Social Services Advocate II

State of Oklahoma • Tulsa, OK

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is seeking a Social Services Advocate II to join their team. This full-time position is based in Tulsa and involves protecting the rights of clients, acting as a client advocate, and filing grievances on behalf of clients. The role may also include conducting internal and external audits, field investigations, and quality control audits to evaluate program effectiveness. The advocate will perform follow-up reviews and advocate for clients and program changes, and may investigate employee violations of agency policy, regulations, and applicable state and federal laws.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and three years of professional experience in advocacy, social work, case management, or a related field serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Qualifying experience may include, but is not limited to, special education, behavioral supports, counseling, investigations, vocational rehabilitation, physical/occupational/speech therapy, nursing, or other closely related professional services.
• An equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be accepted.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing social service agencies and residential facilities or contract providers.
• Knowledge of quality control and audit procedures.
• Knowledge of review and investigative techniques.
• Ability to review and analyze large amounts of information and identify deficiencies.
• Ability to conduct interviews effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• Documentation of education, certification or licensure if required to meet qualifications must be provided at the time of application.

Responsibilities

• Acts as 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.
• 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