Monthly meetings (locations vary). Other regular work at a nursing or assisted living facilities in the county or documentation from home. Additional occasional trainings.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program of the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging provides advocacy for residents of local nursing and assisted living homes. LTC Ombudsmen visit homes regularly, promote resident rights and offer support to residents in improving quality care. They also provide education and consultation to staff at LTC homes and resident friends and families. The LTC Ombudsman program is a federally mandated program that is critical to insuring that residents of nursing and assisted living homes have access to outside advocacy and resources.

LTC Ombudsmen in Boulder County typically visit nursing homes once a week and assisted livings twice a month. Each volunteer will work closely with residents and staff to solve problems, handle complaints, and serve residents as a confidential advocate. Ongoing, timely documentation of all LTC Ombudsman duties is required. Volunteers also attend monthly meetings (virtually and in-person) with staff, LTC Ombudsmen, and other occasional trainings to maintain certification.

Background or relevant interest in human services; active listening skills and basic sensitivity towards person needing assistance; commitment to problem resolution; capacity to learn basic medical terms and understand statutes, policies and regulations; respect for resident rights; utmost maintenance of confidentiality; positive and nonjudgmental approach; ability to work constructively with facility staff; no conflict of interest.

The Volunteer LTC Ombudsman training is a 36-hour, in-person, training that includes videos, reading material and in-person discussion. The certification also includes shadowing of current ombudsmen in assisted living and nursing homes. The comprehensive training will lead to LTCO certification by the State LTCO Program. Training is anticipated to occur in January, 2024.

Applications will be accepted through October, with interviews to be scheduled in November, 2024.

Erica Corson 303-441-1170; ecorson@bouldercounty.gov

Please click here to fill out an application for this opportunity.