Advocacy Program Specialist

Internal Careers; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work opportunities

Job summary

AHCCCS in Phoenix seeks an Advocacy Program Specialist to deliver Special Assistance for individuals with an SMI determination. You will educate clients about rights, advocate for services, and help protect rights while navigating grievance and appeals processes.

The role requires travel within the Phoenix area and possible remote work based in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, with a focus on community education and collaboration with RBHA providers.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of behavioral health system and discharge planning
• Understanding of SMI grievance and administrative appeal processes
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and clients

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive advocacy for individuals with SMI determination in planning, discharge, and grievance/appeals processes.
• Advocate on behalf of clients and assist in protecting rights and obtaining services.
• Educate and outreach to the community about client rights and available services.
• Lead initial outreach to new special assistance members and explain advocacy role.
• Assist community on SMI grievances and service/discharge planning.
• Complete weekly/monthly activity reports and update case lists.

Skills

Advocacy

Education

Written communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

AHCCCS

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Accountability, Community, Innovation, Leadership, Passion, Quality, Respect, Courage, Teamwork The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid agency, is driven by its mission to deliver comprehensive, cost-effective health care to Arizonans in need. AHCCCS is a nationally acclaimed model among Medicaid programs and a recipient of multiple awards for excellence in workplace effectiveness and flexibility. AHCCCS employees are passionate about their work, committed to high performance, and dedicated to serving the citizens of Arizona. Among government agencies, AHCCCS is recognized for high employee engagement and satisfaction, supportive leadership, and flexible work environments, including remote work opportunities. With career paths for seasoned professionals in a variety of fields, entry-level positions, and internship opportunities, AHCCCS offers meaningful career opportunities in a competitive industry. Come join our dynamic and dedicated team.

Advocacy Program Specialist

Job Location:

Address: Division of Behavioral Health & Housing (DBHH) 150 N. 18th Ave., Phoenix, Az 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: Up to $53,000

Grade: 19

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This position requires in-state travel in the Phoenix Metropolitan area up to approximately 50% of the time. Candidate may be eligible for remote work based in the Phoenix Metropolitan area.

Job Summary:

The Division of Behavioral Health & Housing (DBHH) is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our team as an Advocacy Program Specialist. This position will be responsible for the delivery of Special Assistance to individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) determination with an identified need (as defined by A.A.C. R9-21-104) in the Phoenix Metropolitan and Northern Arizona areas with activities that include: (1) education regarding an individual's rights, (2) advocate on behalf of clients, (3) assist clients in protecting their rights and obtaining needed services and (4) actively participate in the grievance and appeals process as necessary. This position also provides education, advocacy and support to the community as needed and as assigned.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide intensive advocacy by representing individuals with an SMI determination and identified as in need of Special Assistance in the services planning, discharge planning and administrative grievance and appeals processes. Conduct meetings via telephone, video conference and in person as deemed necessary and follow the approved documentation protocol.
• Provide information, technical assistance and facilitate the resolution of issues with the Regional Behavioral Health Agreements (RBHA) and care providers to meet the needs of the clients.
• Promote client rights and protection through outreach, the distribution of educational materials and facilitation of group education in the community.
• Immediate representation to all newly assigned special assistance members, including but not limited to, initial outreach welcoming clients to OHR, explaining the role and preparing the advocacy chart.
• Provide advocacy and guidance to the community about SMI grievances and appeals and service & discharge planning.
• Completes weekly/monthly activity reports and database (case list) entries in a timely manner.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Basic structure and operation of the behavioral Health system service and discharge planning processes; consumer rights
• SMI grievance and administrative appeal processes, rules, statutes and regulations that define the standards of care applicable to the behavioral health system
• Understanding of all applicable regulations, policies and procedures
• Practical application of working with stakeholders and clients including their natural and formal supports
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft products
• Understanding of HIPAA
• Understanding of the Arizona Administrative Code R9-21

Skill in:

• Negotiation skills including but not limited to collaborative communication
• Strong interpersonal skills with people of diverse cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds and those in crisis
• Effective written communication skills, including writing of reports and professional correspondence
• Time management and attention to detail
• Oral and written case preparation and presentation
• Proficient at review and interpretation of policy, law and designated record sets

Ability to:

• Communicate professionally, both orally and in writing with clients and their RBHA provider to facilitate resolution or presenting issues