Behavioral Health Advocate

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVOCATE (Non-Exempt Employee)

Purpose of Job:

To improve the quality of behavioral health in West Virginia

Work Environment:

Work performed in the office setting, in behavioral health facilities, and in the community.

Essential Job Functions:

• Monitoring facility compliance with federal and state laws and regulations guaranteeing consumers’ rights.
• Monitoring the implementation of treatment as defined by the consumers’ individualized treatment plan.
• Reviewing each use of seclusion and restraint with appropriate documentation and record keeping of same.
• Providing information to consumers about their rights and the mechanisms for participating in treatment and for complaining of violation of patient rights.
• Providing education to staff regarding patient rights, the patient grievance procedure and staff responsibilities for protecting and assisting consumers in the exercise of their rights.
• Assisting consumers in the formal and informal resolution of complaints.
• Assisting consumers in obtaining counsel and access to external advocacy when this is appropriate.
• Advocating on behalf of consumers or groups of consumers where rules or practices of private or governmental entities are interfering with their rights or creating barriers to appropriate, equal or humane services for consumers.
• Advocating with respect to program eligibility, access to services, guardianship, community placements, and securing public benefits.
• Performing duties as outlined in the Hartley decision and Legislative Rule 64 C.S.R. 59, 64 C.S.R 74, or other policies relating to the investigation of abuse or neglect.
• Keeping detailed records regarding client complaints, investigations, grievances, both formal and informal, and resolution of the same.
• Maintaining all records and information relating to consumers and to investigations in a strictly confidential manner.
• Adhering to state and federal and professional laws, regulations, rules, policies and standards for advocacy services.
• Documenting all activities in a thorough and accurate manner and maintaining files according to a protocol.
• Providing written reports regarding activities.
• Participating in training as scheduled by the project supervisor and keeping informed of changes in law or policy affecting job responsibilities.
• Participating in case/activity review conferences as requested by the project supervisor.
• Maintaining a respectful and professional attitude toward consumers, facility staff, community behavioral health center staff, professionals, community members, and co-workers.
• Assuming other responsibilities as assigned by the executive director or the project supervisor.

Resignation Requirement:

All behavioral health advocates must give the Employer four (4) weeks written

notice of their intent to cease employment with LAWV.

Supervisor:

Behavior Health Advocacy Project Director

Other Duties:

• The statements contained in this job description reflect general details necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or to otherwise balance the workload; subject to the ethical considerations created by the individual’s existing caseload. Behavioral Health Advocates shall not be required to directly solicit funds.
• Behavior Health Advocate will work with their supervisor to develop goals within program priorities and funding; and will work with their supervisor to identify individual training needs.
• Behavior Health Advocates will timely prepare reports and complete forms and records necessary for client services or administrative tasks related to job. All Behavioral Health Advocates will account for 100% of their actual time work in and using LAWV Case Management System on a bi-weekly basis.

Hiring Qualifications:

• Must demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing issues of adults with a mental/behavioral health diagnosis.
• Must have a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
• Must have skills to use office technologies, including learning LAWV case management software.
• Must be able to balance administrative and client advocacy responsibilities.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, or handle, objects, tools, controls or equipment; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; drive. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and physical requirements.