Advocacy Program Specialist

Advocacy Program Specialist

State of Arizona – Division of Behavioral Health & Housing (DBHH)

Job Location:

150 N. 18th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Must reside in Arizona. Salary: $49,000 - $51,000. Grade: 19. FLSA Status:
Non‑Exempt. Closing Date:
Open Until Filled.

This position requires in‑state travel in the Phoenix Metropolitan area up to approximately 50% of the time. Candidates may be eligible for remote work based in the Phoenix Metropolitan area.

A career in public service awaits you. A great benefit of working for the State of Arizona is a fantastic work/life balance. State employees enjoy challenging work, popular remote work options, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and career growth opportunities.

This position will be responsible for the delivery of Special Assistance to individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) determination with an identified need (as defined by A.A.C. R9‑21‑104) in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Activities include: educating clients about their rights; advocating on behalf of clients; assisting clients in protecting their rights and obtaining needed services; and actively participating in the grievance and appeals process as necessary.

The role also provides education, advocacy and support to the community as needed and as assigned.

• Provide intensive advocacy by representing individuals with an SMI determination and identified as in need of Special Assistance in services planning, discharge planning, and administrative grievance and appeals processes. Conduct meetings via telephone, video conference, and in person as deemed necessary and follow the approved documentation protocol.
• Provide information, technical assistance, and facilitate the resolution of issues with the Regional Behavioral Health Agreements (RBHA) and care providers to meet the needs of the clients.
• Promote client rights and protection through outreach, distribution of educational materials, and facilitation of group education in the community.
• Provide immediate representation to all newly assigned special assistance members, including initial outreach welcoming clients to OHR, explaining the role, and preparing the advocacy chart.
• Provide advocacy and guidance to the community about SMI grievances and appeals and service & discharge planning.
• Complete weekly/monthly activity reports and database (case list) entries in a timely manner.

• Basic structure and operation of the behavioral health system service and discharge planning processes; consumer rights.
• SMI grievance and administrative appeal processes, rules, statutes, and regulations that define the standards of care applicable to the behavioral health system.
• Understanding of all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Practical application of working with stakeholders and clients, including their natural and formal supports – intermediate knowledge of Microsoft products.
• Understanding of HIPAA.
• Understanding of the Arizona Administrative Code R9‑21.

• Negotiation skills including collaborative communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills with people of diverse cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds and those in crisis.
• Effective written communication skills, including writing of reports and professional correspondence.
• Time management and attention to detail.
• Oral and written case preparation and presentation.
• Proficient at review and interpretation of policy, law, and designated record sets.

• Communicate professionally, both orally and in writing with clients and their RBHA provider to facilitate resolution or present issues.
• Effectively educate on how to navigate the behavioral health system, up to and including how to access services and exercise the SMI rights.
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and re-prioritize as necessary.
• Conduct client meetings by telephone, video conference, or in person as guided by standard of work and immediate supervisor.
• Research, comprehend, and recite the Arizona Administrative Code R9‑21 to enforce the SMI rights.

• Minimum:
  Two years of experience in Arizona's public behavioral health…