Review Vacancy
Date Posted: 01/30/26
Applications Due: 02/14/26
Vacancy ID: 208523
Position Information
NY HELPNo
AgencyJustice Center For The Protection Of People With Special Needs
TitleAdvocacy Specialist 2 (hourly)
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Salary Grade18
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $32.06 to $40.77 Hourly
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Temporary
Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class
Travel Percentage 10%
Schedule
Workweek Mon-Fri
Hours Per Week 37.50
Workday
From 8 AM
To 4 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed? No
Telecommuting allowed? Yes
Location
County Schenectady
Street Address 401 State Street
City Schenectady
StateNY
Zip Code12305
Job Specifics
Duties Description This position is with the Surrogate Decision-Making Committee (SDMC), overseen by Quality Care Facility Review Specialist 2 (SDMC Nurse Case Processor). SDMC is an alternative to the court system, providing personalized medical decision-making via panels of volunteers for qualifying individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or mental health diagnoses.
The Advocacy Specialist 2 (Hourly) will fill the role of the SDMC Intake Specialist. The Intake Specialist will manage the case requests to ensure that all information is obtained for the processing of such requests. The Intake Specialist is the program’s first contact for questions about program and how to apply. Instruction to providers by phone and email is a key role of this position.
Additional duties include providing support for trainings to OPWDD, OMH, and various medical provider staff.
Duties include, but may not be limited to:
1. Completion of Intake Tasks for new SDMC requests
• Review and prepare received paperwork for case processing
• Assess quality of received documentation and communicate with sender on additional information needed
• Work closely with Unit nurses on intake
• Enter accurate information in SDMC database for case processing and communicate well with Unit nurses on questions/issues with received cases
• Perform license checks on medical providers and maintain contact listings in SDMC database.
2. Providing guidance and support to contacts seeking assistance with the SDMC process.
• Monitor and respond to incoming email messages, faxes, and phone calls
• Review information requests and provide assistance or forward to appropriate Unit staff
• Educate contacts on the SDMC process and provide support to them as they navigate it.
3. Assisting with Provider Training
• Respond to questions regarding training from stakeholders
• Schedule provider training events, distribute registration information and training material to attendees, conduct follow-up activities with attendees
• Provide logistical and moderation support for provider training activities
• Collect attendee data and prepare end-of-year participant totals
4. Participating in meetings and trainings on SDMC technology and processes and ongoing meetings with SDMC stakeholders.
• Participate in any trainings on SDMC database updates and features;
• Work collaboratively with Unit members and Unit leadership to update and improve SDMC processes
• Participate in and contribute to monthly meeting with SDMC contractors and annual contractor meeting
5. Maintaining ongoing and open communication with supervisor, the Director of the SDMC Unit, other program staff, and SDMC contract office personnel
• Contributes to daily meetings; raises concerns and ideas about unit processes to appropriate unit members
6. Providing administrative support to the SDMC Unit
• Maintain SDMC files
• Update unit documents as needed;
• Maintain office material items needed for specific unit functions (SDMC trainings, etc.) and assist with organizing events;
• Other admin duties as needed;
Minimum Qualifications Non-competitive: Six 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Ability to independently manage projects, deadlines, and priorities.
• Strong writing and communication skills and ability to clearly convey complex information.
• Experience scheduling and managing meetings.
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs, databases, Adobe products, and online meeting platforms such as Webex.
• Knowledge of medical terminology or OPWDD/OMH clinical experience
• Case Management experience – familiarity with service systems, people with special needs, and/or using the SDMC for decision-making.
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/
The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence.
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.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: 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
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.
NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the Justice Center’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
How to Apply
Name Human Resources / MC
Telephone
Fax 518-549-0462
Email Address jc.sm.HRresumes@justicecenter.ny.gov
Address
Street Justice Center
161 Delaware Ave
City Delmar
State NY
Zip Code 12054
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 and indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID number for which you are applying.
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