STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Human Services Advocate

Office/On-Site

Recruitment #220913-1419SH-001

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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. 

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! 

The DMHAS, Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN), is currently seeking a qualified individual for the position of Human Services Advocate (PCN: 27043).  This position is located within the Torrington Administration at 249 Winsted Road in Torrington, CT.  It is a full-time, 40 hour position. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

WCMHN 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. 

In this role you will discover the opportunity to: 

  • Be responsible for patient advocacy;
  • Investigate and resolve patient complaints and grievances; 
  • Conduct groups regarding patient skill enhancements such as patient rights and patient empowerment;
  • Meet individually with patients to assist in their recovery;
  • Ensure patient rights are protected;
  • Document advocacy services provided in confidential patient files; 
  • Prepare reports summarizing patient interviews; and
  • Attend weekly and monthly meetings regarding patient advocacy, e.g., Patient Steering Committee. 
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

This position may be subject to Federal requirements for COVID-19 Vaccination Immunization.

To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • 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.
  • 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, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Connect With Us:
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
  • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Doreen Clemson at Doreen.Clemson@ct.gov or 860-785-9855.

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.

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

  • Experience working with people who have severe and prolonged mental illness and addiction. 
  • Experience performing complaint resolution with clients, staff, or other individuals involved.  
  • Experience providing advocacy and person-centered interventions. 
  • Experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), advocacy groups and patient rights, and grievance procedures.  
  • Experience collaborating with community providers to build on client's citizenship.   

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.





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