Advocacy Specialist 5, Central Office;

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is seeking a qualified candidate for the non-competitive position of Advocacy Specialist 5, M-2, within the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services (OAPSS). Under general direction of the Chief Advocacy Officer, the Advocacy Specialist 5 will serve as Deputy to the Director of OAPSS and works to promote awareness of recovery, self-help and empowerment, and the inclusion of people who are current and former users of mental health services into all areas and aspects of the mental health system and services. The incumbent functions at a Statewide level and will oversee large teams consisting of multiple work units that are each directed by Regional Advocacy Specialists. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following: • Develop and implement strategies to promote the inclusion of people who are current and former users of mental health services and their families into all aspects of mental health programs through focus groups, town meetings, work groups, and engaging in community dialogues.• Provide strategic direction at meetings and task forces with external agencies, mental health advocacy groups, and trade organizations. • Supervise and mentor subordinate staff in assignments and special projects ensuring all applicable laws, rules and regulations are followed and assignments are completed thoroughly and timely, and conduct performance evaluations.• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to provide technical assistance to recipient-run groups and serve as a liaison between people who use mental health programs and state & local mental health agencies. • Supervise staff and advise on promoting awareness of recovery, self-help, and empowerment by disseminating relevant information to recipients, providers, family members, county government, and the general public.• Directs community outreach functions and represents OMH and the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services in statewide outreach events, interagency workgroups, public forums, and in meetings with advocacy and legal organizations.• Promote awareness of mental health service initiatives through provider and peer training and assistance. • Represent the Office of Mental Health (OMH) in the development and implementation of new initiatives and special projects.• Participate in policy development activities and policy analysis related to recipient and family issues.• Create, update, and monitor mental health services and agency-wide strategic plans to meet the needs of current and former users of mental health services and their families, and achieve program goals.• Provide programmatic oversight and technical direction to program staff and external staff in the implementation of integrated treatment as an evidence-based practice.• Statewide travel will be required.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications Non-competitive: A bachelor’s degree in a human services field, and five years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, or mental health. Three years of the experience must have been at a supervisory level. Substitution: a master’s degree in a human services field may substitute for one year of the general experience for all titles above. Four years of experience may also substitute for a bachelor’s degree for all titles above. Note: This is a non-competitive, policy influencing position, and the incumbent will serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments Specific scheduled hours and telecommuting availability for this position will be discussed during the interview process. Please note, employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to operational needs and Agency Telecommuting Program Guidelines.The Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. OMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, OMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A critical component of these efforts is ensuring OMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where the unique attributes and skills of all employees are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. OMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.You are advised that, should you accept a job offer with the Office of Mental Health, you may be required to be fingerprinted and pay a fingerprint fee.

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