VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF

M ENTAL HEALTH, MENTAL RETARDATION AND

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES

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CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Human Rights Advocate

(Program Administration Specialist II)

The Office of Human Rights at Western State Hospital in Staunton, Virginia is seeking a highly skilled individual accustomed to working with a high level of autonomy to implement an effective program for the protection of individual rights in Western State Hospital (WSH) and DMHMRSAS licensed programs in the region. Duties include: investigating complaints/allegations of individual/consumer abuse or neglect; representing individuals/consumers to address human rights complaints; acting on behalf of individuals/consumers to obtain resolution of disputes through investigation, negotiation/conflict mediation, and follow-up monitoring; providing ongoing support, training, technical assistance, and consultation to the local human rights committee; and providing information and training related to human rights to providers, volunteers, advocacy and consumer groups, and consumers' families. This position will also have responsibility for providing technical assistance to licensed programs in achieving compliance with human rights regulations and for on-going monitoring of licensed programs' human rights compliance. Advocacy services to consumers in community programs will also be a responsibility of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS: Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills. Requires considerable experience and knowledge in human service delivery systems. Requires ability to conduct thorough investigations, analyze problems, and recommend solutions; establish effective working relationships with human service delivery system managers; design and deliver training programs; and maintain records. Requires experience in human rights advocacy or a related occupation, which includes conflict resolution, client intervention and case investigation. Experience working with persons with mental illness, mental retardation, or substance abuse preferred. Masters Degree in human services or a related field is preferred. Direct training and experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements.

Position: #00505 Salary: $40,959-$53,000

Apply online with the Recruitment Management System at www.dhrm.virginia.gov. Only accepting online applications. Closing date for this position is May 2, 2008, 5:00 PM. DMHMRSAS is a tobacco-free, smoke-free work environment.

Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services

(804) 786-1078