Human Services Advocate (32 Hour) - Apply by July 29

Find out more information and apply online at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=240709&R2=1419SH&R3=001

Do you have a passion to advocate for people who need your help?

Are you comfortable challenging social norms regarding behavioral health?  

If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

The Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH), under the umbrella of the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a qualified individual to join our team as a Human Services Advocate (PCN 119570). This position will support our clients and patients as a member of our Patient Central Services Unit in Middletown. Find out more information on this great opportunity below!

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Work Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday
• Work Hours: Part-time, 32 hours per week
• Work Shift: First shift, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Location: 1000 Silver Street, Middletown, CT

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Advocate for clients rights and empower clients;
• Interview patients regarding allegations of abuse;
• Meet individually with patients to assist in their recovery;
• Ensure patients’ rights are protected;
• Maintain confidential patient files documenting advocacy services provided;
• Run groups and facilitate connections with the Community to decrease stigma;
• Provide education, advocacy for client rights through collaboratively working with staff, family, clients to seek solutions to conflict and grievances.

MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND FACILITIES:

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

The Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) boasts a rich history first opening its doors over 150 years ago in 1868. As the State’s public hospital we provide treatment of mental illness and currently comprised of 18 inpatient units over two campuses (Middletown and Hartford). In our operational framework, recovery is defined as a process of restoring or developing a positive and meaningful sense of identity apart from one’s condition and then rebuilding one’s life in the fullest sense. Recovery is an individualized patient-centered approach. Achieving and maintaining an optimal state of health and wellness is integrated in our recovery approach. Individuals acquire and practice life skills that will assist them in their recovery process.

The Patient Central Services (PCS) Unit provides clinical treatment throughout CVH in both general Psychiatry and Addiction services. PCS staff are utilized based on client and divisional treatment needs.

Start with us! Stay with us! Grow with us!

Please note:

• A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
• All state employees must adhere to Connecticut's Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of professional experience in a public or private agency or organization providing services to individuals with disabilities or to children.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in the provision of advocacy or direct services to individuals with disabilities or to children.

NOTE: Advocacy services are defined as speaking and working on behalf of a position, cause, or individual to further interests and ensure the preservation of rights.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience and Special Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience implementing or enforcing the Connecticut Patient Bill of Rights.
• Experience advocating on behalf of persons with behavioral health lived experiences.
• Experience providing advocacy services in an inpatient, medical setting.
• Experience researching and connecting with community services for the purposes of discharge planning.
• Experience researching and the knowledge of the barriers to discharge.