STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Human Services Advocate

Recruitment #210405-1419SH-001

Introduction


The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

The Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN) division provides services to approximately 7,000 clients receiving services in a variety of programs. We foster an environment that is person centered with a focus on individual recovery.

Are you passionate about client advocacy and helping others navigate through the community? If so, we encourage you to apply to this exciting position, today! We currently seek qualified individuals for the position of Human Services Advocate (PCN: 27043) within the Torrington Administration Unit. This position is located at 249 Winsted Road, Torrington, CT. This is a full-time, 40 hour position. The work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Discover the opportunity to:
  • Run groups and facilitate connections with the Community to decrease stigma.
  • Advocate for clients rights and empower clients;
  • Be a part of a leadership team;
  • Provide education, advocacy for client rights through collaboratively working with staff, family, clients to seek solutions to conflict and grievances.

We participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as, paid time off! We offer outstanding work/life balance and limitless opportunity!

Selection Plan

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however applications to this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the job classification.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications - as listed on the job opening - will be considered for this role, as determined by qualifications stated on the submitted application.

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position. Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Should you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact Andrew Pebley at Andrew.Pebley@ct.gov or (860) 785-6185.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Departments of Aging and Disability Services, Developmental Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Office of the Child Advocate, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in providing advocacy services to ensure the preservation of individual rights.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists in administration of an individual rights program with respect to civil, legal and human rights, right to treatment, confidentiality, and other unique rights as specified by state and federal legislation; provides advocacy services, determines available courses of action, and develops advocacy strategies with individuals, families and/or groups; investigates and evaluates complaints and allegations of abuse and/or misrepresentation of authorized individual services; implements advocacy strategies through informal and/or formal actions such as meeting with legal and/or agency representatives to ensure provision of proper services; consults with professionals of various disciplines such as attorneys, physicians, educators, and others to identify options and barriers to individual rights; develops and interprets policies regarding individual rights; assists in researching and interpreting laws pertaining to individual rights; maintains confidential individual files documenting advocacy services provided and prepares reports summarizing case activities; prepares correspondence and reports; assists in orientation of new employees with regard to agency individual rights program; may investigate accident and injury reports to determine cause; may conduct studies to assess quality of care; may conduct in-service training sessions on individual rights; may provide technical assistance and training to field staff; may participate on task forces and coalitions formed to effect system changes; may meet with legislators, agency officials, and members of various interest groups on individual rights; may participate in agency task groups to develop policies, positions and reports; may make public presentations; performs related duties as required.

AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES: Provides quality assurance through site visits and monitoring of vendor reporting to ensure compliance with terms and conditions of individual programs.

OFFICE OF THE CHILD ADVOCATE: Evaluates delivery of services to children by state agencies; reviews procedures of state agencies providing services to children; visits residential facilities to review procedures, assure safety and assess facilities; may recommend changes in state policies concerning children including changes in system of providing juvenile justice, child care, foster care, and treatment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of problems and needs of individuals in one of the following areas: blindness or visual impairments; children; disabilities; intellectual disabilities; psychiatric disabilities; knowledge of advocacy process; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; knowledge of community resources and service delivery systems; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; interviewing skills; negotiating skills; ability to identify, investigate, and analyze problems and recommend effective solutions; ability to research and organize information; ability to understand and explain complex written materials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of professional experience in a public or private agency or organization providing services to individuals with disabilities or to children.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in the provision of advocacy or direct services to individuals with disabilities or to children.

NOTE: Advocacy services are defined as speaking and working on behalf of a position, cause, or individual to further interests and ensure the preservation of rights.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Our preferred candidate will have:
  • Experience with Clients Rights and Grievance Process;
  • Experience providing advocacy services and the advocacy process;
  • Experience working with individuals who are impacted by Severe and Prolonged Mental Illness, Substance Abuse Disorders and Trauma;
  • State of CT statues regarding abuse and neglect reporting, Americans with Disabilities Act, including, Reasonable Accommodation;
  • Experience with Microsoft Suite Programs, like Outlook including calendar management, Microsoft Word for drafting letters, creating tables, making pamphlets, writing professional correspondence/letters in response to grievances and other forms of conflict resolution, as well as, Publisher to make pamphlets, handouts and fliers;
  • Experience in conflict resolution/mediation;
  • Experience with community resources and service delivery systems.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.