Social Services Advocate II

Job Posting Title

Agency

Supervisory Organization

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Job Type

Compensation

Why you’ll love it here!

RESPECT. COLLABORATION. SERVICE. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is committed to leading Oklahoma to prosperity through health. Our mission is to protect and promote health, prevent disease and injury, and cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive. Check out why we are passionate about public health and believe it is the career for you!!!

Oh yeah, did we mention perks? We know that benefits matter and that is why we offer a competitive benefits package for all eligible employees.

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Student Loan repayment options & tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

Job Description

Location: Tulsa - 5051 S 129th East Avenue

Salary: up to $52,351.20, based on education and experience

Full Time /Part Time: Full Time

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

Primary Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Position Description:

Positions in this job family will conduct inquiries to protect the rights of clients, act as client advocate, and file grievances on behalf of clients. Some positions in this job family are assigned responsibility for conducting internal and external audits and field investigations and performing federally or state mandated quality control audits to evaluate the effectiveness of agency programs. Some positions will perform follow-up reviews and advocate for clients and program changes. Duties also may include investigating employee violations of agency policy, regulations, and applicable state and federal laws.

Position Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Acts a client advocate; protects the rights of clients assigned to State Human Services or Juvenile Affairs facilities, or other state contracted providers, files grievances on behalf of clients:
• Carries an advocacy caseload comprised of DDS service recipients; acts as a member of the service recipient’s personal support team, analyzes and evaluates care provider actions and programming in relation to individuals with intellectual disabilities;
• Conducts field visits and reviews service provision of community providers and care facilities to determine compliance with laws and regulations. This includes responding after normal business hours and weekends when required;
• Reviews client payments to contractors and management of client funds to ensure funds were spent appropriately and services were provided;
• Coordinates activities of a client grievance system and may act as client grievance facilitator to resolve issues relating to the services or care provided to clients;
• Monitors agency / facility / contract provider’s policies and procedures, identifies policy violations and unauthorized practices, notifies appropriate entities, and advocates for resolutions;
• Performs preliminary investigations on vulnerable children and adults in the areas of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in accordance with all state and federal laws, including responding after normal business hours and weekends when required.
• Being present at the office is an essential function of the job.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Duties

• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree and three years of professional experience in advocacy, social work, case management, or a related field serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Qualifying experience may include, but is not limited to, special education, behavioral supports, counseling, investigations, vocational rehabilitation, physical/occupational/speech therapy, nursing, or other closely related professional services. An equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be accepted.

Application Requirements:

• If education, certification or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.
• All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Valued Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the rules and regulations governing social service agencies and residential facilities or contract providers; of quality control and audit procedures; and of review and investigative techniques. Ability is required to review and analyze large amounts of information and identify deficiencies; to conduct interviews effectively; to establish and maintain effective working relationships; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Being present in the office and conducting community fieldwork, including visits to private homes and care facilities, are essential functions of this position. While performing these duties, employees are required to drive an automobile, utilize a laptop and cell phone daily, and routinely stand, walk, and reach. Frequent travel is required and employees must be willing to perform all job-related travel associated with the position. Operational demands, particularly those involving critical safety concerns, may require adjustments to standard working hours to include off-hour, weekend, evening, holidays and/or extended hours as determined by OCA leadership.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:

Agency Contact