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New York State Office of Mental Health

Advocacy Specialist 3, Central Office;

New York State Office of Mental Health, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Duties Description The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recruiting an Advocacy Specialist 3, G-23, in the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services (OAPSS) located at the New York City Field Office. The incumbent will serve as the New York City Peer Support Supervisor, report to the Special Assistant to the Commissioner, and oversee the promotion and awareness of recovery, resilience, self‑help, empowerment, and the inclusion of current and former recipients of mental health services.

Supervise and mentor a unit of Advocacy Specialists 2 and other staff assigned in regional office settings; perform advocacy specialist functions, oversee unit workflow, and provide guidance to lower‑level staff.

Provide guidance and support to team members, foster a positive work environment, and maintain ongoing cross‑department communication.

Evaluate employee performance, provide feedback, conduct performance reviews, and identify areas for growth.

Provide in‑discipline supervision for assigned staff in alignment with the values and principles of peer support and family and youth advocacy.

Function as a subject matter expert for peer service best practices and provide technical assistance as needed; may be assigned to serve as a project lead for agency initiatives.

Promote the inclusion of individuals who are current and former users of mental health services, families whose children are involved in children’s services, and youth involved or formerly involved in services into planning, policy implementation, program development, evaluation, monitoring, and related activities.

Support the development and implementation of Intensive and Sustained Engagement Teams (INSET) through administrative work with the OMH INSET Program Team and provision of technical assistance to INSET teams.

Promote awareness of recovery, self‑help, and empowerment by disseminating relevant information to recipients, providers, family members, county government, and the general public as indicated by OAPSS.

Guide staff to understand and comply with agency policies and processes and support opportunities for learning and growth.

Support community outreach functions and represent the agency in statewide outreach events, interagency workgroups, public forums, and meetings with advocacy and provider organizations.

Function as a part of the OAPSS Leadership team, representing OAPSS in the field office, assisting in the regular collaboration between Field Offices and Central Office.

Travel within the region and state in support of OAPSS and Field office initiatives.

Provide a lived experience perspective and guidance on the peer disciplines that support the primary function of the agency, which is to ensure the voice and choice of persons in services and their families and improve the lives of individuals in service through advocacy, guidance, and support with a peer lens.

Minimum Qualifications Qualified candidates must possess:

A bachelor’s degree in a human services field and three years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, or mental health. One year of the experience must have been at a supervisory level.

OR

A master’s degree in a human services field and two years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in the field of rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, or mental health. One year of the experience must have been at a supervisory level.

OR

Six years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in the field of rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, or mental health. One year of the experience must have been at a supervisory level.

Additional Comments The Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, focusing 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, implementing initiatives to reduce disparities and ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace. OMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Specific scheduled hours and telecommuting availability for this position will be discussed during the interview process. Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to operational needs and Agency Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

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