Ombudsman Associate Internship

Ombudsman Gerontology and Healthcare Administration

Internship Position Description

General Statement of Duties:  In support of the mission of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the Ombudsman Associate will provide advocacy and complaint handling services to long-term care consumers and residents. We will work with you and your school to meet your social work internship requirements.

Service Location: Region 10A (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina)

Direct Supervisor: Victoria Brownfield, COS/Volunteer Coordinator   

Internship Dates: Fall and Spring Semesters / Summer optional

Required Minimum Service Hours: 14-16 hours per week

General Service Schedule:  Will work around school schedule

Duties Include:

• Engage with long-term care consumers to ensure they understand and have access to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, educate them about their rights, respond to questions, and help in resolving complaints during regular window, virtual, and telephonic advocacy visits with long-term care facility residents.
• Investigate and work to verify and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of long-term care consumers while under the supervision of an ombudsman specialist or certified ombudsman program director.
• Counsel long-term care consumers on benefits, rights and regulations and provide education on the selection of long-term care providers.
• Work with resident and family councils in nursing and assisted living facilities to assist in promoting quality care.
• Participate in ongoing training.
• Be responsible for the timely and accurate entry of service activity in accordance with applicable Federal, State and local laws, and Ohio Department of Aging and local program policies and procedures.
• Engage in all activities under the direction of the internship supervisor.
• Comply with all internship guidelines by maintaining service hours, training hours, and service projects as outlined in the practicum.
• Interact in a positive, professional and cooperative manner with consumers, and staff; refer appropriate questions or concerns to the internship supervisor.
• Attend all required training courses and staff meetings.
• Understand and promote the Mission of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and promote the Office’s guiding principle of “Expect Excellence”.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrolled in College
• At least 18 years of age
• Ability to pass criminal background and sex offender check and drug screen
• Ability to travel within assigned service area
• Phone, computer, and internet access
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Working knowledge of Microsoft office software and data entry programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to effectively communicate and build rapport with older adults and those living with mental or physical disabilities, both in person, by phone, and via email
• Experience and comfort with speaking in front of a group
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Perform duties with respectful communication and behavior

Member/Program Benefits

• Mileage and other travel reimbursement
• Training and certification as a representative of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Opportunities to learn from and network with aging service experts
• Personal Protective Equipment training
• Personal Protective Equipment