Specialized Information for:

Nursing HomesAssisted Living/Board & Care Home and Community Based Services

Getting Started With Your Volunteer Ombudsman Program

This page is for Ombudsmen or representatives who are starting or refreshing a volunteer Ombudsman program in their state or community.

Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Representative Intake Toolkit
This intake toolkit is designed to assist Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs with the application and screening process for potential volunteer Ombudsman program representatives. The toolkit includes several templates that Ombudsman programs can adapt to meet their individual program requirements.

View the full toolkit as a PDF and in sections below.

Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Representative Toolkit – Introduction (PDF)

I. Letter to Prospective Volunteer Ombudsman Program Representative (PDF)(Word)
II. Key Points for Minimum Volunteer Requirements (PDF)(Word)
III. Ombudsman Program Volunteer Application (PDF)(Word)
IV. Volunteer Reference Interview Form (PDF)(Word)
V. Ombudsman Program Representative Conflict of Interest Form (PDF, Word)
VI. Volunteer Acknowledgement Form (PDF, Word)
VII. Interview Questions for Prospective Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers (PDF, Word)
VIII. Resources (PDF, Word)

NORC Ombudsman Compendium, Chapter 1 - Recruitment
This chapter provides tips and examples for recruitment of volunteers.

NORC Ombudsman Compendium, Chapter 1 – Recruitment – Appendices
The appendices include Ombudsman program recruitment examples.


Recruitment

Five Ways to Leverage the Senior Services Network to Find Volunteers
Tobi Johnson from VolunteerPro created a video for Ombudsman programs on five ways to find volunteers. She also shared a resource for Ombudsmen titled, Your Volunteer Offer Workbook.

Ombudsman Program Examples

Utilizing online tools to increase volunteer ombudsmen presence in long-term care
In this study by the Harris County, Texas LTCOP, former and current volunteer ombudsmen completed an online survey to examine the impact of internet-based communication on the recruitment and retention of volunteer long-term care ombudsmen. The results showed that the program’s shift to internet-based recruitment and communication methods helped increase the number of volunteers by 50% and contributed to a positive shift in role perception and satisfaction. Consequently, the proliferation of internet and social media usage permits greater volunteer management opportunities than previously were available. These tools also allow for consistency of message, extended training opportunities, and recourse to resources at need which permit ombudsmen volunteers to identify more readily with the role of resident advocate and receive greater performance satisfaction as it relates to that role.

Ohio Facebook Live Volunteer Recruitment Video
The Region 7 Ohio Ombudsman program held a “Coffee Break” Facebook live volunteer recruitment and ombudsman program information session, featuring Mary Book. This was used as a way to get the word out about Ombudsman services and the need for volunteers.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
This video was produced by the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
This video was produced by the Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman for volunteer recruitment.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
This video was produced by the Alaska Long-Term Care Ombudsman program for volunteer recruitment. 

Volunteer Recruitment Videos
These videos here and here were produced by the Louisiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman program for volunteer recruitment. 

Volunteer Recruitment Video
This video was produced by the Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.

Volunteer Recruitment Videos
These videos were produced by the Hawaii Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
This video was produced by the Fresno-Madera California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
This video was produced by the Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Volunteer Recruitment Video
This video was produced by the Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Volunteer Recruitment Videos
The Kern County Ombudsman program in California produced a 30-second and 60-second PSA volunteer recruitment video that is airing on three local TV stations. 

Volunteer Recruitment Video
This video was produced by the Dallas Country Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Volunteer Recruitment Video
This video was produced by the Ohio Ombudsman Program.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
This video was produced by the Philadelphia Ombudsman Program at Center in the Park.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
View this volunteer recruitment video from the New Jersey LTCOP. NJTV, New Jersey’s public television network, brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to all 21 counties in New Jersey and its tri-state neighbors.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
View this volunteer recruitment video from the Georgia LTCOP.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
View this volunteer recruitment video from the Florida LTCOP.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
View this volunteer recruitment video from the New Jersey LTCOP.

Volunteer Recruitment Video
View this video on being a volunteer ombudsman from the Idaho LTC Ombudsman Program.

Oregon Prezi Presentation on Becoming a Certified Ombudsman Volunteer
View the Prezi here.

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Hiring

The process of bringing a volunteer on board is similar to hiring a paid staff person. The following are examples of Ombudsman program volunteer intake forms, applications, interview questions, reference questions, used to screen  individuals interested in becoming volunteer representatives.

Applications

Conflict of Interest Forms

Criminal History Forms

Interview Questions/Process

Reference Questions/Forms


Archive

View archive here

Missouri Recruiting Press Release

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