Assistant Consumer Advocate

Job Responsibilities

About Pee Dee Regional Center
Pee Dee Regional Center is a residential facility of the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs located in Florence, SC serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Job Responsibilities
Assists with conducting reviews of all cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation, deaths and critical incidents. Assists Consumer Support Advocate in submitting required reports/notifications in compliance with agency and Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) requirements. Assists with consumer admission/discharge process at a DDSN Operated ICF. Provides assistance to the Consumer Support Advocate, in conjunction with Facility Administrator and Assistant Facility Administrator, in order to ensure consumer families concerns and/or complaints are addressed so that resolution is achieved. Serves as backup to the Consumer Support Advocate in their absence.

• Assists with on-site Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (ANE) investigations with DDSN Risk Management, SLED and Long-Term Care Ombudsman for people served by DDSN. Assists with on-site Critical Incident Investigations, death reports, and other incidents as needed for people served by DDSN.
• Assists Consumer Support Advocate in reviewing General Event Reports (GER) addressing consumer incidents and injuries. Assists in the reviewing of related ID Team follow up actions and assists in the communication of appropriate information with Regional Center Management.
• Assists the Consumer Support Advocate in coordinating admissions, discharges or respite care requests for a Regional Center. Schedules and coordinates admission meetings and assists in monitoring the discharge process. Assists with documenting consumer screenings/interviews for alternate placement. Assists with maintaining current and accurate information required to complete Olmstead reports.
• Serves as the Assistant Consumer Advocate for the regional center. Provides assistance to the Consumer Support Advocate in order to guide family members in the resolution of concerns working through existing procedures.
• Provides general administrative related assistance to the Consumer Support Advocate.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A high school diploma and relevant experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

General knowledge of agency directives, regional center internal procedures and Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) regulations, with emphasis on those relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation, critical incidents, and consumer rights. Ability to assist with completing time sensitive reports that are accurate and thorough. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion. Possess computer, organizational and interpersonal skills.

Additional Comments

About Our Agency: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and similar disability.

EEO Statement: DDSN provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex -including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening – to include a drug screening; State and Federal background criminal record checks (to include FBI fingerprinting), SC Dept. of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, and CMS “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening; SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind this offer in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with DDSN consumers, a (2) step PPD testing or QuantiFERON TB Gold testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DDSN employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resource for further information.

Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.