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

About the role

Legal Aid Chicago seeks an Ombudsman Paralegal for Lake County, Illinois. Ombudsman Paralegals advocate for residents of long-term care facilities on a wide variety of issues, including care issues, involuntary discharges, and Medicaid issues. This position requires residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois or Northwest Indiana and may require travel to court or other outreach events.

Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways.

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.
• Assist in promoting 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.

Pay

This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The budgeted salary range for this position is $46,675–$51,428, based on 0–10 years of paid, credited experience as determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement salary scale.

Benefits

• 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, plus 15 paid holidays and four additional floating holidays.
• Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of 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.
• Bilingual staff are eligible for an additional stipend.

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