Advocacy Program Specialist

Arizona State Government; Hyde Park Township (IL); Remote; USD 49,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading team to provide advocacy and support to individuals with serious mental illness in the Phoenix area. The role involves educating clients about their rights, assisting in service planning, and conducting community outreach. Ideal candidates will have experience in behavioral health and advocacy, with strong negotiation and communication skills. This position offers remote work options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Paid holidays

Vacation

Sick leave

Parental leave

Insurance

Retirement

Remote work options

Qualifications

• 2 years in Arizona's public behavioral health field.
• 1 year in advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Represent individuals with SMI in service planning.
• Assist clients in navigating behavioral health services.
• Promote awareness of client rights.

Skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal Communication

Report Writing

Time Management

Policy Interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology

Bachelor's degree in sociology

Bachelor's degree in social work

Bachelor's degree in public health

Bachelor's degree in law

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Advocacy Program Specialist

Division of Behavioral Health & Housing (DBHH)

Location: 801 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Salary: $49,000 - $51,000

Grade: 19

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Note: Must reside in Arizona. In-state travel in the Phoenix area up to 50%. Remote work eligible within Phoenix area.

Job Summary

Join our team to provide advocacy and support to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) in the Phoenix area. Responsibilities include educating clients about their rights, advocating on their behalf, assisting in service and discharge planning, and participating in grievance and appeals processes. Also, provide community education and outreach regarding SMI rights and services.

Major Duties

1. Represent individuals with SMI in service planning, discharge planning, and grievance processes via meetings and documentation.
2. Assist clients in navigating behavioral health services and resolving issues with providers.
3. Promote awareness of client rights through outreach and educational materials.
4. Initial outreach to new clients, explaining services and advocacy roles.
5. Guide community members on SMI grievances, appeals, and discharge planning.
6. Maintain activity reports and case records timely.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge: Behavioral health system operations, client rights, SMI grievance and appeal processes, regulations, stakeholder engagement, Microsoft Office, HIPAA, Arizona Administrative Code R9-21.

Skills: Negotiation, interpersonal communication, report writing, time management, policy interpretation.

Abilities: Professional communication, client education, task organization, conducting meetings, understanding AZ Administrative Code R9-21.

Qualifications

Minimum: 2 years in Arizona's public behavioral health field and 1 year in advocacy.

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, social work, public health, law, or related field.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Background check, employment verification, and reference checks required. Travel may be necessary. Valid driver’s license required if driving is essential. All hires must complete E-Verify.

Benefits

Includes paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, parental leave, insurance, retirement, and more. Remote work options available, subject to management approval.

Retirement Options

Lifetime pension through ASRS and voluntary deferred compensation plans.

Contact

Disability accommodations available upon request. Equal Opportunity Employer.