Job Description
Community Living Ombudsman Program (CLOP) Ombudsman Position Type: Full-time, non-exempt; Benefits eligible
Reports to: CLOP Regional Supervisor
Location: Field-based – Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, Terrebonne & Jefferson Parishes; frequent local travel required
Compensation: $22.00-$25.00/hour
Why Join Us? Disability Rights Louisiana (DRLA) is the state’s federally mandated Protection and Advocacy system, working to protect, empower, and advocate for the human and legal rights of people with disabilities and seniors. The Community Living Ombudsman Program (CLOP) is a cornerstone of that mission. CLOP Ombudsmen are trusted advocates who step inside privately run, publicly funded Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF-DD) to make sure residents are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. This is a meaningful opportunity to protect rights, improve care, and give voice to individuals who may not be heard otherwise.
If you are a passionate advocate with a drive to protect others, build trust, and create systemic change, we invite you to join our team. We value diversity and strongly encourage individuals with lived experience, members of underrepresented groups, and bilingual candidates to apply.
Summary/Objective: The CLOP Ombudsman is responsible for visiting Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF-DD) to advocate for residents’ rights, ensure they are receiving appropriate care and services, and address issues of abuse, neglect, or rights violations. This role requires adherence to Disability Rights Louisiana’s mission, compliance obligations under federal and state law, and alignment with collective bargaining and handbook requirements.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities: - Conduct regular visits to ICF-DD facilities within assigned parishes to monitor care, treatment, and services provided to residents.
- Advocate for residents’ rights consistent with DRLA’s goals, priorities, and applicable laws.
- Identify, document, and report instances of inadequate care, abuse, neglect, or rights violations.
- Prepare and submit formal reports on observed and reported rights violations as required.
- Perform outreach and training for community members, facility staff, and residents on rights, services, and benefits for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Collaborate with DRLA legal staff and other agency personnel to address systemic and individual advocacy needs.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in accordance with DRLA policy, grant requirements, and applicable privacy laws.
- Follow all program, reporting, and documentation protocols to ensure compliance with audits and monitoring requirements.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
Education, Experience, & Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- Three to five years of experience in the human services field, preferably with individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Experience with advocacy, social work, or disability rights preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal and cultural competency.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn DRLA’s case management systems.
- Strong presentation and training skills.
- Valid driver’s license, current liability insurance, and reliable transportation required for fieldwork.
- Ability to pass a Louisiana State Police background check.
Work Environment & Demands: - This position is primarily field-based, requiring frequent travel to ICF-DD facilities within assigned parishes. The role may require occasional evening or weekend hours based on resident needs or program obligations.
- The role requires flexibility in adapting to varying organizational needs and program demands.
- Physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- May involve standing or walking for extended periods while some tasks may require bending, stooping, or reaching.
- Regular use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and various digital devices.
- Capacity to perform repetitive tasks; read, analyze, and interpret data; maintain visual attention and mental concentration for significant periods of time.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Disability Rights Louisiana values diversity among our employees and is an equal opportunity employer. We hire without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age (over 40), disability (mental and physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. DRLA endorses and supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals.
To Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and passion for advocacy to hrnola@disabilityrightsla.org . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the businesses we support.
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Local area, Afternoon shift,