Review Vacancy
AgencyJustice Center For The Protection Of People With Special Needs
Occupational CategoryHealth Care, Human/Social Services
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $86681 to $109650 Annually
Duties Description Under the direct supervision of senior-level staff, the Advocacy Specialist 3 (Ombudsman) will:
Supervisory Duties:
• Supervise Advocacy Specialist 2 employee(s) and/or hourly positions assigned to assist with Ombudsman related duties at developmental centers located in various areas of NYS.
• Implement systems for establishing regular supervision of regionally located employees, including a thorough quality assurance program that measures timeliness and effectiveness of Ombudsman program output.
Programmatic Oversight:
• Serve as the lead liaison of the NYS Justice Center in the role of Ombudsman for individuals residing in the Sunmount, Valley Ridge, and Finger Lakes Developmental Centers;
• Develop and maintain policies and protocols that are in alignment with statutory role of the Ombudsman for receiving and addressing complaints and/or issues that occur at OPWDD developmental centers, from people receiving services, family members, or others on their behalf. These issues may be related care issues, violations of rights, or concerns over services or benefits; and mediate/resolve complaints on behalf of individuals receiving services.
• Create tools and resources for providing outreach and technical assistance to key staff at the developmental centers which promote and enhance the Ombudsman program and its functions.
• Assist in the creation of and reporting on relevant data points related to key performance indicators, and identify trends related to Ombudsman tasks and responsibilities. Facilitate the process enhancing data collection methods using existing data collection system.
• Modify processes as needed to enhance efficiency of response to individual/family concerns.
• Represent the Justice Center as the Ombudsman lead to conduct business as a presenter or attendee at outreach events, conferences, trainings.
• Maintain current and relevant information regarding the Ombudsman program on the Justice Cetner website and intranet.
Provision of Ombudsman related functions:
• Provide in-person regularly scheduled presence at developmental centers, as well as respond to issues referred to IFSU related to the Ombudsman, in order to;
? Provide information, referrals and linkage to services and programs based on identified need;
? Refer, coordinate, and communicate with state oversight agencies when needed to facilitate responses to concerns;
? Review and answer questions with respect to specific complaints by consulting with responsible and appropriate staff;
? Provide education at community forums and/or presentations about the Ombudsman program and individuals’ rights;
? Provide individuals receiving services with information regarding their rights along with promoting self-advocacy;
? Conduct outreach and provide training to families, self-advocates, individuals, and staff.
? Advise and consult with the individual receiving services, parents and guardians with respect to any complaints or issues; review and answer questions with respect to specific complaints by consulting with responsible and appropriate staff; and perform other duties as assigned by the Unit Director and Assistant Director.
? Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote the Agency’s mission;
? Have proficiency with electronic databases and entry of information;
• Travel on an ongoing basis (as least monthly) to Sunmount, Valley Ridge, and Finger Lakes Developmental Centers to provide in-person support and assistance;
• Participate in relevant committee meetings;
Additional leadership duties as a member of Individual and Family Support Unit (IFSU):
Support and provide input into the leadership planning and implementation of IFSU duties and priority projects delegated to IFSU.
• Assist in the planning and facilitation of, and attendance at biannual staff meetings and other trainings as required at statewide regional offices.
• Participate in personal and professional development opportunities to develop skills as a leader and advocate.
• Provide cross-coverage as needed for IFSU leadership staff or support operational needs related to other essential functions of an advocate in IFSU.
Minimum Qualifications Non-competitive: Seven years of experience* as a professional advocate or service provider in rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, or homeless youth.
*Substitution: An associate degree may substitute for two years of general experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of general experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of general experience; or a doctorate may substitute for six years of general experience.
Please note this position may be filled in any of the following locations: Delmar, Schenectady, Glens Falls, Binghamton, Utica, Syracuse, Tupper Lake, and Rochester.
Additional Comments Established in 2013 by the Protection with Special Needs Act; The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) is charged with protecting over one million New Yorkers under the care or jurisdiction across six State Oversight Agencies. https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 College Savings Program
Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, and length of State service.
NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the Justice Center’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.
NOTE ON FINGERPRINTING: Please be advised that should you accept a job offer with this agency, you may be required to be fingerprinted and pay for the cost of the fingerprinting fee.
The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Our agency does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed/religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, prior arrest or conviction record, citizenship/immigration status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. The Justice Center is committed to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion while continuing to build a diverse workforce. Our agency seeks candidates dedicated to working in and contributing to an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived experiences, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff.
The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Office of Human Resources via email at jc.sm.deeo@justicecenter.ny.gov
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address jc.sm.HRresumes@justicecenter.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingPlease submit cover letter along with a clear and concise resume detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as listed in Specifics to jc.sm.HRresumes@justicecenter.ny.gov and indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID number for which you are applying.