State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Human Services Advocate (1419SH)

$34.47-$43.95 Hourly / $2,756.82-$3,515.52 BiWeekly /
$71,953.00-$91,755.00 Yearly

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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of an employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead lower level employees as assigned.

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;
    • advocacy process;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations;
    • relevant agency policies and procedures;
    • community resources and service delivery systems;
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
    • interviewing skills;
    • negotiating skills;
  • Ability to
    • identify, investigate, and analyze problems and recommend effective solutions;
    • research and organize information;
    • 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.
  • Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience and Special Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(33)-Social Services

BARGAINING UNIT

(12)-SOCIAL SERV (P-2)

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

SH 22

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Human Services Advocate in Salary Group SH 22 approved effective May 1, 2020. (Revised to modify the Minimum Qualifications - Substitutions Allowed section and modify content) Final 23-035

EFFECTIVE DATE

03/08/2023
CLASS: 1419SH; EST: 6/2/1978; REV: 3/13/2023;