State of North Carolina
Agency & Facility
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. The position is posted for the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center located in Morganton, North Carolina.
Job Classification Title:
Advocate I (S)
Position Number:
60048410
Grade:
NC10
About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.
Description of Work The Advocate provides technical and administrative assistance to DSOHF staff, other agencies and stakeholders regarding resident rights. The Advocate protects the rights of those served at state‑operated healthcare facilities through investigations into abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other rights violations, incident reviews, and providing education, training, and consultation.
The position interprets the Human Rights Rules and Regulations, facility policy, DSOHF policy, Advocacy procedures, and regulatory requirements during everyday work. The Advocate ensures that practices are consistent with specified standards and guidance. The Advocate provides training for residents, families, facility staff, and Human Rights Committee members.
In addition, the Advocate serves on committees, workgroups, and treatment teams at a facility level and participates in workgroups at a departmental level across the state to develop/revise Advocacy procedures and corresponding training. For incidents that don’t rise to the level of an investigation, the position serves as an independent and objective evaluator to determine if measures have been taken to minimize the risk to residents. The Advocate works closely with residents, guardians, and others on the residents’ behalf to provide education on rights issues, routine facility procedures, the complaint resolution process, and Advocacy services.
The Advocate offers technical assistance to staff through monitoring, consulting, training, and collaboration to help ensure that residents are represented at all levels of the facility and that their rights are honored. The position functions as a liaison to the Human Rights Committee, Disability Rights NC (DRNC), Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), Department of Social Services (DSS), and, as needed, local Police and Sheriff Departments.
Qualifications
Working knowledge of the investigative process which may include but is not limited to interviewing skills, evidence gathering, analyzing findings, reaching fact‑based determinations, and/or documenting such in a professional, detailed report.
Preference will be given to individuals with knowledge of resident rights and applicable laws and regulations (Federal & State) related to the disability group served.
This position must have excellent oral and written communication skills and should be able to plan and coordinate daily work effectively, efficiently, and independently.
Experience collaborating with individuals from various clinical disciplines and participating as a member of the treatment team.
Ability to research applicable laws, regulations, policies and apply the knowledge to daily work.
Salary and Recruitment Range Salary Range: $41,655.00 – $72,897.00 Recruitment Range: $41,655.00 – $72,897.00
Recruiting for Multiple Positions We Will Be Recruiting For Multiple Positions With This Post. Your Application Will Be Considered For All Noted Open Positions. Position 60048410 — DSOHF Advocacy/JIRDC Position 60048665 — DSOHF Advocacy/JIRDC
Shift Hours 1st shift (8:00 am‑5:00 pm), Monday — Friday, and provide after‑hours, holiday on‑call coverage.
Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Instructions for Completing the Application
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the “Work Experience” section of the application, to support your answers.
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are “Under Review” and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at
Degree/College Credit Verification Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.
Veteran’s and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD‑214 Member‑4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
Contact Information If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Master’s degree in a human services program from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of the experience providing services (diagnostic and treatment, advocacy, and/or casework) for individuals who are developmentally, physically, or mentally disabled; or Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience providing services (diagnostic and treatment, advocacy, and/or casework) for individuals who are developmentally, physically, or mentally disabled; or Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of human services experience providing skills in investigating abuse and neglect, interviewing techniques, and similar functions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter: Meganna Benner Recruiter Email: MEGGIE.BENNER@DHHS.NC.GOV
State of North Carolina
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Classification Title:
Advocate I (S)
Position Number:
60048410
Grade:
NC10
About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.
Description of Work The Advocate provides technical and administrative assistance to DSOHF staff, other agencies and stakeholders regarding resident rights. The Advocate protects the rights of those served at state‑operated healthcare facilities through investigations into abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other rights violations, incident reviews, and providing education, training, and consultation.
The position interprets the Human Rights Rules and Regulations, facility policy, DSOHF policy, Advocacy procedures, and regulatory requirements during everyday work. The Advocate ensures that practices are consistent with specified standards and guidance. The Advocate provides training for residents, families, facility staff, and Human Rights Committee members.
In addition, the Advocate serves on committees, workgroups, and treatment teams at a facility level and participates in workgroups at a departmental level across the state to develop/revise Advocacy procedures and corresponding training. For incidents that don’t rise to the level of an investigation, the position serves as an independent and objective evaluator to determine if measures have been taken to minimize the risk to residents. The Advocate works closely with residents, guardians, and others on the residents’ behalf to provide education on rights issues, routine facility procedures, the complaint resolution process, and Advocacy services.
The Advocate offers technical assistance to staff through monitoring, consulting, training, and collaboration to help ensure that residents are represented at all levels of the facility and that their rights are honored. The position functions as a liaison to the Human Rights Committee, Disability Rights NC (DRNC), Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), Department of Social Services (DSS), and, as needed, local Police and Sheriff Departments.
Qualifications
Working knowledge of the investigative process which may include but is not limited to interviewing skills, evidence gathering, analyzing findings, reaching fact‑based determinations, and/or documenting such in a professional, detailed report.
Preference will be given to individuals with knowledge of resident rights and applicable laws and regulations (Federal & State) related to the disability group served.
This position must have excellent oral and written communication skills and should be able to plan and coordinate daily work effectively, efficiently, and independently.
Experience collaborating with individuals from various clinical disciplines and participating as a member of the treatment team.
Ability to research applicable laws, regulations, policies and apply the knowledge to daily work.
Salary and Recruitment Range Salary Range: $41,655.00 – $72,897.00 Recruitment Range: $41,655.00 – $72,897.00
Recruiting for Multiple Positions We Will Be Recruiting For Multiple Positions With This Post. Your Application Will Be Considered For All Noted Open Positions. Position 60048410 — DSOHF Advocacy/JIRDC Position 60048665 — DSOHF Advocacy/JIRDC
Shift Hours 1st shift (8:00 am‑5:00 pm), Monday — Friday, and provide after‑hours, holiday on‑call coverage.
Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Instructions for Completing the Application
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the “Work Experience” section of the application, to support your answers.
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are “Under Review” and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at
Degree/College Credit Verification Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.
Veteran’s and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD‑214 Member‑4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
Contact Information If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Master’s degree in a human services program from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of the experience providing services (diagnostic and treatment, advocacy, and/or casework) for individuals who are developmentally, physically, or mentally disabled; or Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience providing services (diagnostic and treatment, advocacy, and/or casework) for individuals who are developmentally, physically, or mentally disabled; or Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of human services experience providing skills in investigating abuse and neglect, interviewing techniques, and similar functions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter: Meganna Benner Recruiter Email: MEGGIE.BENNER@DHHS.NC.GOV
State of North Carolina
#J-18808-Ljbffr