Social Services Advocate II

Location: Tulsa - 5051 S 129th East Avenue
Full-time, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

About the role

Positions in this job family will conduct inquiries to protect the rights of clients, act as client advocate, and file grievances on behalf of clients. Some positions are responsible for conducting internal and external audits and field investigations and performing federally or state-mandated quality control audits to evaluate the effectiveness of agency programs. Some positions will perform follow-up reviews and advocate for clients and program changes. Duties may also include investigating employee violations of agency policy, regulations, and applicable state and federal laws.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a client advocate; protects the rights of clients assigned to State Human Services or Juvenile Affairs facilities, or other state-contracted providers, and files grievances on behalf of clients:
  • Carries an advocacy caseload comprised of DDS service recipients; acts as a member of the service recipient’s personal support team, analyzes and evaluates care provider actions and programming in relation to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
  • Conducts field visits and reviews service provision of community providers and care facilities to determine compliance with laws and regulations. This includes responding after normal business hours and weekends when required.
  • Reviews client payments to contractors and management of client funds to ensure funds were spent appropriately and services were provided.
  • Coordinates activities of a client grievance system and may act as client grievance facilitator to resolve issues relating to the services or care provided to clients.
  • Monitors agency/facility/contract provider’s policies and procedures, identifies policy violations and unauthorized practices, notifies appropriate entities, and advocates for resolutions.
  • Performs preliminary investigations on vulnerable children and adults in the areas of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in accordance with all state and federal laws, including responding after normal business hours and weekends when required.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in a team environment, participating and assisting peers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three years of professional experience in advocacy, social work, case management, or a related field serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Qualifying experience may include, but is not limited to, special education, behavioral supports, counseling, investigations, vocational rehabilitation, physical/occupational/speech therapy, nursing, or other closely related professional services.
• An equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be accepted.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing social service agencies and residential facilities or contract providers; of quality control and audit procedures; and of review and investigative techniques.
• Ability to review and analyze large amounts of information and identify deficiencies; to conduct interviews effectively; to establish and maintain effective working relationships; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Benefits

• Generous state-paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full-time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Student loan repayment options and tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and vendors.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service.

Pay

The annual salary for this position is up to $52,351.20, based on education and experience.

About the agency

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is committed to leading Oklahoma to prosperity through health. Our mission is to protect and promote health, prevent disease and injury, and cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive.

Physical demands and work environment

• Being present in the office and conducting community fieldwork, including visits to private homes and care facilities, are essential functions of this position.
• While performing these duties, employees are required to drive an automobile, utilize a laptop and cell phone daily, and routinely stand, walk, and reach.
• Frequent travel is required and employees must be willing to perform all job-related travel associated with the position.
• Operational demands, particularly those involving critical safety concerns, may require adjustments to standard working hours to include off-hour, weekend, evening, holidays, and/or extended hours as determined by OCA leadership.