02/25/2000 41160

LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN, AGING

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional and administrative work in advocating on behalf of long term care services consumers and directing the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The employee in this class directs the state and federally mandated program that provides resources to Area Agencies on Aging and other contractors involved in the investigation and resolution of complaints related to the health, safety or rights of older individuals. Work involves providing oversight in the development and implementation of program initiatives; developing program policy and procedural recommendations; analyzing proposed legislation to determine impact on current programs; and providing recommendations to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on long term care issues. Work also involves directing the development of educational and training opportunities and materials for local ombudsmen and the general public; directing the daily activities, providing functional oversight and providing technical assistance to Area Agencies on Aging and local contractors; ensuring effective local level complaint investigative processes are implemented; and preparing, as required by state law, the Ombudsman Program's Annual Report for presentation to the legislature. Supervision is exercised over a small professional and clerical staff. Work is assigned in the form of broad program goals and objectives, and the employee exercises considerable latitude in planning, scheduling and assigning work to ensure goals are achieved. Work is reviewed by the Deputy Secretary through reports and conferences to determine attainment of goals and objectives and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops policy and procedures for the implementation of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.

Analyzes current and proposed legislation, regulations and policies for potential impact on program goals and objectives and provides recommendations to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on changes.

Serves as an advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on long term care issues.

Advocates on behalf of consumers of long-term care services.

Serves as a liaison to national and state associations and other state agencies to increase program visibility, facilitate cooperation and to resolve problems.

Participates in public relations initiatives of the Department and represents the agency at conferences, seminars and symposiums.

Develops educational seminars and publications for local ombudsmen and the general public.

Plans and develops the Ombudsman Program's Annual Report to the legislature, as required by state law.

Directs the activities of professional staff and personnel in Area Agencies on Aging involved in the overall operation of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.

Plans and monitors work assignments, sets priorities and program goals.

Evaluates employee performance.

Ensures the implementation of an effective local complaint investigation process through contracts with the Area Agencies on Aging.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of current social, economic and health issues as they relate to older persons and the elderly.

Knowledge of the provisions and objectives of the Older Americans Act and other applicable human service legislation.

Knowledge of the range of services available to those in need of long term care.

Knowledge of the Aging Network and how it operates.

Knowledge of human service policies, standards and procedures as related to older persons.

Knowledge of the provisions, objectives and goals related to programs and services delivered through the Departments of Aging, Health and Public Welfare.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of program planning and development.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of human service administration.

Skill in fostering cooperation among diverse interests to meet the long-term care needs of older persons.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees in the Departments of Aging, and with representatives of other public or private
agencies and constituency groups.

Ability to provide leadership in developing and implementing strategies and work plans.

Ability to analyze and evaluate complex data involving programs and operations to recommend options for policy formulation.

Ability to monitor and evaluate the delivery of human service programs and to make recommendations for improvement.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Seven years of responsible professional experience in human service programs, including four years in the field of Aging and two years of administrative and/or management experience and a bachelor's degree in social or behavioral sciences. A master's degree may be substituted for up to one year of the general experience.

                                                                                                                                                                                         or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.