The Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a federally and state-mandated program administratively housed within the Department of Elder Affairs. The program operates out of 14 district offices throughout the state. The purpose and mission of the program is to advocate for long-term care residents by protecting their health, safety, welfare, and rights.
The program relies upon volunteer efforts to investigate complaints made by or on behalf of long-term care residents and work to bring about resolutions that are satisfactory for residents. Volunteers with the program, called long-term care ombudsmen, also perform annual assessments of long-term care facilities to observe the quality of care and quality of life experienced by residents. Volunteers manage their own schedules and determine their own hours, other than a required monthly meeting.
Positions are available statewide, including in the Hillsborough and Manatee areas. Meal and mileage reimbursement is available.
Successful completion of training leads to state certification as a long-term care ombudsman. For detailed information about the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, please see Chapter 400, Florida Statutes by CLICKING HERE.
Position Description
Service location:
Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult family care homes
Purpose of the position:
– Advocate for the health, safety, welfare, and rights of long-term care residents
Responsibilities:
– Provide services to assist in protecting the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents
– Investigate complaints made by or on behalf of long-term care residents
– Perform annual administrative assessments of long-term care facilities
Commitment:
– Give a minimum of 15 hours of service per month for one year
– Service includes documenting cases and assessments
– Attend monthly volunteer meetings
– Complete certification training – all training is provided by the program
– Complete ongoing annual training
Qualifications:
– Pass a Level 2 background check, paid for by the program
– Enjoy working with seniors and adults living with disabilities
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills
– Must be 18 or older
Training:
The training consists of three elements. The first part is online, the second part is in a classroom, and the third is in the field. Volunteers have up to 30 days to complete the online portion of the training. Once the background check is successfully returned, volunteers can begin field training. The Ombudsman program goal is to have volunteers complete all training within 90 days.
Next Step: Seniors in Service helps nonprofits throughout Tampa Bay find volunteers like you to help accomplish their mission. Fill out the form below and someone from Seniors in Service will contact you soon to walk you through the next steps to begin volunteering. In question 4, please include the words “Ombudsman Program.”