Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Who We Seek:
Centralina Regional Council seeks a well-organized, customer service-oriented individual with a strong human services background for the position of REGIONAL LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN to join the Centralina Area Agency on Aging department in their work to identify needs and deliver critical services to support older and disabled adults within the region. Work will involve providing advocacy services for persons in long-term and assisted living facilities, investigating complaints and resolving issues.

Our Organization:
Centralina Regional Council is an innovative regional planning agency located in Charlotte, NC with a membership that includes 60+ local governments throughout the Greater Charlotte Region. Centralina works with individual communities and leads major projects that transcend local and regional boundaries. Our mission is to lead regional collaboration and spark local action to expand opportunity and improve quality of life. Learn more about our work at www.centralina.org.

The Centralina Team:
Centralina strives to provide an inclusive, creative and supportive work environment for its employees. Centralina’s staff of nearly 50 individuals serve as subject-matter experts to ensure our organization is able to meet critical business needs and is responsive to the needs of those that need our help the most. Centralina’s staff of friendly, talented and professional individuals helps ensure Centralina remains a trusted source of data and analysis that informs decision makers and calls attention to important trends. Centralina is a great place to work, learn and grow in your career.

Centralina offers its employees an excellent benefits package including membership in the NC Local Government Retirement System, 401k, medical, dental, vision and flexible benefits programs.

Description of the Work (include but are not limited to):

• Observing and receiving complaints regarding the care of residents in long term care facilities.


• Visiting facilities to observe and gather evidence regarding care and/or a complaint and recording findings.


• Meeting with facility management to report findings and negotiate a plan of correction and timeline, facilitating information mediation.


• Developing and providing technical assistance to the public in navigating the long term care system; counseling the public regarding long term care placement.


• Providing training to increase awareness and information regarding legislation and regulations governing the rights of older citizens and long term care.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (include but are not limited to):

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations as they relate to long-term care.


• Knowledge of federal and state regulations relating to aging programs and the role of social and other service organizations in meeting the needs of the older population.


• Knowledge of the physical and mental health, nutritional, economic, social, housing, and recreational needs of older adults.


• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of client information as required by State and Federal laws and regulations and professional practice standards.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of people, including staff, service providers, governmental agency representatives, advisory boards, volunteers, consumers, associates and the general public.


• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records.


• Ability to multitask and manage multiple and simultaneous priorities.


• Strong organizational skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Minimum Experience at a Glance:
Bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, social work, or a related field and three to five years of experience working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families in areas such as advocacy, complaint resolution, investigation, customer service, mediation, negotiation, or conflict resolution; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Hiring Salary is $47,500 – $55,000 depending on experience.

Applicant must possess a valid driver's license and have the ability to lift 10 pounds of force occasionally and possess the visual acuity to prepare data, proof work, and do extensive reading.

How to Apply:

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit résumé and cover letter when applying. Position is open until filled. Centralina Regional Council is an EOE.