Long Term Care Ombudsman - Lansing (Hybrid)

About the role

The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking a full-time local long term care ombudsman to work in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties and serve as part of the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP). This position has optional office space available in MEJI’s Lansing office. The work week includes frequent meetings with people who live in residential settings throughout the three-county service area. The office portion of the work can be done entirely remotely or through a hybrid arrangement. Candidates must reside in Ingham, Eaton, or Clinton counties or in adjacent counties very near to the three-county service area.

About the program

MEJI advocates for and represents low-income older adults and people with disabilities on issues related to long term care, healthcare, benefits, elder abuse, and individual rights. MEJI houses the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and the MI Community, Home, and Health Ombudsman, and it engages in litigation and systemic advocacy efforts on behalf of vulnerable adults. MEJI is a program of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit organization providing free legal services to individuals and families with low income, Michigan’s immigrant communities, older adults and adults with disabilities through several statewide programs.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for residents of licensed nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties
• Make routine facility visits
• Interview residents
• Provide information on long term care and residents’ rights to residents and the public
• Negotiate with facility staff regarding resident concerns
• Support resident and family councils
• Collaborate with legal and state ombudsman staff
• Maintain case documentation
• Participate in rigorous on-going training
• Coordinate activities with the other Lansing-area ombudsmen

Individuals hired for this position will undergo rigorous training and supervised field work. Upon satisfactory completion of the training, new hires must be designated by the State Ombudsman as a local ombudsman to continue in this position.

Qualifications

Successful applicants will possess strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, advocacy, and time management skills as well as an ability to work independently and a desire to empower and support vulnerable individuals. Understanding the preferences, needs and concerns of older people and people with disabilities is essential to this job. These skills can come from working as a caregiver, advocate, or service provider in a professional role or from life experiences. Experience in the field of aging, health care, and/or long term care and working with members of minority communities would be beneficial.

Benefits

• Full-time, exempt position with an annual salary starting at $53,000 depending on experience
• Generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts
• Option for a $1,500 payout in lieu of health benefits
• Generous leave policy beginning with three weeks paid vacation and 15 paid holidays
• 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after six months of employment
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness