Klamath County: community, one person at time

Overview

Individuals served often experience communication and accessibility barriers that require face-to-face visits to introduce program services and to assist in resolving concerns. The program’s purpose is to serve the individual resident. RFO endeavors to never become the voice of the individual, but rather works to amplify the individual’s voice. Volunteers are powerful allies in achieving quality of life in homes and facilities.

The RFO program welcomes interested individuals age 18 and over in a wide variety of capacities. Self-advocates and peers have been instrumental to the creation and ongoing development of the RFO program. Their guidance and continued active participation in all areas of the program are actively sought. Creating, producing and providing program materials in accessible formats that meet ADA guidelines is one way that RFO honors the populations we serve and protects the integrity of the program.

RFO Certified Ombudsman

Certified Ombudsman volunteers (COs) work to identify, investigate and resolve complaints with and on behalf of individuals. They receive complaints from individuals during regular in-home visits as well as referred by the Deputy Ombudsman. The CO works closely with the supervising RFO Deputy.

In care homes and facilities all over Oregon, there are residents with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities or Mental Health Conditions who need someone to make sure they are heard. You can be their advocate, helping ensure their choices are honored and they receive quality care.

The Residential Facilities Ombudsman program (RFO) provides advocacy services to Oregonians living in homes and facilities licensed or certified for Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities or Mental Health Conditions.

RFO Certified Ombudsman volunteers provide advocacy services directly to individuals through regular in-home visits as well as receiving and responding to specific complaints through the RFO toll-free phone line. RFO Certified Ombudsman volunteers work to identify, investigate, and resolve complaints.

The presence and advocacy of RFO Certified Ombudsman volunteers strengthens each individual resident’s choice, rights, and quality of life.

• At least 18 years of age and able to pass a criminal history check
• Strong observation, communication and problem-solving skills
• Dependable and reliable
• Adequate transportation to visit homes and facilities
• No conflict of interest

• 16 hours of initial concentrated training
• 15 hours of additional training on expanded topics to be completed in the first year of certification
• 10 hours of continuing education annually to maintain certification thereafter

• A flexible schedule of approximately 16 hours per month. This will include facility visits, complaint resolution including calls and meetings, as well as required activity reporting.
• Please consider making at least a one-year commitment to the program.

Apply using this link: