There is created the state ombudsman for mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse who shall be a full-time state employee under the supervision and direction of the consumers' insurance advocate in the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs under Code Section 33-57-3. The state ombudsman shall have the powers and duties set forth in this article. The state ombudsman shall be a person qualified by training and experience in the field of disability services, have experience advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, and have the skills to perform the duties set forth in this article. The state ombudsman shall be free of a conflict of interest. The state ombudsman shall promote the well-being and quality of life of service recipients and encourage the development of community ombudsman activities at the local level.