The Upper Cumberland Development District/Area Agency on Aging and Disability has an opening for a District Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The District Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living communities, and adult care homes within the Upper Cumberland region. This role is responsible for protecting the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents by investigating complaints, resolving concerns, and providing education and outreach on long-term care services and residents’ rights.
This position involves both office-based work and field-based responsibilities, including direct interactions with residents, families, and facility staff. Regular travel to long-term care facilities throughout the district is required. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary to accommodate resident or family needs.
Duties include:
- Advocate for residents by identifying, investigating, and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of individuals in long-term care settings
- Conduct regular visits to long-term care facilities to monitor conditions and promote awareness of residents’ rights
- Educate residents, families, facility staff, and the public on long-term care issues, available services, and residents’ legal rights
- Collaborate with facility staff and administrators to address concerns and improve quality of care
- Maintain accurate and confidential case records; submit timely reports in accordance with state and federal requirements
- Recruit, train, and supervise certified volunteer ombudsmen (if applicable)
- Participate in community outreach, training sessions, and events to promote the Ombudsman program
- Monitor compliance with applicable state and federal long-term care laws and regulations
- Work closely with the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office and other aging services programs to coordinate advocacy efforts
Requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; a degree with an emphasis or strong interest in social services, advocacy, gerontology, public health, or related fields is preferred
- A minimum of three (3) years of full-time professional experience, including at least two (2) years in aging services, long-term care, healthcare, or a related field (one (1) year in a consultative or supervisory role preferred)
- Must pass a criminal background check conducted by a local law enforcement agency
- Individuals with convictions disqualifying them from employment in nursing or personal care homes will not be hired
- Strong understanding of long-term care systems, elder rights, and advocacy principles
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive issues professionally
- Skilled in conflict resolution, negotiation, and maintaining objectivity
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required; frequent in-district travel is necessary
- Must complete and maintain certification as a Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The successful applicant will also possess experience working with older adults or vulnerable populations and be familiar with state and federal long-term care regulations and policies. Interested applicants should complete an online application and/or submit a resume to careers@ucdd.org
Equal Opportunity Employer