Human Rights Advocate
About The Position
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) is seeking a highly skilled professional accustomed to working with a high level of autonomy to provide direct advocacy and regulatory technical assistance to individuals being served in DBHDS-operated hospitals. This position works out of Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI), which is located at 3302 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, in Northern VA. This position provides direct services to implement a facility-based human rights system for individuals and their families. Duties include examining human rights complaints, instances of seclusion/restraint and serious incidents; representing and supporting individuals and their families; supporting, consulting and training facility staff about the human rights system; identifying and working to correct and mitigate systemic human rights issues; monitoring compliance with the human rights regulations; reviewing facility policies for compliance; providing orientation, training, and technical assistance to human rights committees and taking necessary action to ensure the health and safety of individuals receiving services operated by DBHDS. To meet the duties and demands of the position, it’s recommended that the candidate reside in Northern VA or live close to NVMHI’s proximity. A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Driver Safety Program are required due to some travel statewide for training. A drug screen and background check is required.
Requirements
- Extensive experience working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Substance Use disorders and/or Mental Illness.
- Demonstrated involvement with examining program compliance and service quality; monitoring and developing quality improvement activities and experience in supervising and monitoring the work of others.
- Practical knowledge and ability to prioritize and manage high volumes of case coordination to include conducting thorough investigations, analyzing problems, and recommending solutions.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with human service delivery system managers; maintain accurate detailed records; and produce professional reports.
- Proficiency utilizing strong organizational and time management skills to meet critical deadlines.
- Understanding in human rights advocacy or a related occupation, i.e. conflict resolution, crisis intervention and case investigation.
- Significant experience and knowledge in public and private human service delivery systems, DBHDS licensed services and Medicaid funded programs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work within the framework of DBHDS technology, including, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, Adobe, SharePoint, and Outlook.
- A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Driver Safety Program are required.
- Must reside in Northern VA or live close to NVMHI’s proximity.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in human services.
- Experience in providing advocacy or mediation services.
- Experience in conducting investigations.
- Experience with case documentation and report writing.
- Experience in supervising/monitoring the work of others.
Responsibilities
- Examining human rights complaints, instances of seclusion/restraint and serious incidents
- Representing and supporting individuals and their families
- Supporting, consulting and training facility staff about the human rights system
- Identifying and working to correct and mitigate systemic human rights issues
- Monitoring compliance with the human rights regulations
- Reviewing facility policies for compliance
- Providing orientation, training, and technical assistance to human rights committees
- Taking necessary action to ensure the health and safety of individuals receiving services operated by DBHDS
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
