Advocate - Norristown State Hospital

COME BUILD HOPE WITH US!

MHP hiring a full time Advocate stationed in Norristown State Hospital, to work on behalf of individuals who reside at the hospital by responding to questions, concerns and/or complaints regarding their hospital care and treatment. The Advocate ensures consumers’ voices are heard, their rights are protected, they are treated with dignity and respect, that their grievances are being addressed, and that their request(s) are being accommodated, within reason. In addition to providing general support to these individuals, the Advocate liaises with the hospital staff on behalf of consumers’ request(s)/grievance(s), while also forming part of their treatment team. In addition, the Advocate strives to make sure the hospital creates a therapeutic environment that is recovery-oriented, comply with regulations, and give the consumers the appropriate medical care they need and want.

The position is located at Norristown State Hospital, with an in office schedule, Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with a starting rate of $22/hour. As an MHP employee, you will have access to the following benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off (Up to 44 paid days off per year!)
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• No Cost Life and Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• No Cost Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Plan with Annual Discretionary Employer Contribution
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Continuous Growth & MHP Sponsored Training Opportunities
• MHP is the proud recipient of Mental Health America's 2023 Platinum Bell Seal Award—an national recognition for our commitment to nurturing mentally healthy workplaces. Join us in revolutionizing workplace well-being and raising the bar for mental health excellence!

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Conducts regular unit visits with participants.
• Educates participants on the role of an advocate; builds and maintains relationships with participants, their treatment teams, and when approved/appropriate, their families/friends. Conducts training programs regarding individual rights, and abuse and neglect.
• Assists hospital staff in identifying participants’ needs for advocacy services through meetings with the individuals, and above mentioned supports; provides advocacy services when needed.
• Using professional experience and program expertise, as well as personal insights, represents participants in their treatment or support process as needed; develops services and problem-solving approaches utilizing participants’ strengths, to meet the participants’ needs and goals and provide maximum benefit for the individual being served.
• Conducts individual education regarding the Community Support Plan (CSP) process and attends all individual CSP meetings.
• Organizes and leads self-advocacy groups as assigned; develops an outreach plan to community groups.
• When appropriate, collaborates with treatment teams, the facility, the regional and county office, providers and other appropriate entities to assist in facilitating and monitoring the individual's return to the community.
• Reviews peer-to-peer, family and clinical assessments and participates in individual or youth planning meetings held at their home/facilities; supports the individual and advocates for the supports and conditions that the individual has identified as necessary for their future success in the community.
• Prepares monthly reports containing statistical information, outcomes and individual satisfaction determinations on individuals, complaints, and other advocacy activities.
• Attends relevant trainings, workshops, conferences, committee meetings and county meetings, including monthly MHAPA conference calls, and other meetings as requested and serve on Committees as deemed appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned to fulfill MHP's mission.

• Bachelor’s Degree required; preferably in a related field.
• 3+ years of related experience in a human service field (one year of this experience must be working in mental health, child welfare or juvenile justice services).
• Any appropriate combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Advocate will possess knowledge of Federal and Commonwealth policies, regulations, service systems, and laws that affect individuals with mental illness including, but not limited to, MH/MR Act of 1966, Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Must possess basic computer skills to perform job duties including desktop computing, e-mail, time sheet management, electronic health records, internet research, etc. and the ability to learn software applications relevant to your position. Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to utilize and produce reports on Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Strong skillsets in oral and written communication, interpersonal relationships and teamwork, attention to detail, customer service, time management, autonomy, problem solving and organization.
• Effective project and process management skills as demonstrated from past work experience.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Credentialed as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or ability to receive CPS after being hired and/or lived experience with a family member strongly preferred.

***Effective November 15, 2021, all new employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before beginning employment with MHP. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for those with qualifying medical or religious exemptions.***

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Sit at a desk with ergonomically appropriate equipment for most of the work day.
• Lift up to 15 lbs.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance and be available for flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends and/or work holidays/overtime as needed.
• Must be able to travel within the community that may not be handicap accessible: walking and/or drive agency vehicles, depending on the needs of the program. Ability to use public transportation, move around inner-city neighborhoods daily, including in inclement weather, carry computer equipment, and ascend/descend stairs carrying computer equipment. Must be able to travel to all sites supported, and MHP’s main offices as needed.
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Frequent talking and listening. Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly and accurately; possible exposure to loud and/or vulgar language and hostile gestures, given participant mental health diagnoses and challenges.
• Remain awake during entire shift, including break times.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential job duties.

Diversity matters! We strongly encourage people of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. MHP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team! If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.

ABOUT MHP

Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) seeks to empower individuals with mental health challenges to live full and satisfying lives, based on their specific needs and choices, all while remaining connected to their families, friendships and communities.

MHP offers over 40 services throughout the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, and select locations in the state of Delaware.