Human Services Advocate

Are you a self-starter? Do you have a passion for supporting others? Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal human services environment in the public sector? If so, we want you to join us!  

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a highly skilled and qualified Human Services Advocate to join our team in the North Region based out of East Hartford, CT.  This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position with a Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm schedule.  However, work schedule flexibility is required in order to meet the demands of the job.    

You will discover the opportunity to:

• Engage in a rewarding career;
• Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve;
• Assist our individuals so they can achieve success;
• Make a difference in the public sector;
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.    

We hope you take this opportunity to continue your career with us and make an impact by serving your state!

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.   

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).  

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

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and specify their qualifications on their application. Please ensure that your application is complete as you will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application into the JobAps system.  

Note:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.  Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.   

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.   

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

Incumbents in this class may be expected to travel statewide.  

If you require an accommodation to participate fully and fairly under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Renee LaBarge, DDS EEO Director at (860) 418-6022 or Renee.LaBarge@ct.gov.  

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker, at Julie.Barker@ct.gov.

All State employees shall follow the guidelines as listed in Executive Orders  13F (3a) and 13G (3a) .

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:  

• Experience with Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.  
• Experience with the advocacy process including relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations.  
• Experience interacting and corresponding with various state and private agencies.     
• Experience using a variety of Microsoft Office programs, including Access Outlook, Word and Excel.   
• Experience with developing organizational systems and supporting multi step projects.  
• Experience working directly with persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
• Experience with HIPPA and Confidentiality.

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

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.