Long Term Care Ombudsman (Our Programs & Services) | Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Link to Ombudsman Program Volunteer Video

Helping People, Change Lives. Become and advocate for those living in long term care facilities. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program will train you to advocate for these residents, ensuring their rights are protected.

The Ombudsman Program advocates in Veterans Homes across Missouri. Just like the program does in traditional long-term care settings, its mission is to protect and improve the quality of care and quality of life for residents of VA homes through individual and systemic advocacy for and on behalf of veterans. The program is a resident centered advocacy program. The veteran is the program’s client, regardless of the source of the complaint or request for service. The Ombudsman will make every reasonable effort to assist, empower, represent, and advocate on behalf of the veteran.

Apply to Volunteer

Apply to Volunteer or call 800-309-3282 [NEEDS LINK]

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Ombudsman Volunteer Job Description

Qualifications

Must be over the age of 18
Must complete a Family Care Safety Registry and Highway Patrol background check
Must complete required Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Training
Must have dependable transportation
Has not been employed in a LTC facility within the last 12 months or have a member of immediate family working in a facility
Must not have a family member in the assigned facility
Be certified and designated as a representative of the program by completing the required training

Responsibilities

Visit residents in assigned long term care facility or facilities on a regular basis (2-4 hours per week suggested or according to an agreed upon schedule with Regional Coordinator)
Visit with residents, identifying complaints and concerns
Educate residents about their rights, community services available to them, laws, regulations and standards governing LTC facilities
Monitor facilities for the implementation of residents’ rights
Encourage self -advocacy and interaction between residents, staff and community including resident councils and family support groups
When a complaint is received by or on behalf of a resident:
Determine the facts of the complaint
Determine if the complaint was/was not verified
Work with the resident and provider to resolve the problem(s)
Communicate with the nursing home administrator or other designated staff person during each visit
Acceptance and adherence to the Volunteer Ombudsman Code of Ethics and Standards
Work cooperatively with residents, the Regional Ombudsman and LTC providers
Attend Ombudsman Program training sessions
Attend state-wide Ombudsman Volunteer conferences as able
Submit monthly activity reports

Skills

Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in preparing and entering information
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, by phone, computer and in person with contractors, other organizations and clients
Excellent listening skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Effective organizational skills
Decision making skills
Ability to work independently within the framework of the Agency’s established policy.
Mediation and problem solving skills
Time management skills
Possess the ability to work independently

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

A message from State Ombudsman, Jenny Hollandsworth:

“The Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is very honored to have the opportunity to advocate for Veterans. We ask for your patience as we work to recruit and train more volunteers to best serve the Veterans Homes. Volunteer Ombudsmen perform invaluable work assisting Veterans and their families to resolve complaints or provide information and other assistance.”

Be a Veteran's Advocate

View the brochure to learn more about becoming a Veteran's Advocate

Learn more about the role of a Volunteer Ombudsman

If you know of a veteran who needs an advocate in one of the homes listed below, click on the home to connect with its Regional Ombudsman Coordinator.

Share Your Suggestions

Ombudsman Representatives Share Your Suggestions [NEEDS LINK]

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Exit Questionnaire

Ombudsman Representative Exit Questionnaire

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Do You Want To Volunteer?

Topic Menu: Long Term Care Ombudsman (Our Programs & Services)