Advocate I

About This Role

The Advocate provides technical and administrative assistance to DSOHF staff and other agencies regarding resident rights, investigating abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other rights violations, incident reviews, and providing education, training, and consultation for various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and administrative assistance to DSOHF staff, other agencies and stakeholders regarding resident rights
• Protect the rights of those served at state-operated healthcare facilities through investigations into abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other rights violations
• Conduct incident reviews and provide education, training, and consultation
• Interpret Human Rights Rules and Regulations, facility policy, DSOHF policy, Advocacy procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Ensure practices are consistent with specified standards and guidance
• Provide training for residents, families, facility staff, and Human Rights Committee members
• Serve on committees, workgroups, and treatment teams at facility and departmental levels to develop/revise Advocacy procedures and training
• Serve as an independent and objective evaluator for incidents that don’t rise to the level of an investigation
• Work closely with residents, guardians, and others to educate on rights issues, complaint resolution, and Advocacy services
• Offer technical assistance to staff through monitoring, consulting, training, and collaboration to ensure residents are represented and their rights are honored

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a human services program or Bachelor’s degree in a human services field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Master’s degree and two years experience, OR Bachelor’s degree and three to four years of experience depending on type, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice to Have

• Working knowledge of the investigative process (interviewing skills, evidence gathering, analyzing findings, reaching fact-based determinations, documenting professional reports)
• Knowledge of resident rights and applicable Federal & State laws and regulations related to the disability group served
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to plan and coordinate daily work effectively, efficiently, and independently
• Experience collaborating with individuals from various clinical disciplines and participating as a member of the treatment team
• Ability to research applicable laws, regulations, policies and apply knowledge to daily work