Advocacy Specialist 5, Central Office;

• 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.

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 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.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Contact Information

Name Kimberly Polanco

Telephone

Fax (518) 486-3897

Email Address OMHHRM@OMH.NY.GOV

Address

Street NYS Office of Mental Health

44 Holland Avenue

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12229

Notes on Applying To be considered for this position, interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to omhhrm@omh.ny.gov. Please include the title of the position and Vacancy ID #181740 in the subject line of your email when applying.

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.