Protection Unit, or Office on Aging will be required to submit information for a Colorado Adult Protective Services data system check (c.r.s. 26-3-1-111).

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks or testing.

Larimer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulation.