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Ombuds Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Social Worker, MSW

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$69K - $86K/yr

Reviews participant/family concerns with Ombudsman and escalates facility quality concerns; maintains admission holds on facilities with care issues and manages urgent rehousing when contracts ...

Social Worker, MSW

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$69K - $86K/yr

Reviews participant/family concerns with Ombudsman and escalates facility quality concerns; maintains admission holds on facilities with care issues and manages urgent rehousing when contracts ...

Reviews participant/family concerns with Ombudsman and escalates facility quality concerns; maintains admission holds on facilities with care issues and manages urgent rehousing when contracts ...

Reviews participant/family concerns with Ombudsman and escalates facility quality concerns; maintains admission holds on facilities with care issues and manages urgent rehousing when contracts ...

Reviews participant/family concerns with Ombudsman and escalates facility quality concerns; maintains admission holds on facilities with care issues and manages urgent rehousing when contracts ...

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Showing results 1-20

Ombuds information

See California salary details

$36.2K

$65.3K

$143.9K

How much do ombuds jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for ombuds in California is $65,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,189.00 and $61,201.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an ombuds do?

An Ombuds is a neutral, independent, and confidential resource who helps individuals navigate conflicts, concerns, or disputes within an organization. They provide informal guidance, listen to issues, and explore potential resolutions without taking sides. Ombuds do not make decisions or enforce policies but instead offer a safe space for discussion, helping individuals understand their options.

What does a typical day look like for an ombuds, and who do they interact with most frequently?

A typical day for an Ombuds involves confidentially meeting with employees or stakeholders to discuss concerns, mediating disputes, and documenting cases while ensuring privacy. Ombuds professionals often collaborate with HR, management, and legal teams, but act independently to maintain impartiality. They also provide training on conflict management and may recommend organizational improvements based on recurring issues. The role requires balancing individual advocacy with supporting broader organizational fairness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the ombuds position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ombuds, you need strong conflict resolution, mediation, and problem-solving abilities, along with a relevant background in counseling, law, human resources, or a similar field. Familiarity with case management software, confidentiality protocols, and professional certifications such as Ombudsman training certificates can be valuable. Excellent listening skills, neutrality, discretion, and clear communication set outstanding Ombuds professionals apart. These capabilities are crucial for successfully guiding individuals through concerns, fostering organizational trust, and facilitating fair resolutions.

Is an ombuds a good career?

An ombuds is a professional who addresses concerns and mediates conflicts within organizations, often requiring strong communication, problem-solving, and confidentiality skills. The career can be stable and rewarding for those interested in conflict resolution and organizational fairness, with opportunities in government, healthcare, education, and corporate sectors.

Is it hard to become an ombuds?

Becoming an ombuds generally requires relevant experience in conflict resolution, communication, or a related field, along with strong interpersonal skills. Some positions may require certifications or training in mediation or dispute resolution, but the difficulty varies depending on the organization and level of responsibility.

What are ombuds in the workplace?

An ombuds in the workplace is a neutral professional who helps employees resolve issues, complaints, or conflicts confidentially and informally. They often facilitate communication between staff and management, providing guidance on policies and procedures, and may require strong communication and problem-solving skills. Ombuds typically work independently and may be available on a flexible schedule to support organizational fairness.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ombuds jobs in California?

The most popular types of Ombuds jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Ombuds jobs?

Cities in California with the most Ombuds job openings:

Infographic showing various Ombuds job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,287 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Social Worker Advocate I, II, III - SB

WISE & HEALTHY AGING

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

WISE & Healthy Aging currently has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Advocate. Our well-established Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, considered a best-practice program by the California State Ombudsman Office, serving the City and County of San Bernardino, is seeking motivated, assertive, and energetic individuals to serve the territory of the posted regional office.
The Ombudsman Advocate strives to protect the rights and dignity of disabled and senior residents in skilled nursing and residential care facilities. This critical role ensures high-quality care and life for individuals residing in these facilities by providing advocacy services on their behalf. Such services involve monitoring visits, identifying and investigating complaints by or on behalf of residents, disseminating educational information, and witnessing advance health care directives.
Benefits & Compensation:
We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. For staff who regularly work 30 or more hours per week, benefits include 80% company-paid medical, 100% company-paid dental, a 401(k) plan with a competitive employer match, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), optional life and vision insurance, and 14 paid holidays plus paid time off (PTO).
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Identify, investigate, and resolve complaints, including alleged elder and dependent adult abuse, to the satisfaction of residents of long-term care facilities.
  • Collaborate with and supervise interns and volunteers.
  • Ensure that all complaints are handled according to program guidelines.
  • Provide continuing community presence through unannounced or scheduled visits to long-term care facilities.
  • Provide case management and reporting in compliance with established procedures.
  • Provide community education presentations, ongoing Public Relations, and development with community partners like law enforcement and local fire departments.
  • Use personal vehicles to visit LTC facilities approximately 60% of the time.

QUALIFICATIONS
Educational Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in social work, gerontology, human services, or a related field is required. A master's degree is strongly preferred.

Experience & Other Requirements
  • Minimum of three (3) years related experience (voluntary or paid) in healthcare, long-term care advocacy, gerontology, investigations, mediation, and negotiation strongly preferred.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
  • Demonstrated experience performing direct service in social services or a related field. Prior responsibilities in handling case management, client advocacy, or therapy involving vulnerable populations, particularly older adults.
  • Field work experience with ethnically diverse populations.
  • Bilingual language skills are a plus.
  • Candidates must not have worked, interned, or volunteered at a long-term care facility or adult day service center for at least one year before application.
  • Must travel throughout the designated service territory.
  • A valid driver's license, auto insurance, and satisfactory criminal background check are required.

Please provide three work-related references.
DISCLAIMER
The job duties listed are not a comprehensive list of responsibilities and may change with or without the incumbent's consent. The job description is not an employment contract, and WISE & Healthy Aging reserves the right to modify the duties listed.