Advocate I - Murdoch Developmental Center

State of North Carolina

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Murdoch Developmental Center is currently accepting applications for an Advocate I. This position is responsible for helping to provide Advocacy services at Murdoch Developmental Center, in Butner, NC. As an Advocate I, this position helps to ensure that facility-based systems operate so that individuals’ rights are upheld, and that quality care and treatment are provided. This position fulfills these obligations by being available to and working on behalf of the individuals and their families/guardians, consulting/collaborating with facility administration, training individuals/families and guardians/facility employees on human rights of the individuals served, investigating allegations of abuse/neglect/exploitation/rights violations, compiling reports that reflect the investigative work and findings, making recommendations for remediation of assessed needs, monitoring programs throughout the facility, contributing to the human rights committee of the facility and participating in facility committees as assigned by the Director of Advocacy. This Position Is Designated As Mandatory And Must Report Or Stay Over During Adverse Weather Events.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a human services program from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of the experience providing services (diagnostic and treatment, advocacy, and/or casework) for individuals who are developmentally, physically, or mentally disabled; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience providing services (diagnostic and treatment, advocacy, and/or casework) for individuals who are developmentally, physically, or mentally disabled; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of human services experience providing skills in investigating abuse and neglect, interviewing techniques, and similar functions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Nice To Haves

• Substantial knowledge of mental health/developmental disabilities and substance abuse service systems, quality improvement initiatives, and program monitoring.
• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret North Carolina’s consumer rights and mental health laws, ICF-ID regulations, Office of State Human Resources policies and the policies of the Facility and the Division of State Operated Health Care Facilities.
• Considerable skills in investigative techniques (interviewing, collecting, and analyzing evidence, summarizing, and presenting findings, etc.) and negotiation is vital to achieving the resolution of complaints, grievances, and allegations.
• The ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships that ensure the confidence of individuals, families, and staff at all levels of both the facility and the State is critical.
• A capacity for critical thinking and process analytical skills, as well as the ability to exercise these skills, even under stressful conditions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, as well as software application skills.
• Exemplary collaborative and interpersonal skills are essential for effective participation in various team environments.

Responsibilities

• being available to and working on behalf of the individuals and their families/guardians
• consulting/collaborating with facility administration
• training individuals/families and guardians/facility employees on human rights of the individuals served
• investigating allegations of abuse/neglect/exploitation/rights violations
• compiling reports that reflect the investigative work and findings
• making recommendations for remediation of assessed needs
• monitoring programs throughout the facility
• contributing to the human rights committee of the facility
• participating in facility committees as assigned by the Director of Advocacy

Benefits

• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees