Volunteer Ombudsman Opportunity

The State of Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care is looking for individuals to serve as Volunteer Ombudsman in Sauk County! 

Volunteer Ombudsman are trained to listen, educate, and empower nursing home residents on their rights. These volunteers do amazing conflict resolution work by educating and communicating with nursing home residents and facility staff throughout Wisconsin.  

The process for becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman is pretty simple, once they receive an application from a potential volunteer, they conduct a background information check.  If the applicant passes the background check they will meet with them personally.  The next step is the initial training.  The next initial training is scheduled for September 25th  from 9:00am -4:30pm  in Madison.  Once volunteers are trained, they are assigned to a specific facility.  Staff from the Board will then go to the facility with the new volunteer and orientate them to the facility, staff, and residents. 

They ask for a 6 month commitment from new volunteers, because of the intense training.  Volunteer Ombudsman are expected to visit their assigned nursing home 2-3 hours per week at their convenience from 8:00am-8:00pm.  The Board on Aging and Long Term Care offers various continuing education trainings throughout the year.

The file below outlines the requirements and duties of a Volunteer Ombudsman.  If you or someone you know is interested please have them either contact Amy Zabransky, Volunteer Coordinator-Volunteer Ombudsman Program, directly at 608-246-7004 or sign up on-line on their website:  http://longtermcare.wi.gov