Long Term Care Ombudsman
Description:
A Certified Long Term Care Ombudsman is a professionally trained and certified advocate who resolves issues with long term care facilities on behalf of residents and their families. In New York State there is a State Ombudsman and 40 Substate Ombudsman Coordinators. They support and train the more than 1,000 certified Ombudsmen who are the first line of contact with residents and long term care facilities.
Certified Ombudsmen visit residents, investigate and resolve complaints, and use their skills to advocate for the rights of residents in nursing homes and other long term care facilities. The dual focus of quality of care and quality of life enables the volunteers to assure that residents are cared for appropriately.
Volunteers serve as a voice for residents of nursing homes and adult care facilities. Certified Ombudsmen are indispensable in ensuring that all facilities meet mandated, legal standards for every person requiring long term care.
Certification Requirements:
- Commit to volunteering four hours per week for at least one year.
- Attend and participate in 36 hours of basic training.
- Have good communication and interpersonal skills in order to influence and improve the quality of care and quality of life for New York's long term care residents.
Age Requirements:
Meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years.
Lisenses Issued and Active:
As of October 1, 2009, there were 943 certified volunteer ombudsmen and approximately 60 paid certified ombudsmen.
Licensing Authority:
New York State Office for the Aging
Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman
Office for the Aging
Executive; Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Two Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12223-1251
Phone: 1(800) 342-9871
Standard Occupational Classification:
23-1022.00 Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
To learn more about this occupation go to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net).
Additional Information:
National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center
1828 L Street
NW Suite 801 Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 332-2275