Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Certified Volunteer Advocate Program

The New Jersey Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) provides a Certified Volunteer Advocate Program that gives citizens an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living in nursing homes in New Jersey.

The LTCO is dedicated to advancing the rights, dignity, and self-determination of adults living in long-term care. A primary function of the LTCO is to investigate and resolve complaints made by long-term residents or by others on their behalf.

Certified Volunteer Advocates (CVAs) are an essential part of the LTCO team, proactively visiting nursing homes to help solve problems for residents and ensure they are being treated with dignity and respect.

Each prospective Volunteer Advocate undergoes 36 hours of in-depth, virtual training and is required to pass a certification exam to participate in the program.

Then, after working with a more experienced volunteer for approximately two weeks, the CVA is assigned to a nursing facility close to home. Although Volunteer Advocates can make their own hours, they are required to visit their assigned facility and speak to residents for at least four hours per week.

The types of problems that CVAs typically encounter include: failure to respond to call bells; inadequate or unappetizing food; hygiene problems; lack of activities; and missing or stolen personal belongings, such as clothing, dentures and eye glasses.

If a CVA identifies serious issues, such as abuse, neglect or exploitation, a full-time Investigator/Advocate from the LTCO may be assigned to investigate and resolve them.

The Certified Volunteer Advocate Program currently has about 150 Advocates, and many more are needed. If you would like to help foster a better quality of life for individuals living in nursing homes, please consider becoming a Certified Volunteer Advocate.

Apply Here