State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In a state agency this class is accountable for directing the statewide Long Term Care Ombudsperson program.

Receives administrative direction from an administrative official of higher grade.

Directs staff of program.

• Directs staff and operations of the Long Term Care Ombudsperson program; 
• Coordinates, plans and manages program activities for residents of long term care facilities through Regional Ombudsmen and Volunteer Resident Advocates; 
• Formulates program goals and objectives; 
• Develops or assists in development of related statewide policies, procedures and/or regulations; 
• Interprets, monitors, administers and provides recommendations and/or changes to pertinent laws including facilitating public comment; 
• Evaluates staff;
• Prepares program budget;
• Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of agency who might impact on program activities;
• Develops legislative agenda based upon collected research and analytical data; 
• Independently prepares and testifies before the General Assembly;
• Ensures residents have consistent and timely access to Office of the Ombudsman; 
• Oversees identification, documentation and resolution of significant problems affecting individuals residing in long term care facilities;
• Directs, evaluates and provides staff training including certification and decertification of representatives of program; 
• Represents interests of long term care residents before governmental agencies and legislature; 
• Promotes development of citizen organizations and provides technical assistance for resident and family councils; 
• Publicizes purpose and operations of Long Term Care Ombudsperson program; 
• Facilitates legal action if necessary; 
• Applies for and administers special grants from federal government and other voluntary sources;
• Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
• Performs related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of
  • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
  • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
  • relevant agency policies and procedures; 
  • resident care and long term care facility operations;
  • problems of  individuals residing in long term care facilities and community operations; 
• Knowledge of community resources available to older individuals;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills; 
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Considerable ability in program planning, development, administration and evaluation.

Eight (8) years of professional experience in social, human or community service programs for older individuals and persons with disabilities involving long term care and advocacy.

• College training in the human services field including gerontology, psychology or social work may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half  (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in counseling, gerontology or social work may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
• For state employees two (2) years of experience as a Regional Long Term Care Ombudsperson may be substituted for the General Experience.

• Incumbents in this class are required to travel.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Appointment to this position must comply with 45 CFR Parts 1324.21 (c) (4) (A), which states, “An agency which appoints or employs representatives of the Office shall make efforts to avoid appointing or employing an individual as a representative of the Office who has been employed by or participating in the management of a long-term care facility within the previous twelve months.”

This replaces the existing title of and specification for the class of State Long Term Care Ombudsman in Salary Group MP 64 approved effective April 22, 2022. (Revised to retitle and modify content) Final No. 22-137