Human Rights Advocate

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Falls Church, VA

1d•$68,000•Hybrid

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, with a primary focus on Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute. 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. 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. Use of a private and secure home office is required for telework opportunities. 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.
Ability to maintain accurate detailed records.
Ability to 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.
A drug screen and background check.
Use of a private and secure home office is required for telework opportunities.

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

Provide direct advocacy and regulatory technical assistance to individuals being served in DBHDS-operated hospitals, with a primary focus on Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute.
Implement a facility-based human rights system for individuals and their families.
Examine human rights complaints, instances of seclusion/restraint and serious incidents.
Represent and support individuals and their families.
Support, consult and train facility staff about the human rights system.
Identify and work to correct and mitigate systemic human rights issues.
Monitor compliance with the human rights regulations.
Review facility policies for compliance.
Provide orientation, training, and technical assistance to human rights committees.
Take necessary action to ensure the health and safety of individuals receiving services operated by DBHDS.