Advocate I - Central Regional Hospital

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.

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Substantial knowledge of mental health, developmental disabilities and/or substance abuse services systems.
• A thorough knowledge of and the ability to interpret the following is essential: North Carolina's Patient's Rights Laws (General Statues and NC Administrative Code), JCAHO standards, federal HIPAA laws, CMS Standards, ICF Regulations, Nursing Home (OBRA) Regulations, North Carolina Mental Health Laws, Office of State Personnel Policy and Procedures, Division and facility policies.
• Considerable interviewing, investigating and negotiating skills are vital to achieve desirable resolutions of complaints, grievances and allegations.
• Ability to independently plan and coordinate daily work to accomplish all work goals in desired time frames.
• Have capacity for critical thinking and possess analytical skills as well as the ability to exercise these skills even under stressful conditions, in order to analyze data, compile reports, present information to teams/committees and the general public, etc.

This is a full-time position and eligible for the full State benefits package including health insurance and retirement.   The normal work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; however, flexibility is required to meet facility needs. The availability of this Advocate is ensured through his/her participation in a 24 hour on-call schedule, with an exception that on-call duty is equally assigned within the Advocacy Department. Monetary compensation in the amount of $2.00 per hour is granted to this employee on-call coverage.

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

Positions in the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities shall be subject to pre- employment drug testing and criminal record background checks. Also, the use of tobacco products of any kind including vapor products are prohibited from our campuses. All employees are required to adhere to the facility's Vaccination Policy.

Application Process

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

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.

DHHS Workday Support Form