Deafness Advocate- Rockland, NY

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Deafness Advocate

Reports to: Director, Licensed Residential Services & Deafness Advocacy

Program: Advocacy Services

Location: Rockland, NY

Hours per Week: 35

FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-exempt
Salary Range: $22-27 per/hr

Summary Description:

The Deafness Advocate, in collaboration with and under the supervision of the Director, Licensed Residential Services & Deafness Advocacy, provides advocacy and assistance for individuals who are Deaf and have mental health issues in securing viable living, working, treatment, and socializing opportunities in the community to enhance potential for wellness, growth, and independence. Provide guidance to providers serving the Deaf community, advocate for Deaf-sensitive care, and access to services.

Responsibilities:

• • Provides supportive case management to adults who are Deaf and live with behavioral health illnesses.
  • Serves as a support to other GMH staff, providing assistance and education regarding service delivery to people who are Deaf/hard of hearing.
  • Organizes and coordinates the weekly Drop-in Program for the Deaf.
  • Informs, advises and educates GMH service providers, community agencies, groups and individuals regarding Deaf culture and issues of reasonable accommodation and advocates for such accommodations.
  • Meets with consumers on a regular schedule to determine needs and provide support and access.
  • Introduces consumers to existing resources and facilitates their utilization of resources.
  • Provides support services and transportation to consumers to facilitate their use of community resources, including but not limited to health care, employment, housing etc.
  • Participates in pre-discharge planning meetings, family meetings, staff conferences, in-service training and other staff or consumer meetings to provide resources, advice and consultation regarding treatment outcomes, goals, objectives, modifications and successful consumer transition to community placement.
  • Maintains required consumer contacts and other mandatory documentation regarding service delivery.
  • Prepares statistical and narrative reports as directed.
  • Attends and completes all GMH or state-sponsored In-Service Training Programs related to position, program or agency goals.
  • Performs other duties as directed.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of behavioral diagnoses and Deaf culture.
• Fluency in ASL.
• Familiarity with community resources.
• Ability to engage clients through the development of a therapeutic relationship
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Proficiency in using Electronic Health Record systems.
• Practice in a recovery-oriented, person-centered methodology.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Timely and accurate completion of required documentation.
• Effective coordination and utilization of community resources.
• Responsive and supportive crisis intervention.
• Adherence to regulatory standards and agency policies.

Requirements:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a human services related field with 1 year of experience in human services; OR an Associate’s degree in a human services related field and 4 years of experience in human services; OR a High School diploma and 6 years of experience in human services.

• Fluency in ASL and knowledge of Deaf culture.

• Experience working with diverse populations recovering from mental illness.
• Must have a valid Driver's License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• Maintain New York State Defensive Driving certification within 30 days of hire.
• Experience with EHR (Electronic Health Records).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems.

• Fluency in English (Reading, Writing).
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.  

• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Special Considerations:

• Ability to use stairs (2 – 3 flights) when visiting homes.
• Occasionally, the employee will have to carry items up and down the stairs.
• Ability to provide services in the recipients’ home or community.
• Flexibility with daily schedule, depending on recipients’ needs. May include early morning, evening or weekend hours as needed.
• Hours per week, reporting structure, and location are subject to change per program needs.

Mandated Reporter:

This is a Mandated Reporter position. The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a “custodian” under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter. You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report.

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.