Advocate I - Murdoch Developmental Center

State of North Carolina•1600 East C Street Granville, NC

6d•$43,267 - $75,718•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 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.
Ability to complete documentation via computer/Advocacy Web Application.
Ability to maneuver throughout a large facility.

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.
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.
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.
Software application skills.
Exemplary collaborative and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Provide Advocacy services at Murdoch Developmental Center.
Ensure facility-based systems uphold individuals' rights and provide quality care and treatment.
Be available to and work on behalf of individuals and their families/guardians.
Consult and collaborate with facility administration.
Train individuals/families, guardians, and facility employees on human rights of individuals served.
Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and rights violations.
Compile reports reflecting investigative work and findings.
Make recommendations for remediation of assessed needs.
Monitor programs throughout the facility.
Contribute to the human rights committee of the facility.
Participate in facility committees as assigned by the Director of Advocacy.