Advocacy Program Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Behavioral Health & Housing (DBHH) is seeking an Advocacy Program Specialist to deliver Special Assistance to individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) determination and an identified need, as defined by A.A.C. R9-21-104, in the Phoenix Metropolitan and Northern Arizona areas. The role educates individuals about their rights, advocates on their behalf, helps protect their rights and obtain needed services, and participates in grievance and appeals processes as necessary. The position also provides education, advocacy, and support to the community as assigned. The job requires in-state travel in the Phoenix Metropolitan and Northern Arizona areas up to approximately 50% of the time. The candidate may be eligible for remote work based in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Remote work is a management option, and work must be performed within Arizona unless an exception is authorized in advance. The position is based at the Division of Behavioral Health & Housing, 150 N. 18th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Salary is up to $53,000; the position is Grade 19 and non-exempt. Candidates must have two years of experience in Arizona's public behavioral health field, one year of experience providing advocacy, and a current Arizona driver's license. Pre-employment requirements include passing a fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications, and reference checks. Newly hired State employees must also successfully complete E-Verify.

Requirements

Two years of experience in Arizona's public behavioral health field.
One year of experience in the provision of advocacy.
A current Arizona Driver's License.
Knowledge of the basic structure and operation of the behavioral health system, service and discharge planning processes, and consumer rights.
Knowledge of SMI grievance and administrative appeal processes, and the rules, statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures that define applicable behavioral health standards of care.
Practical knowledge of working with stakeholders and clients, including their natural and formal supports.
Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft products.
Understanding of HIPAA and Arizona Administrative Code R9-21.
Negotiation skills, including collaborative communication.
Strong interpersonal skills with people from diverse cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, including people in crisis.
Effective written communication skills, including report writing and professional correspondence.
Time-management skills and attention to detail.
Oral and written case preparation and presentation skills.
Proficiency reviewing and interpreting policy, law, and designated record sets.
Ability to communicate professionally, orally and in writing, with clients and RBHA providers to facilitate resolution or present issues.
Ability to educate people on navigating the behavioral health system, accessing services, and exercising SMI rights.
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks and reprioritize when necessary.
Ability to conduct client meetings by telephone, video conference, or in person according to standards of work and the immediate supervisor's guidance.
Ability to research, comprehend, and recite Arizona Administrative Code R9-21 to enforce SMI rights.
Successful completion of a fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications, and reference checks.
Successful completion of the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify) for newly hired State employees.
Ability to complete any required driver training when driving on State business.

Responsibilities

Represent individuals with an SMI determination who are identified as needing Special Assistance in services planning, discharge planning, and administrative grievance and appeals processes.
Conduct meetings by telephone, video conference, or in person as needed, and follow the approved documentation protocol.
Provide information and technical assistance, and facilitate resolution of issues with Regional Behavioral Health Agreements (RBHA) and care providers to meet clients' needs.
Promote client rights and protection through outreach, distribution of educational materials, and community group education.
Provide immediate representation to newly assigned Special Assistance members, including initial outreach, welcoming clients to OHR, explaining the role, and preparing advocacy charts.
Provide advocacy and guidance to the community about SMI grievances and appeals, service planning, and discharge planning.
Complete weekly and monthly activity reports and database (case list) entries in a timely manner.

Benefits

10 paid holidays per year.
Paid vacation and sick leave: 13 vacation days and 12 sick days per year, earned starting on the first day of employment and prorated for part-time employees.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child.
Bereavement, civic duty, and military leave.
A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits through the Arizona State Retirement System; participation in the ASRS retirement and Long-Term Disability plans is required.
Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, subject to qualifications.
RideShare and public transit subsidy.
Learning and career development opportunities.
Voluntary deferred retirement compensation program administered through Nationwide, with tax-deferred payroll investments.