Deputy State Long-Term Care Ombudsman - Davidson County

Salary: $5,591 – $8,915 Monthly/$67,092 - $106,980 Annually

Job Description

The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking a senior level advocate who possesses experience advocating for older adults and people with disabilities. The ideal candidate is interested in a career with a social mission, meaningful and purpose-filled work, and supporting residents of long-term care facilities. The Deputy State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is responsible for planning and carrying out program policy and procedures related to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The candidate must have strong relational and management skills.

Key Responsibilities

  • Performs as a fully functioning team member of the State Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and assists with duties delegated by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
  • Receives and manages complaints made by or on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities which cannot be resolved by district ombudsmen.
  • Provides a person-centered approach to addressing complaints and maintains confidentiality.
  • Collects, analyzes, and assists with the review of district program data.
  • Assists with program oversight of the district ombudsman programs, including quality of ombudsman services, monitoring visits, and desk evaluations.
  • Provides oversight and direction to ensure all program, operational, and technical responsibilities of the program are carried out in compliance with policy, procedures, rules, statutes and other best practices.
  • Provides knowledgeable and timely response to consumers and district ombudsmen.
  • Serves as a technical consultant and subject matter expert to district ombudsmen.
  • Manages grievances against district ombudsmen.
  • Reviews and analyzes laws, regulations, and policies impacting long-term care consumers.
  • Research information and develops plans to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
  • Collaborates with other agencies on special projects and initiatives.
  • Develops, coordinates, and conducts training programs for district ombudsmen, stakeholders, and the public.
  • Travels for work up to 25% of the time.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, public policy, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
  • Leadership experience in a social service profession (for example, reviewing budgets, leading teams, managing projects, etc.).
  • Demonstrated sound and reasoned judgment. Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations, and be responsive and clear with staff and stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and manage workload to meet specific timeframes and deadlines.
  • Effective communication and training skills, as well as strong presentation skills and critical analysis proficiencies.
  • Strong work ethic, professionalism, and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
  • May not be employed by, or participating in the management of, a long- term care facility or a related organization, and may not have been employed by such a facility or organization within 1 year.
  • Meets conflict of interest provision as outlined in the Older Americans Act.

About DDA

The Department of Disability & Aging is the state agency responsible for providing services and support to more than 1.5 million Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to older Tennesseans. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this is done through programs such as, but not limited to, the home and community-based waiver programs, Tennessee Early Intervention System (“TEIS”), Katie Beckett Program, Medicaid Alternative Pathways (“MAPs”) Program, and Family Support Program. For older adults, some of those programs include CHOICES, State Health Insurance Assistance program (“SHIP”), home and community-based programs, nutrition services, caregiver support, transportation assistance, and public guardianship.

The department supports people to live the lives they envision for themselves by ensuring people are free to exercise rights, engage with their broader communities and experience optimal health. DDA is the first state service delivery system in the nation to receive Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership. It has also been recognized as a national leader in its efforts to increase competitive, community-based employment outcomes for people with disabilities and its commitment to enhancing independence through Enabling Technology.

Interested candidates should apply at https://www.tn.gov/careers/apply-here.html.