Volunteer

Make a Difference in the Life of an Elder – Become a Volunteer Ombudsman

Our volunteers are a critical component of the Ombudsman program. Without their commitment and tireless efforts we would be unable to meet the ever increasing demand for our services. Working under the supervision of staff, our volunteer Ombudsmen advocate for long-term care facility residents, conduct visits to facilities and respond to resident complaints. We are very proud of our team of Ombudsmen volunteers!

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What Does a Volunteer Ombudsman Do?

• Advocate for quality care
• Regularly visit skilled nursing and residential care facilities
• Act as a voice for vulnerable residents while resolving complaints
• Encourage facility staff to meet residents’ needs
• Support resident’s rights, privacy, and confidentiality
• Investigate allegations of abuse in long term care facilities

Other Responsibilities

• Attend monthly in-service meetings
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours continuing education per year
• Submit a monthly report to the Volunteer Coordinator or Staff Ombudsman
• Keep complete and accurate notes and documentation
• Have Fun! This is a great volunteer experience and a chance to make a meaningful difference in the life of an elderly facility resident.

Who Can Volunteer?

If you are 18 years old or older, have available transportation and possess genuine care and concern for older adults, you may be able to become a volunteer ombudsman.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance (Reimbursement of mileage expenses is provided)
• Must pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting by live scan
• Must not have been employed by a long-term care facility in the past 12 months

Does Volunteering Require Special Skills? 

Effective Volunteers possess the following:

• Ability to be objective, independent, assertive, investigative, and fair-minded
• Ability to listen accurately
• Compassionate and Caring Attitude
• Respect and appreciation for cultural, ethnic, sexual, and religious diversity
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work with supervision

What Are The Benefits of Volunteering?

Volunteers benefit through the joy of making a difference in the lives of residents through the development of interpersonal skills and through preparation for their own aging.

Volunteers develop skills in:

• Communication
• Listening
• Relationship Building
• Confidentiality
• Complaint resolution
• Residents’ Rights

What is The Time Commitment?

• 2 flexible hours per week ( 8 hours per month)
• One year commitment
• Average length of service in SLO County is 8 years
• 36 hours of mandated training before beginning to volunteer

Ineligibility

Potential volunteers may be ineligible to participate in the Ombudsman Program if any of the following apply:

• Volunteer or immediate family have financial interest in or compensation from a long term care facility
• Volunteer or immediate family are currently or have been employed in a long term care facility within the past year

I’m Interested. Who do I Contact?

Please contact Karen Jones
Phone: 805-785-0132
Email: [email protected]

North San Luis Obispo County Volunteers Are Greatly Needed!

For more information, please call 805-785-0132.

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Other Ways to Help

Please contact our office if you’d like to contribute to any of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Services programs.

• Fundraising
• Marketing
• Materials Development
• Public Speaking

Funding Assistance

All funds raised for Long Term Care Ombudsman will be used to expand our services to seniors in San Luis Obispo County. Contributions may be tax-deductible, please contact your tax advisor. 501© (3) Federal ID #77-0026510.

Signup Online as a Volunteer Today!