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Santa Cruz, CA 95062
connect@scvolunteercenter.org
©2017 Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, an affiliate of the HandsOn Connect, 1740 17th Ave | Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Opportunity Details
Do you have a passion for helping older adults? Do you have a passion that includes fighting for the most vulnerable and underserved in our community? Do you appreciate an opportunity to challenge systemic issues to help older adults live their best lives? If you answered those questions with a resounding YES then this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!
As a volunter Long-Term Care Ombudsman, you can help effect change by advocating for residents living in our community's skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Our advocates maintain a regular presence in long-term care facilities to ensure that residents have access to our advocacy services. We also help advocate for all residents, regardless of their background, based on their expressed wish, fight to protect their rights, provide tools for empowerment and ulitmately help improve the quality of care in long-term care facilities.
Did you know that over 60% of nursing home residents never receive a visitor? Our Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are the eyes and ears of the residents and help protect the needs and quality of life for frail and disabled residents that may have no other connections. We work for THE RESIDENT! Ensuring their confidentiality, building trust, and often empowering the resident to advocate for themselves. We also investigate allegations of abuse and advocate for the safety and quality of care for our senior and disabled residents in facilities. Our senior residents depend on our Ombudsmen and are so appreciative to know we are there to stand up and be a voice for them when they need one. Our services are always free of charge.
A simple act of advocacy can change a senior's entire world and quality of life! You can be the person who gives that gift. Volunteer to be an Ombudsman!
Our Long-Term Care Ombudsmen volunteers receive a comprehensive training which includes 36 hours of classroom training and 12 hours of interactive internship by shadowing another Ombudsman in facilities. After the volunteer completes the training and passes the background check, they will become certified by the State of California as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman! We ask that our volunteers commit to 2 years with the program. However, many of our volunteers love the work so much that they continue for years. In order for residents to become familiar with our volunteers and for volunteers to successfully advocate, they will need to be able to dedicate 5-10 hours (flexible times) per week, plus a once-a-month required volunteer meeting/training. Reliable transportation is required with mileage reimbursment provided. Bilingual volunteers are encouraged to apply. Must be up-to-date on all COVID-19 vaccinations.
**This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.
Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age:18+, Skills: Advocacy
In order to register for this opportunity you must log in to an existing account or register to create a new account.
This link allows you to participate in this opportunity with a team. A team can be a family team, corporate team, or any kind of organized group. When you click on the link you will have the option to:
Please respond to the following questions in order to signup for this opportunity:
©2017 Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, an affiliate of the HandsOn Connect, 1740 17th Ave | Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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