Job/Position DescriptionThe Assistant Independent Ombudsman (AIO) performs advanced (senior-level) investigatory, mediation and consultative work. The AIO evaluates service delivery, practices, and policies to ensure State Supported Living Center (SSLC) residentsand#146; rights are protected, assesses the adequacy of staff training, and monitors staff-to-resident ratios. The AIO identifies, receives, and investigates complaints and concerns regarding residentsand#146; rights and delivery of services. The AIO documents investigations, provides recommendations, and monitors outcomes of investigation findings. Work involves utilizing person-centered thinking, advocating for residents of the SSLCs, escalating and resolving issues or conflict, and keeping the Deputy Independent Ombudsman (DIO) apprised of issues and complaints at the center. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgementEssential Job FunctionsIdentify, initiate, receive, and investigate complaints and concerns regarding residentsand#146; rights, service delivery and facility practices at the SSLC. Utilize HEARTS, the case management system, to document and track investigation progress, evidence, findings, and recommendations. Provide and monitor recommendations to address systemic and SSLC service delivery concerns to protect and advocate for residentsand#146; rights. (25%) Manage and facilitate a legislatively mandated audit of the SSLC which the AIO is assigned and serve as an audit team member at other SSLC site visits. Collect audit data throughout the year and during on-site audits using Salesforce to evaluate: the ratio of direct care employees to residents, the provision and adequacy of training to SSLC employees, and policies, practices and procedures to ensure each resident is encouraged to exercise their rights, including the right to file a complaint, and the right to due process. Participate and contribute in workgroups to evaluate and modify audit procedures and tools. (25%) Evaluate the delivery of facility services to residents to ensure their rights are fully observed and protected, and the residentsand#146; perspective, interests and preferences are included in decision making and planning. Observe and attend Human Rights Committee (HRC), Incident Management (IM), Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), and other meetings to evaluate facility practices and procedures and monitor compliance and adequacy of policy. Build effective, cooperative working relationships with residents, staff, and family members, and actively involved persons. Facilitate information sharing and act as an advocate and mediator for issues involving residents, family members, guardians, staff and administration at the SSLC, and other interested parties. (20%)Evaluate the process used by the SSLC to investigate, review and report an unusual incident or injury to a resident. Review final incident reports to evaluate the manner in which incidents are investigated to ensure thorough and complete investigations and make recommendations to ensure resident protections, as appropriate. Refer complaints alleging ANE, employee misconduct or possible violation of an ICF standards, and/or alleged criminal offenses to the respective agency. (20%)Conduct outreach, training, and education to promote awareness of the Office. Provide information and data to aid in the completion of legislative reports. Assist Sr. AIOs and the DIO in conducting statewide systemic investigations. Participate and contribute https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=610164 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.