Advocate – Norristown State Hospital

Job Description

Position: Advocate - Norristown State Hospital

Location: Norristown, PA

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $22.00/hour

Overview

COME BUILD HOPE WITH US!

MHP is hiring a full time Advocate stationed at Norristown State Hospital to work on behalf of individuals residing at the hospital. You will respond to questions, concerns, and/or complaints regarding hospital care and treatment. Your role ensures that consumers’ voices are heard, their rights are protected, they are treated with dignity and respect, and that their grievances and requests are addressed and accommodated within reason. Additionally, you will liaise with hospital staff regarding consumer requests and be an integral part of the treatment team. You will also strive to ensure that the hospital creates a therapeutic, recovery-oriented environment that complies with regulations and delivers the appropriate care.

The position is based at Norristown State Hospital with an in-office schedule (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). As an MHP employee, you will have access to a range of benefits.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off (Up to 39.5 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—a 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

• Conduct regular unit visits with participants.
• Educate participants on the role of an advocate; build and maintain relationships with participants, their treatment teams, and, when appropriate, their families/friends.
• Conduct training programs regarding individual rights, abuse, and neglect.
• Assist hospital staff in identifying participants’ needs for advocacy services and provide those services as needed.
• Represent participants in their treatment or support process using professional experience, program expertise, and personal insights; develop problem-solving approaches that utilize participants’ strengths.
• Conduct individual education regarding the Community Support Plan (CSP) process and attend all CSP meetings.
• Organize and lead self-advocacy groups; develop outreach plans to community groups.
• Collaborate with treatment teams, the facility, regional and county offices, providers, and other entities to facilitate and monitor participants' return to the community.
• Review assessments and participate in planning meetings to advocate for supports and conditions necessary for future success.
• Prepare monthly reports with statistical information, outcomes, and satisfaction determinations related to advocacy activities.
• Attend relevant trainings, workshops, conferences, committee meetings, and county meetings (including monthly MHAPA conference calls) and serve on committees as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned to fulfill MHP's mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required; preferably in a related field.
• 3+ years of related experience in a human service field (with at least one year working in mental health, child welfare, or juvenile justice services).
• Knowledge of Federal and Commonwealth policies, regulations, service systems, and laws affecting individuals with mental illness (e.g., MH/MR Act of 1966, ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act).
• Basic computer skills (desktop computing, e-mail, timesheet management, electronic health records, internet research) and the ability to learn relevant software applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel).
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain a positive attitude while providing exemplary customer service.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective project and process management skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments according to instructions and standard practices.
• Credentialed as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or the ability to receive CPS after hire; lived experience with a family member is strongly preferred.

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

Physical Demands

• Sit at a desk with ergonomically appropriate equipment for most of the work day.
• Lift up to 15 lbs.
• Maintain regular, punctual attendance and a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays/overtime as needed.
• Travel within the community may require walking, driving agency vehicles, using public transportation, navigating inner-city neighborhoods (even in inclement weather), carrying computer equipment, and ascending/descending stairs.
• Ability to safely perform essential job functions in compliance with ADA, FMLA, and other standards.
• Frequent talking and listening; must be able to speak clearly and accurately, even in challenging environments.
• Remain awake throughout the entire shift, including break times.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity

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. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process.

About MHP

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

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