Ombudsman

Overview

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.

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

• 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, and 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, as well as 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 Ombudsman 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 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 a Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or a related Human Behavioral Sciences field.
• Certified as a Colorado Ombudsman within the first two months of employment required.
• Possession of a valid Colorado Driver’s License by date of hire required.
• 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.

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.