Long Term Care Ombudsman
Job Description
Job Description
Long Term Care Ombudsman
May 2026
Exempt
As an employee of Trident Area Agency on Aging, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman will provide investigation and resolution of complaints on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities, Office of Mental Health and Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities facilities; advocacy and mediation; community education and training; and on-site visits to facilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Participate in timely receipt, investigation and resolution of complaints on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities, Office of Mental Health and Office of Intellectual Developmental Disabilities facilities
• Prepares intake from concerns and collects relevant information in response to calls, walk-ins or written requests
• Maintains records and completes required reports while maintaining the confidentiality of client information
• Perform duties in accordance with state ombudsman regulations and requirements
• Promotes public understanding of residents’ rights and other long-term care matters, through the development and distribution of materials, public speaking, and training activities
• Coordinates the ombudsman activities and collaborates with agencies that regulate and license long term care facilities
• Develop reports, background materials, and other documentation needed on advocacy issues
• Provides training and consultation to residents, families, residents’ councils, and staff of long-term care facilities
• Promotes community and volunteer support for residents of long-term care facilities
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman
• Attends training sessions as offered to maintain certification
• Attends and participates in scheduled state office and staff meetings
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective relationship with the State Unit on Aging, provider agencies, community-based organizations, long-term care facilities and staff
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Must be able to operate a personal computer and be proficient with word processing programs, databases, spreadsheets, and internet use
• According to federal regulations, must be certified by the State Long Term Care Ombudsman within one year of hire and be free of conflicts of interest
• Ability to interview effectively in a manner to elicit relevant information
• Good organizational, planning, and coordination skills
• Knowledge of the practices, techniques, and standard equipment used for filing, record keeping, and general office procedures
• Maintain the confidentiality of clients’ records
• Ability to always represent the agency in a professional manner
• A valid SC Drivers License and good driving record
• Dependable transportation for on-site visits to long-term care facilities, hospitals, police departments, etc.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Nursing, or related field with two or more years’ experience in long term care.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: Will report to the Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman of Trident Area Agency on Aging. In addition, technical assistance is available through the State Long Term Care Ombudsman.
WORK HOURS: Full-time employment with typical hours of 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Hours may need to be flexible at times to participate in after-hours work-related activities.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to generally describe the functions, requirements and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. It in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Trident Area Agency on Aging reserves the right to modify, revoke, or re-write this job description at any time. Employment is at-will, which means either the employee or Trident Area Agency on Aging may terminate the employment relationship with or without notice and with or without cause. This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise.