DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN
Ombudsman, Catholic Charities
Position Description
Job Title: Ombudsman-- Lehigh & Northampton
FSLA: Non- Exempt
Position Type: Full Time; 37.5 hours/week
Working Days/ Hours: Monday- Friday 8 AM- 4PM
Department/ Group: Community Support
Accountability: Reports to the Ombudsman Supervisor
Location: Lehigh/Northampton Office
Travel Required: Regional
Summary
Duties and Responsibilities
- Receives referrals from Supervisor and makes initial contact with referral source within five working days.
- Identifies, investigates and resolves complaints that are made by, or on behalf of, residents; and relate to action, inaction, or decisions, that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of the resident (including the welfare and rights of the residents with respect to the appointment and activities of guardians and representative payee), of providers, or representatives of providers, of long-term care services; public agencies; or health and social service agencies.
- Provide services to assist the residents in protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of the residents.
- Inform the residents about means of obtaining services provided by providers or agencies.
- Ensure that the residents have regular and timely access to the services provided through the Office and that the residents and complainants receive timely responses from representatives of the Office to complaints.
- Represent the interests of the residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal, and other remedies to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of the residents.
- Provide administrative and technical assistance to providers.
- Work closely with the Supervisor to monitor the development and implementation of Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and other governmental policies and actions, that pertain to the health, safety, welfare and rights of the residents, with respect to the adequacy of long-term care facilities and services in the State.
- Provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils to protect the well-being and rights of residents.
- Responsible for data and case entry into the Ombudsmanager Program.
- Conducts quality assurance visits to all facilities in the Counties of Lehigh and Northampton at least one time per year and more often as necessary.
- Responsible to assist supervisor with recruitment, retention and training of volunteers for the Volunteer Ombudsman Program.
- Participate in Volunteer Ombudsman meetings and trainings.
- Maintain Ombudsman certification.
- Acquire an in depth knowledge of community resources, and remain updated.
- Represent the agency in the community on committees or task forces, within the Diocese of Allentown, as assigned.
- Must speak at public functions anywhere in the Diocese of Allentown, as assigned
- Responsible for other duties as assigned.
Minimum Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related degree in human services.
- Must be willing to work within the guidelines of the Catholic Charities' mission and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Due to the nature and mission of the Catholic Church, all employees are bound to exhibit respect for the teachings and discipline of the Church in regard to matters of faith and morals.
- Aptitude for working with individuals/families and managing difficult situations;
- Skills in client assessment;
- Ability to work well as part of a team and to set and adjust priorities;
- Good communication and organizational skills;
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks, with flexibility to meet changing needs and priorities as they occur and be a team player.
- Excellent prioritization and problem-solving skills, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- High proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications; ability to quickly learn specific program management software and applications.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Working Conditions
- Long term care facilities, community settings and general office settings.
- Must be willing/able to drive anywhere within the 5 counties of the Diocese of Allentown and on occasion outside of the Diocese of Allentown.
- Must demonstrate respect and professionalism in all interactions with staff, clients, volunteers and donors.
- Prior to start date, all Safe Environment Clearances must be received and reviewed, including FBI fingerprint, Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services clearances. All clearances must be renewed in accordance with Diocese of Allentown and/or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for duration of employment.
- Prior to start date, completion of Protecting God's Children Training (PGC) and monthly online bulletins, as well as any recertification, for the duration of employment.
- Any additional requirements implemented by the Diocese of Allentown, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or specific grantors, for the duration of employment.
Additional Notes
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties of staff so classified.
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume via iSolved Hire or to the following:
Andrea Neagle
Email: aneagle@allentowndiocese.org
EOE M/F/D/V
