Advocate I - Murdoch Developmental Center

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

1d • $43,267 - $58,000 • 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.
• 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 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

• Help to ensure that facility-based systems operate so that individuals’ rights are upheld, and that quality care and treatment are provided.
• Be available to and work on behalf of the individuals and their families/guardians.
• Consult/collaborate with facility administration.
• Train individuals/families and guardians/facility employees on human rights of the individuals served.
• Investigate allegations of abuse/neglect/exploitation/rights violations.
• Compile reports that reflect the 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.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level