Nursing Home Community Ombudsman Paralegal (Lake County) - Long-Term Care

Responsibilities

• Visit assigned long-term care facilities in Lake County to educate residents, family members, facility staff and the public about residents' rights and investigate and resolve complaints;
• Attend resident and family council meetings to advise on issues related to long-term care;
• Organize and develop family councils when necessary;
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with long-term care staff;
• Develop knowledge of relevant law and regulations including Medicaid, Medicare, and federal and state laws relating to long-term care;
• Complete all training required by the Illinois Department on Aging;
• Assist in the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteer ombudsmen;
• Afford promotion of the Ombudsman Project throughout the service area;
• Perform intake, engage in fact gathering and advocacy;
• Represent clients at hearings before the Illinois Department of Human Services, Nursing Home Division in cases involving the denial or termination of Medicaid eligibility for long-term care residents;
• Perform other duties reasonably related to Community Ombudsman job functions.

Requirements

• This position requires residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois or Northwest Indiana;
• This position may require travel to court or other outreach events.

Qualifications

• Experience working with long-term care facilities and residents;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Knowledge of relevant law and regulations including Medicaid, Medicare, and federal and state laws relating to long-term care;
• Ability to perform fact-gathering and advocacy;
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse groups;
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including:

• Bilingual staff are eligible for an additional stipend;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment;
• Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment;
• 15 paid holidays and four (4) additional floating holidays;
• Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment;
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment;
• $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost;
• Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost;
• Monthly internet reimbursement.

Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program.