Consumer Advocate (Coastal)

State of South Carolina • Dorchester County, SC

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Consumer Advocate who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply. Under the general supervision and guidance of the Director of Risk Management and the Risk Management Team Lead, this position operates with considerable independence while exercising sound judgment and discretion. The position for this posting will be located at Coastal Regional Center, an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) of BHDD located in Summerville, SC serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree and three (3) years experience working with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in accordance with State Human Resources Regulations.

Nice To Haves

• A Bachelor's degree and three (3) years experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilities in an Intermediate Care Facility setting.
• Extensive knowledge of agency directives, regional center internal procedures and Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) regulations, with emphasis on those relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation, critical incidents, and consumer rights.
• Ability to complete time sensitive reports that are accurate and thorough.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates on site Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (ANE) investigations for assigned Regional Center.
• Initiates intake process within the 24 hour time frame, gathers documents for the Risk Management Investigator(s), coordinates/schedules Administrative Reviews, acts as a liaison with outside entities (i.e. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Ombudsman Office, etc.), and submits reports within the requirements of the Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) regulations.
• Conducts on-site investigations of critical incidents, death cases, and other incidents as needed for assigned Regional Center.
• Plans, coordinates, and delivers ANE, Critical Incident, and Death reporting training to all staff of their assigned Regional Center.
• Serves as an active member of the Risk Management team.
• Contributes to the identification, analysis, and mitigation of organizational risks, including those related to ANE, Critical Incidents, and Deaths.
• Reviews all peer-on-peer altercations.
• Reviews related Interdisciplinary (ID) team follow up actions and makes recommendations as appropriate.
• Conducts unannounced visits for the residential areas of Regional Centers to aid in identification and the reduction of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation.
• Completes Rapid Risk Reviews, as a follow up to previously completed Administrative Reviews to ensure corrective actions have been completed and to determine whether additional corrective actions are warranted.
• Receives & tracks complaint resolutions.
• Performs additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational goals.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

What This Job Offers

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