Advocate II

State of Oklahoma • Pauls Valley, OK

8d

About The Position

Positions in this job family will conduct inquiries to protect the rights of clients, act as client advocate, and file grievances on behalf of clients. Some positions in this job family are assigned responsibility for conducting internal and external audits and field investigations and performing federally or state mandated quality control audits to evaluate the effectiveness of agency programs. Some positions will perform follow-up reviews and advocate for clients and program changes. Duties also may include investigating employee violations of agency policy, regulations, and applicable state and federal laws.

Requirements

• Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree and three years of professional experience in investigations, auditing, social work, juvenile justice, personnel administration, law enforcement or child support enforcement working with persons with intellectual disabilities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Applicants must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with this position and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing social service agencies and residential facilities or contract providers; of quality control and audit procedures; and of review and investigative techniques.
• Ability is required to review and analyze large amounts of information and identify deficiencies; to conduct interviews effectively; to establish and maintain effective working relationships; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Acts a client advocate; protects the rights of clients assigned to State Human Services or Juvenile Affairs facilities, or other state contracted providers, files grievances on behalf of clients
• Carries an advocacy caseload comprised of DDS service recipients; acts as a member of the service recipient’s personal support team, analyzes and evaluates care provider actions and programming in relation to individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Conducts field visits and reviews service provision of community providers and care facilities to determine compliance with laws and regulations. This includes responding after normal business hours and weekends when required
• Reviews client payments to contractors and management of client funds to ensure funds were spent appropriately and services were provided
• Coordinates activities of a client grievance system and may act as client grievance facilitator to resolve issues relating to the services or care provided to clients
• Monitors agency / facility / contract provider’s policies and procedures, identifies policy violations and unauthorized practices, notifies appropriate entities, and advocates for resolutions
• Performs preliminary investigations on vulnerable children and adults in the areas of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in accordance with all state and federal laws, including responding after normal business hours and weekends when required.
• Being present at the office is an essential function of the job.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.

Benefits

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Student Loan repayment options & tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

What This Job Offers

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