Job Overview:

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Division is currently seeking an Office of Consumer Affairs Administrator (OCA Administrator). This position is responsible for managing and developing the standards and practices associated with peer support, peer support credentialing, discipline, and educational requirements.

We recognize that our teammates bring tremendous value to the State of Nebraska and that their vital work helps fulfill our mission. We support our staff by offering fantastic benefits, training and development opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a positive, team-oriented atmosphere.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with progressively responsible experience in programs related to health and human services that involve consumer related issues, resolution/monitoring/evaluating service delivery, and creative problem-solving.

Legal Requirements: In accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute 71-805: The program administrator for consumer affairs shall be a consumer or former consumer of behavioral health services and shall have specialized knowledge, experience, or expertise relating to consumer-directed behavioral health services, behavioral health delivery systems, and advocacy on behalf of consumers of behavioral health services and their families.

You have the passion; we have the opportunities – let’s make a difference for Nebraskans.

What we can offer you:

• Stable Employment Opportunity
• Career Development and Learning
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 156% match of first 4.8% contribution to Retirement Plan
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Generous Leave Accruals and benefits
• Opportunity to be part of a caring organization
• Opportunity to make a difference
• Respect as a valued team member"The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics."

The OCA Administrator at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Behavioral Health is responsible for advocating for the consumer viewpoint in formal and informal policy discussions among regional and state substance abuse, and mental health agency officials; serves on agency and interagency task forces and work groups; and provides comments on proposed regulations and rule changes.

• Creates opportunities and provides support for consumers of substance abuse, and mental health services throughout the state to speak out on behavioral health policy issues by participating in public forums.
• Develops and implements a formal process for responding to substance abuse, and mental health consumer complaints and grievances, and resolves the concern when possible; tracks the complaints and writes reports; collects and analyzes complaint data to identify trends and issues requiring system changes.
• Provides staff support, resource assistance and reports to the State Behavioral Health Council and its subcommittees (State Advisory Committee on Substance Abuse Services, and State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services).
• Facilitates the role of substance abuse and mental health consumer advocates in the Mental Health Commitment process.
• Services/Acts as a Systems Change Advocate within the Department.
• Actively supports and expands Consumer involvement by increasing consumer advocacy and participation.
• Develops a plan for consumer participation in regional and state system policymaking and advisory bodies that guide the operation of substance abuse, and mental health services; provides education and technical assistance to achieve increased consumer participation; reviews and reports on consumer participation in those initiatives.
• Develops collaborative relationships to advocate for consumers of substance abuse, and mental health services served in other state systems (e.g. Department of Education & Corrections.)
• Manages the responsibilities, resources, and scope of duties for the Office of Consumer Affairs, including supervision and directing work activities of staff.
• Represents the Behavioral Health Services Division and the State at national meetings and conferences regarding consumer issues.
• Provides education, technical assistance, and support to assist consumer organizations in organizing and to support these organizations in expanding consumer participation as a priority in state system advocacy initiatives.
• Develops and implements a plan to increase consumer involvement in behavioral health service planning, delivery, and evaluation including but not limited to: working collaboratively with consumers and other state staff on the overall service delivery and functioning of state and region substance abuse, and mental health systems to determine if they are operating with the consumer as the main focus, recovery as the main outcome, and that consumer involvement is a priority in all aspects of service planning and delivery; that services are cost-effective and are provided in the least restrictive environment consistent with the consumer’s clinical diagnosis and plan of treatment; and that funding is fully integrated and allocated to support the consumer plan of treatment.

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Hiring Rate:

$31.304

$32.870 after successful completion of probationary period.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with progressively responsible experience in programs related to health and human services that involve consumer related issues, resolution/monitoring/evaluating service delivery, and creative problem-solving.

Legal Requirements: In accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute 71-805: The program administrator for consumer affairs shall be a consumer or former consumer of behavioral health services and shall have specialized knowledge, experience, or expertise relating to consumer-directed behavioral health services, behavioral health delivery systems, and advocacy on behalf of consumers of behavioral health services and their families.

Preferred Qualifications:

Specialized knowledge, experience or expertise relating to consumer directed behavioral services; behavioral health delivery system specifically for consumers with the most disabling illnesses; advocacy on behalf of consumers of behavioral health services; national consumer issues; and mental illness and substance abuse.

Knowledge of: human relations, facilitation techniques, government operating procedures, budgeting and financing, and Department of Health and Human Services programs, the facilities, programs, organization, and operation of the Behavioral Health Services Division and the Behavioral Health Regions, other State agencies and private industry related to substance abuse, and mental health programs; State and federal laws regarding substance abuse, and mental health including confidentiality laws; Department of Health and Human Services rules and regulations, policies, and directives; regulations and court cases relevant to the delivery of behavioral health services at state regional and local levels; understands rural Nebraskan issues.

Ability to: communicate orally and in writing; role model successful substance abuse, mental health and/or gambling recovery in a positive, supportive way to consumers, elected officials, co-workers, professional staff, providers and the public, explain the concepts/goals of state behavioral health programming and the consumers roles in the partnership; research and develop viable recommendations to assist with emerging, promising, and best practices service system planning; analyze and diplomatically help resolve difficult and complex problems with consumers, providers, administrators, elected officials and the general public; evaluate administrative and service delivery functions for efficiency and effectiveness; persuade and advocate on behalf of consumers of substance abuse, and mental health services; interpret laws, regulations, and procedures.

Specialized knowledge, experience or expertise relating to consumer directed behavioral services; behavioral health delivery system specifically for consumers with the most disabling illnesses; advocacy on behalf of consumers of behavioral health services; national consumer issues; and mental illness and substance abuse.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $31.30 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• Day shift
• Morning shift

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work setting:

• In-person

Ability to Relocate:

• Lincoln, NE 68508: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person