Ombudsman Training: Advocacy, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution (DSST 150D)
Students enrolled in this course as non-credit will be in the same cohort as the credit students.
Professor: Craig Rustici, Disability Studies
Additional Trainers: New York Department of Aging
Course Schedule: Thursdays, January 30 - May 8 (Spring Semester)
Course Description
This course equips students with the skills and knowledge to advocate for and improve the quality of life for older adults and persons with disabilities in long-term care facilities. By employing a person-centered approach, students will gain hands-on experience, build professional skills, and earn a credential to serve as an Ombudsman.
Course Objectives
- To understand the role of advocacy in improving the lives of residents in long-term care facilities.
- To learn and apply mediation and conflict resolution techniques in real-world settings.
- To gain firsthand experience in long-term care environments.
- To enhance professional skills and expand career opportunities.
Training Highlights
In this course, trainers from the New York Department of Aging partner with Hofstra faculty and create opportunities to:- Participate in and enrich an intergenerational learning community.
- Shadow experienced ombudsmen.
- Read about and reflect on advocacy, activism, mediation and conflict resolution.
- Understand disability and aging in social, political, and cultural contexts.
Roles of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen
- Advocate – Act on behalf of residents to assure rights are not violated, identifying, investigating and working towards resolution of resident complaints.
- Mediate – Work collaboratively with residents, family members, and staff towards achieving mutually beneficial solutions to the issues they are experiencing in long term care facilities
- Educate – Provide information and consultation to residents, families, facility staff, and community about issues in long term care and specific issues they are experiencing in facilities.
- Refer – When resolution through the Ombudsman program is not achievable, complaints are referred to appropriate agencies.
- Follow this link to read profiles and view interviews with experienced volunteer ombudsmen.
- Follow this link to hear from a long-term-care resident about ombudsmen’s contributions.
Sample Curriculum
Important Course Dates
Week 1: Orientation
- Format: In-person session at Hofstra University
- Date: 1/30
- Activity: Introduction to the program coordinated with attendance at the Hofstra Museum of Art exhibition opening reception.
Week 2: Pre-Training Shadowing
- Format: In-field shadowing (4 hours)
- Date: 2/6
Week 8: Spring Break: No Class
- Date: 3/20
Week 14: In-Person Class Session
- Format: In-person session at Hofstra University
- Date: 5/1
Week 15: Post-Training Shadowing
- Format: In-field shadowing (6 hours)
- Date: 5/8
