Ombudsman Adult Long Term Care Facility

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

This position is responsible for ensuring the regulatory compliance for State licensure and/or Medicare/Medicaid certification, conducting investigations of complaints and allegations of resident abuse or neglect and violations of resident health care regulations involving Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Group/Neighborhood Homes and Family Care Homes. The incumbent will: conduct Federal certification and/or State licensure surveys of Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Group/Neighborhood Homes and Family Care Homes.; assess the quality of care/quality of life and relate findings to statutory/regulatory requirements; develop deficiency reports; review/assess corrective action plans; participate in updating long term care regulations; and prepare/maintain records; and may be required to appear in courts of law or before boards/commissions. The incumbent in this position also performs post survey meetings with residents in long term care facilities as required by statue 16 Del. C. Chapter 11 §1108.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Visits facilities in response to complaints or on random periodic visits; interviews facility administrators, staff, residents and families to assess quality of care physically, emotionally and mentally.
   
• In cases of complaint, interviews involved parties, witnesses either individually and or as a group to ascertain facts, and recommends corrective action (e.g. increased staffing, additional training, closer attention to physical condition of patient or cleanliness of facility.
   
• In cases of alleged abuse, or neglect assesses condition of resident, investigates and compiles data to refer to attorney general, if necessary.
   
• Conducts in-house seminars to train staff on the rights of patients.
   
• Develops and monitors outreach programs with service agencies and community resources.
   
• Supervises staff of volunteers engaged in preliminary investigations, case findings and follow-up.
   
• Develops and maintains consumer hand book of long-term care facilities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Ombudsman Adult Long Term Care Facility
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in health or human services work such as applying theories, principles, laws and practices of health or human services programs and services that assist with and improve life for individuals, families, or communities such as financial support, employment, unemployment, housing, health care, disease prevention, substance abuse, child protective services, physical/mental health treatment and prevention or rehabilitation.
2. Six months experience in conducting investigations which includes conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence and documenting findings.
3. Six month experience in program evaluation such as evaluating programs and services to identify problems, determine compliance and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency to ensure program goals and overall objectives are met.
4. Six months experience in interpreting long term care laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
5. Knowledge of public relations, media relations or communications such as establishing and promoting a positive image with the public, informing or influencing specific audiences through the use of internal and external communications such as public forums, journalism, writing, marketing, advertising, promotions, or special events.

Due to a new requirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the following mandate is effective January 27, 2022: As a condition of employment, employees providing health care services and/or support services in covered facilities must show proof that they have received the dose of a single J&J dose or the 1st dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine effective date January 27, 2022, and proof of the single J&J dose or the 2nd dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine by February. 28, 2022. Employees may not provide any care, treatment, or other services until proof is provided.  Based on CMS guidance, the date for compliance may extend into March due to the health care facilities high vaccination rate of staff.  If you accept a position with the facility, your Human Resources representative can provide more guidance.  The only exception to these requirements is for those employees granted medical or religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which may require weekly COVID-19 testing. This will be in effect until further notice.  More information can be found here.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.