Advocacy Specialist 3, Central Office;

New York State; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A state mental health agency in New York is seeking an Advocacy Specialist 3 to supervise a team of advocates and promote recovery and empowerment among individuals with mental health needs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in human services, including leadership experience. Responsibilities include mentoring staff, advocating for service users, and managing regional outreach initiatives. This position is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 3 years experience as a professional advocate or service provider required.
• One year at a supervisory level is mandatory.
• Experience in rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, or mental health is essential.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor Advocacy Specialists.
• Guide staff in compliance with agency policies.
• Promote peer service best practices and community outreach.

Skills

Advocacy

Leadership

Communication

Evaluation

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

Master's degree in human services

Job description

Overview

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recruiting to fill an Advocacy Specialist 3, G-23, position in the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services (OAPSS) located at the Hudson River Field Office in Poughkeepsie. OAPSS works to ensure the inclusion of recipients across the lifespan (youth, transition age youth, adults, and older adults) and their family’s perspectives into OMH policy making and program planning, development, and evolution. The incumbent will serve as the Hudson River Peer Support Supervisor and will oversee the promotion and awareness of recovery, resilience, self-help, empowerment, and the inclusion of people who are current and former recipients of mental health services. The incumbent will lead staff members across the Hudson Valley region who interact and collaborate with other workgroups and offices/Centers/Divisions in Central Office throughout New York State.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and mentors a unit of Advocacy Specialists 2 and other staff assigned in regional office settings; performs the advocacy specialist functions, oversees unit workflow, and provides guidance to lower-level staff.
• Provides guidance and support to team members, fostering a positive work environment and ongoing cross department communication.
• Evaluates employee performance, providing feedback, conducting performance reviews and identifying areas for growth.
• Provide in-discipline supervision for assigned staff in alignment with the values and principles of peer support and family and youth advocacy.
• Functions as a subject matter expert for peer service best practices and provide technical assistance as needed, and may be assigned to serve as a project lead for agency initiatives.
• Promotes the inclusion of individuals who are current and former users of mental health services, families whose children are involved in children’s services, and youth involved or formerly involved in services into planning, policy implementation, program development, evaluation, monitoring, and related activities.
• Promotes awareness of recovery, self-help, and empowerment by disseminating relevant information to recipients, providers, family members, county government and the general public as indicated by OAPSS.
• Guides the staff they supervise to understand and comply with agency policies and processes and supports opportunities for learning and growth.
• Supports community outreach functions and represents an agency in statewide outreach events, interagency workgroups, public forums, and in meetings with advocacy and provider organizations.
• Functions as a part of the OAPSS Leadership team, representing OAPSS in the field office, assisting in the regular collaboration between Field Offices and Central Office.
• Travel within the region and state in support of OAPSS and Field office initiatives.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a human services field, and three years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, or mental health. One year of the experience must have been at a supervisory level.
• OR a Master’s degree in a human services field AND two years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in the field of rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, or mental health. One year of the experience must have been at a supervisory level.
• OR seven years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in the field of rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, or mental health. One year of the experience must have been at a supervisory level.

Additional information

The Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. OMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, OMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A diverse and inclusive workplace is valued and utilized to support the Agency’s mission. OMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Specific scheduled hours and telecommuting availability for this position will be discussed during the interview process. Please note, employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to operational needs and Agency Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to apply

Notes on Applying To be considered for this position, interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to [e-mail]. Please include the title of the position and Vacancy ID #199809 in the subject line of your email when applying. You may be fingerprinted if you accept a job offer with the Office of Mental Health and may be required to pay a fingerprint fee.

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