Staff Ombudsman I-(CSON/CENTER ON AGING)

Position Summary:

We are looking for a passionate and community-focused advocate dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in Texas long-term care facilities. This role serves as a trusted resource for residents, families, and facility staff by providing education, outreach, and advocacy in accordance with the Older Americans Act. The ideal candidate will build meaningful relationships through regular facility visits, lead engaging educational presentations and staff trainings, and champion resident rights through individualized advocacy and casework. This position plays a vital role in promoting dignity, informed care, and positive outcomes across nursing homes and assisted living communities..

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Advocates on behalf of residents in nursing and assisted living facilities through regular visits, individual casework, participation in care plan meetings, input on systems changes, and attendance at resident and family council meetings.
• Assists with recruitment, training, and placement of state certified ombudsmen in long-term care facilities.
• Educates residents, family members, staff members, and the general public on resident rights, the ombudsman program, and other topics related to long-term care through individual consultations and group presentations.
• Practices effective time management in order to meet deadlines for visitation and achieve established standards for productivity (visits, consults, casework, etc.).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

• None

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's Degree or relevant experience in lieu of degree required
Minimum Experience:
1 year of customer service experience in social work, community-based programming, and/or advocacy for vulnerable populations required Experience in aging programs and services preferred
Physical Requirements:
Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
Security Sensitive:
This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.
Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.