Local Ombudsman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking a part-time (20 hours/week) local long term care ombudsman to work in Jackson, Hillsdale, and Lenawee counties and serve as part of the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP).

The work week includes frequent meetings with people who live in residential settings throughout the three county service area. This position has optional office space available in the Jackson Legal Services of South Central Michigan office. The office portion of the work can be done entirely remotely or through a hybrid arrangement. Candidates must reside in Jackson, Hillsdale, or Lenawee counties.

MEJI advocates for and represents low-income older adults and people with disabilities on issues related to long term care, healthcare, benefits, elder abuse, and individual rights. MEJI houses the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program; two local long term care ombudsmen; the MI Health Link and MI Choice, Community Transition Services and PACE Ombudsman Programs; and it engages in litigation and systemic advocacy efforts on behalf of vulnerable adults. Visit meji.org for more information.

The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP) advocates for the health, safety, well-being, and rights of residents in licensed nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes. Ombudsmen work at the direction of the resident and take action only with the resident's consent. All ombudsmen services are provided free of charge.

MEJI is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low-income individuals and older adults through several statewide programs. MSAS is administered by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through civil legal aid offices and statewide advocacy programs. MAP's mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. Visit miadvocacy.org for more information.

Responsibilities: The local long term care ombudsman advocates for residents of licensed nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes in Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties. The duties of the local long term care ombudsman include:

• Making routine facility visits
• Interviewing residents
• Providing information on long term care and residents' rights to residents and the public
• Negotiating with facility staff regarding resident concerns
• Supporting resident and family councils
• Collaborating with legal and state ombudsman staff
• Maintaining case documentation
• Participating in rigorous on-going training
• Coordinate activities with the other Lansing area ombudsman

Individuals hired for this position will undergo rigorous training and supervised field work. Upon satisfactory completion of the training, new hires must be designated by the State Ombudsman as a local ombudsman to continue in this position.

Qualifications: Successful applicants will possess strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, advocacy, and time management skills as well as an ability to work independently and a desire to empower and support vulnerable individuals. Understanding the preferences, needs and concerns of older people and people with disabilities is essential to this job. Those skills can come from working as a caregiver, advocate, or service provider in a professional role or from life experiences. Experience in the field of aging, health care, and/or long term care and working with members of minority communities would be beneficial.

Benefits: This is a part-time position with an hourly rate starting at $25.48 depending on experience. This part-time position does not include benefits. Part-time staff earn vacation and sick time, and receive paid holidays, pro-rated to their part-time status. Part-time staff may participate in MAP's 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment.

To Apply: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. The position is open until filled; applications received by June 15, 2026 will receive priority. If you have questions about the program or the position, please email MEJI's Director and Managing Attorney, Alison Hirschel at hirschel@meji.org.

MSAS/MEJI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.