Comprehensive Benefits Package • Tuition Discounts • Career Advancement
SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA AREA AGENCY ON AGING, INC.
Overall Function:
Provides Ombudsman services to consumers living in nursing facilities, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, Dom Care homes or in their own home.
Essential Functions:
-
Completes investigations and resolves resident complaints regarding quality of life and quality of care issues as directed by the resident.
-
Conducts facility coverage visits as assigned in compliance with Department of Aging policy.
- Educates consumers/residents/staff regarding resident rights and offers information on how consumers/residents can best exercise those rights.
-
Prepares and submits all required case forms, reports, billings, documentation, and correspondence to the AAA Ombudsman in an accurate and timely manner meeting National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS) standards.
-
Provides advocacy and representation for residents facing involuntary discharge or transfer; ensures residents are informed of their appeal rights and assists in navigating the fair hearing process.
-
Provides information and consultation to residents, facility staff and individuals in the community and attends resident plan of care meetings as requested.
-
Provides social and emotional support and empowerment to residents/consumers/families to ensure proper service delivery in long-term care environments.
-
Supports community outreach initiatives including conducting educational presentations within the community, participating in facility surveys, providing legislative advocacy, and working with Resident and/or Family Councils.
-
Supports the development of the PEER Project within the community, including initial training and coordination of post-graduation activities. Performs other mission-critical advocacy tasks and special projects as assigned, provided they do not constitute a conflict of interest as defined by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
-
Adheres to all policies, laws, regulations, codes of ethics, conflict of interest and confidentiality as outlined by federal and state laws, and agency policies and procedures.
-
Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology, Human Services, Social Work or a related field from an accredited college or university.
-
Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state regulations governing long-term care facilities, including the Older Americans Act and applicable Pennsylvania Codes.
-
Demonstrated knowledge of resident/consumer rights in each applicable long-term care setting and have the ability to research information as needed.
-
Demonstrated ability to make incisive observations, obtain vital information and make appropriate recommendations during interviews and/or while reviewing case records.
-
Demonstrated knowledge of financial entitlement programs and health/social services available to the consumers.
-
Demonstrated proficiency in 'Person-Centered' advocacy, ensuring the resident's expressed wishes remain the primary driver of all investigations and resolutions.
-
Must not be excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal health care program.
-
Must successfully obtain Criminal History Clearance from the PA State Police, Child Abuse Clearance from the PA Department of Human Services and FBI Fingerprint Clearances.
Available Benefits:
- Medical and dental benefits for eligible employees.
-
Retirement plan with potential for agency match.
-
Tuition discounts with partnering colleges and universities.
-
Career advancement opportunities.
-
Generous time off for eligible employees.
-
Be an SPHS Hero!
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
