Social Worker Advocate I, II, III, LTC Ombudsman Program

Social Worker Advocate, LTC Ombudsman Program

Open positions in Pasadena, Van Nuys, Santa Monica, and West Covina.

For more than 50 years, Wise & Healthy Aging has been serving older adults at all stages of their lives. Offering a wide range of services for older adults from pre-retirement through elder years, we also offer services for caregivers and their families and work closely with other senior services and community organizations who share our passion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of older adults. Wise & Healthy Aging has received numerous designations of excellence from Guide Star, GREATNONPROFITS, and is nationally certified as a Great Place to Work.

We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. For staff who regularly work 30 or more hours per week, benefits include employers pays up to 80% of health insurance, 100% company-paid dental, 401(k) plan with competitive employer match, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), optional life and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays plus paid time off (PTO).

Wise & Healthy Aging currently has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Advocate. Our well-established Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, considered a best practice program by the California State Ombudsman Office, serving the City and County of Los Angeles, is searching for motivated, assertive, and energetic individuals to service the territory of the posted regional office.

The Ombudsman Advocate strives to protect the rights and dignity of disabled and senior residents in skilled nursing and residential care facilities. This critical role ensures high-quality care and life for individuals residing in these facilities by providing advocacy services on their behalf. Such services involve monitoring visits, identifying and investigating complaints by or on behalf of residents, disseminating educational information, and witnessing advance health care directives.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Identify, investigate, and resolve complaints, including alleged elder and dependent adult abuse, to the satisfaction of residents of long-term care facilities.
2. Collaborate with and supervise interns and volunteers.
3. Ensure that all complaints are handled according to program guidelines.
4. Provide continuing community presence through unannounced or scheduled visits to long-term care facilities.
5. Provide case management and reporting in compliance with established procedures.
6. Provide community education presentations, ongoing Public Relations, and development with community partners like law enforcement and local fire departments.
7. Use personal vehicle to visit LTC facilities approximately 60% of the time.

Job Requirements:

Educational Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in social work, gerontology, human services, or a related field is required. A master's degree is strongly preferred.

Experience & Other Requirements:

1. Minimum of three (3) years related experience (voluntary or paid) in healthcare, long-term care advocacy, gerontology, investigations, mediation, and negotiation strongly preferred.
2. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
3. Demonstrated experience performing direct service in social services or a related field. Prior responsibilities in handling case management, client advocacy, or therapy involving vulnerable populations, particularly older adults.
4. Field work experience with ethnically diverse populations.
5. Bi-lingual language skills are a plus.
6. Candidates must not have worked, interned, or volunteered at a long-term care facility or adult day service center for at least one year before application.
7. Must travel throughout the designated service territory.
8. A valid driver's license, auto insurance, and satisfactory criminal background check are required.