Senior Advocate/Social Worker – Long Term Care Ombudsman (Petaluma)

1129 Industrial Ave., Suite 201  (google map)

Compensation: $20/hr.
Employment type: full-time / part-time option
Non-profit organization

Senior Advocacy Services is seeking a compassionate individual to join our team, working with residents in long-term care settings as an Ombudsman.  This is an amazing opportunity to serve the senior and disabled community and be very proud of your work, perhaps the toughest job you’ll ever love.

What’s an Ombudsman?

We are advocates for residents in long-term care facilities.  You will work directly with residents to help advocate for their rights and dignity. 

Do you have what it takes?

First and foremost, you must possess a fundamental respect and adoration for seniors and the disabled.  The ideal candidate is a person who is a problem solver, is naturally inquisitive and has the fortitude to succeed where others may not.  You are a good listener with an abundance of patience who can convey both calm reassurance to a resident and diligent activism to others on their behalf.  If that sounds like you, then join us to help serve this vulnerable population.

What’s involved?

You will serve as a front-line investigator of elder abuse, principally working with elders and their family members, but sometimes interacting with licensing agencies and law enforcement. You’ll provide a listening ear, and then move toward problem solving.  Your conflict resolution skills will be accessed frequently.

You must be comfortable serving in what may be perceived as an adversarial position in holding people accountable. You’ll be part of a collaborative Ombudsman team, but you primarily work autonomously, dealing directly with residents.  Computer literacy is required as there are strict reporting requirements to document interactions in a regular and timely fashion.

Finally, you will have to be eligible to pass a background clearance, attend a 36-hour Ombudsman training class and pass the State certification exam.  Covid and flu vaccination and use of personal protective equipment are mandatory to enter long term care facilities.  Applicants who have worked in an RCFE or SNF within the past 12 months are ineligible.

If you would like to learn more about this role or our agency, review the program page on this website.

Position is 40 hours a week, but may be flexible for 28-32 hours for the right person.

  • Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
  • do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers
  • OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities

We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and talk in more detail.