Advocacy Specialist 2

Duties Description

Under supervision, the Advocacy Specialist 2 serves as an internal independent advocate for youth and families involved with OCFS-operated or OCFS-licensed programs. The incumbent will:

Receive, inquire, and resolve complaints and concerns from youth, families, and stakeholders regarding services, conditions, rights, policies, and access to support.

Conduct in-person and virtual facility visits, interview youth and staff, review, record, and document findings.

Provide youth-centered advocacy, assist youth in understanding their legal rights, and facilitate communication with facilities and agencies.

Maintain case documentation and prepare summaries, findings, recommendations and reports.

Develop working knowledge of assigned facilities, programs, and community resources.

Identify trends and systemic concerns and elevate issues to Ombudsman leadership.

Provide information, referrals, and outreach to increase awareness of Ombudsman services.

Collaborate with OCFS divisions and external partners while maintaining independent oversight.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, and two years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, or homeless youth.

A Master’s degree in human services field may substitute for one year of experience. Four years of experience may also substitute for a bachelor’s degree.

Additional Comments

25% Travel will be required statewide, including in-person facility visits and occasional overnight travel

Background Investigation Requirements

• All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information and may be required to pay any necessary fees.
• All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.
• For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.
  
  

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS’s mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.