Volunteer Opportunity Details:

"He looks into everything I ask him to, he checks it out and comes back later to let me know what's happening. He's good at that. You don't find that every day. I smile every time I see him." --a nursing facility resident.

Are you diplomatic, assertive, and a good communicator? If you enjoy meeting people, particularly the elderly, and can serve during the weekday, the volunteer ombudsman position may be for you. Each volunteer ombudsman is assigned to a particular local nursing home or assisted living facility. Using the skills of listening, observing and mediating, the ombudsman works with the residents, their families and the staff of the facility to ensure that the residents' rights are being protected. The ombudsman empowers residents to speak up on their own behalf, and helps them to address problems within the facility that they cannot resolve alone. The volunteer works closely with a member of the administration at the facility to address resident complaints. Supervision and ongoing training are provided by the ombudsman program staff.

An interview is required prior to training (conducted during the summer months). Attendance at an initial 3-day training is required. This year's training will be on Mon. Sept. 14, Tues. Sept. 15 and Friday Sept. 25, 2009, from 9:00 to 4:30 each day. Then there are approximately five 2.5 hour in-service trainings during the year.

Volunteers must be available to serve during weekday hours (M-F 9:30 to 5:00). We ask for four hours per week; the volunteer may set his or her own schedule, which may vary from week to week, and the four hours do not have to be consecutive. We ask for a one-year commitment to this work.

Volunteers must be free from conflicts of interest (such as being an employee of a long-term care provider). They must be age 21 or older.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

We need volunteers who are free at these times Weekdays Weekly This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Individual Adults (55+)

Contact Person: Lisa Callahan, Volunteer Specialist, (703) 324-5861, (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 708 Fairfax, VA 22035 (See a map)

Directions:

FROM I-66 WEST (driving from Capital Beltway, I-495 exit I-66 West) Exit 55B, (formerly Exit 15), onto Fairfax County Parkway North (Route 7100) Right turn onto Fair Lakes Parkway East Right turn at light onto Monument Drive Right turn at light onto Government Center Parkway Government Center to your left and Pennino and Herrity Buildings to your right   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Vienna Metro,   Walk distance (in minutes): N/A   Nearest Bus Stop: just outside office, Fairfax Connector, 5 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

CVN Friendly?
	No
For Spanish / non-English speakers?
	No
Wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
METRO rail accessible?
	No