Agency: Mental Health, Office of
Title: Advocacy Specialist 4, Central Office;
Vacancy ID: 74905
Position Information
Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree AND four (4) years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in the field of rehabilitation, development disabilities, or mental health OR a Master’s degree in a human services field AND three (3) years of such experience. Preferred candidates will have lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply.
Note: This is a non-competitive, policy influencing position, and the incumbent will serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
Duties Description: The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recruiting to fill an Advocacy Specialist 4, M-1, position in the Office of the Commissioner, Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA). Under general direction, the Advocacy Specialist 4 will serve as Deputy Director for OCA 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 of the mental health system. The incumbent functions at a Statewide level promoting the inclusion of people who are current and former users of mental health services into all aspects of mental health services. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
• 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.
• Work as part of a team 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.
• Promote awareness of recovery, self-help & empowerment by disseminating relevant information to recipients, providers, family members, county government, and the general public.
• Consult with counties and providers in the development or expansion of mental health services and provide regulatory guidance with program issues.
• Represent the Office of Mental Health (OMH) in the development and implementation of new initiatives and special projects.
• Represent OMH at meetings and task forces with external agencies, mental health advocacy groups, and trade organizations.
• Participate in policy development activities and policy analysis related to recipient and family issues.
• Promote awareness of mental health service initiatives through provider and consumer training and assistance.
• Oversees planning and implementation of mental health services specifically designed to meet the needs of current and former users of mental health services and their families.
• Provide programmatic oversight and technical direction to program staff and external staff in the implementation of integrated treatment as an evidence-based practice.
• 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. Conduct performance evaluations.
• Statewide travel will be required.
Additional Comments: 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.
The Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health 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. The New York State Office of mental Health is an equal opportunity /affirmative action employer.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
To be considered for this position, interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to OMHHRM@omh.ny.gov. Please include the title of the position, location, and the vacancy ID# in the subject line of your e-mail when applying.
For more information please go to: https://statejobs.ny.gov/public/vacancyDetailsPrint.cfm?id=74905