Job Description

Under the guidance of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, the leadership of the Regional Ombudsman and the supervision of the Area Agency on Aging Director and the Finance/Operations Manager, the Department of Disability and Special Needs (DDSN) Ombudsman identifies, investigates and resolves reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation made by or on behalf of residents that relate to action, inaction or decisions that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare or rights of the victim in the Pee Dee Region. The duties include:

• Provide problem solving assistance and advocacy using practices established by the State Long Term Ombudsman and The LTC Ombudsman policy and procedures.
• Abide by procedures established under federal and state law as well as all policies set by the State Long Term Care Ombudsman.
• Fulfill the obligations and protocols of the LTCO program to receive funding and conducts services corresponding to the Ombudsman Policies and Procedures in accordance with the State Ombudsman policies, procedures and protocols.
• Receive calls and complaint reports from facilities, residents, family and the community and address as indicated by the Ombudsman Policy and Procedures.
• Respond and investigate reports of abuse, gross neglect (with resident at risk with 24 hours, residents not believed to be at risk 5 days) residents who have been threatened transfer, transferred or discharged from a facility and exploitation on behalf or resident in timely manner.
• Advocate and counsel patients regarding their rights while empowering them to take control of available services.
• Prepares correspondence and reports to facilities, client’s family members and the State Ombudsman program within a timely manner.
• Promptly and accurately refer complaints to other state and federal agencies (DHEC, Police, Attorney General, etc.) when needed.
• Sets up and maintains resident files on complaints which are stored in a locked file cabinet in compliance with the Ombudsman policy and procedures.
• Accurately input data into the Ombudsman tracking system (Wellsky) within 48 hours of receiving and document every call and contact, including information only calls.
• Attend all Ombudsman meetings.
• Provide problem solving and mediation technical assistance to facilities, families and other agencies.
• Conduct trainings and in-services at facilities, other agencies, churches and civic groups.
• Responsible for visiting every facility in the service area once a month.
• Maintain required continuing education hours.
• Works closely with facility administrators to ensure the safety of residents in the event of an emergency.

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Four (4) year degree required
• Two (2) years’ experience in field or related field
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Ability to work independently and handle problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations.

Hours

This is a part time position, 20 hours per week. The typical work day is 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Location

This position covers the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina requiring daily travel. The office is located in Hartsville, SC.