Behavioral Health Advocate

LAWV is looking for a qualified candidate for the position of Behavioral Health Advocate (BHA) to help us improve the quality of behavioral health in West Virginia by serving the patient residents at William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital. Patient residents of Sharpe are involuntarily committed by court order through either the civil mental hygiene process or the criminal process. Among many other duties and responsibilities the BHA will ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect that their rights are not being violated and that they are free from staff abuse and neglect.

Essential Functions of the Job may include:

1. Monitoring facility compliance with federal and state laws and regulations guaranteeing consumers rights.

2. Monitoring the implementation of treatment as defined by the consumers individualized treatment plan.

3. Reviewing each use of seclusion and restraint with appropriate documentation and record keeping of same.

4. Providing information to consumers about their rights and the mechanisms for participating in treatment and for complaining of violation of patient rights.

5. Providing education to staff regarding patient rights the patient grievance procedure and staff responsibilities for protecting and assisting consumers in the exercise of their rights.

6. Assisting consumers in the formal and informal resolution of complaints.

7. Assisting consumers in obtaining counsel and access to external advocacy when this is appropriate.

8. Assisting consumers in locating and accessing community resources.

9. Advocating on behalf of consumers or groups of consumers where rules or practices of private or governmental entities are interfering with their rights or creating barriers to appropriate equal or humane services for consumers.

10. Advocating with respect to program eligibility access to services guardianship community placements and securing public benefits.

11. Performing duties as outlined in the Hartley decision and Legislative Rule 64 C.S.R. 59 64 C.S.R 74 or other policies relating to the investigation of abuse or neglect.

12. Keeping detailed records regarding client complaints investigations grievances both formal and informal and resolution of the same.

13. Maintaining all records and information relating to consumers and to investigations in a strictly confidential manner.

14. Adhering to state and federal and professional laws regulations rules policies and standards for advocacy services.

15. Documenting all activities in a thorough and accurate manner and maintaining files according to a protocol.

16. Providing written reports regarding activities.

17. Participating in training as scheduled by the project supervisor and keeping informed of changes in law or policy affecting job responsibilities.

18. Providing training in the communities and facilities as required under the behavioral health advocates grant.

19. Providing training and education on systemic issues identified as needed.

20. Participating in outreach opportunities for Behavioral Health Services with the advocates assigned coverage area.

21. Developing and providing training on communication skills to facility staff members and consumers that need additional help.

22. Participating in case/activity review conferences as requested by the project supervisor.

23. Maintaining a respectful and professional attitude toward consumers facility staff community behavioral health center staff professionals community members and co-workers.

24. Assuming other responsibilities as assigned by the executive director or the project supervisor.

1. Must demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing issues of adults with a mental/behavioral health diagnosis.

2. Must have a four-year degree or equivalent experience.

3. Must have skills to use office technologies including learning LAWV case management software.

4. Must be able to balance administrative and client advocacy responsibilities.