Director of Advocacy Service

Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. (MPAS) has an immediate opening for a full-time Director of Advocacy Service located in our Lansing office. This position provides leadership and direction to the Community and Institutional Rights (CAIR) Team responsible for providing direct advocacy representation to individuals with disabilities experiencing abuse/neglect, violation of their rights, and/or issues in accessing or receiving services.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Directs the day-to-day activities and staff of assigned functions. Duties include hiring, training, counseling, and evaluating staff performance.
2. Provides leadership and direction in the successful delivery of quality case advocacy services including development of program priorities and policy/advocacy strategies.
3. Assumes responsibility for coordinating and assuring adequate staff coverage and availability of resources to provide effective services.
4. Investigates and resolves issues and concerns regarding the Community and Institutional Rights (CAIR) Team service areas.
5. Participates in administration of the Agency as a member of the Management Team. Duties include, but are not limited to, development of MPAS priorities/goals/objectives, Agency budget development, policy budget/design decisions, and the like.
6. Performs casework duties. Duties include, but are not limited to, investigating allegations of abuse/neglect or rights violation, facilitating communication between various entities involved to address issues/concerns, and advocating for appropriate services for the client in all settings.
7. Review and assign cases and other work assignments in accordance with MPAS’ mission and annual Priorities/Objectives.
8. Counsel and advise staff on strategies to obtain successful outcomes in their case work. Assist staff in meetings and conversations with high level government officials, decision makers at various agencies serving people with disabilities, and attorneys representing those individuals/agencies.
9. Performs case/project reviews and closed case/project audits in accordance with Casework Standards to monitor the quality and appropriateness of advocacy services provided. Reviews to ensure compliance with related Agency policies and funder requirements and initiates corrective action as necessary.
10. Coordinates and manages advocates’ monitoring conditions and systemic issues in assigned facilities to assure the rights of individuals with disabilities are protected. Investigates allegations of abuse/neglect or rights violation and facilitates communication between various entities involved to address significant problems/issues/concerns. Conducts follow-up, as necessary, to assure corrective measures result in resolution of issue(s)/concern(s).
11. Maintains communication with service team members and other MPAS staff to exchange
information, provide technical assistance/consultation, and resolve problems.
12. Develops and maintains working relationships with service providers, facility staff, government agencies, and others to exchange information, address concerns and advocate appropriate services for the client.
13. Participates in various outreach activities including representation on various community boards/coalitions/work groups, and preparing written materials including newsletter articles.
14. Oversees and participates in preparation of service team documents, reports and grant funding applications/re-applications as required.
15. Facilitates and participates in staff meetings, training and in-service programs.
16. Maintains current knowledge of legal mandates, court rulings, government systems and Agency policies related to the community and institutional rights of individuals with disabilities.
17. Works with the Litigation Director in the development, coordination and implementation of MPAS’ overall legal advocacy agenda.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field, or equivalent education and experience. The preferred candidate will possess juris doctor degree from an accredited law school and active membership in the Michigan State Bar or eligibility for admission.
2. Six to eight years of related human service or legal experience including experience working with disability rights and supervisory responsibilities.
3. Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of all people and the ability to work with individuals with a variety of disability characteristics and cultural backgrounds.
4. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
5. Interpersonal skills necessary to work productively with all levels of Agency staff, consumer groups, community groups and agencies, and others. The incumbent is also required to have the demonstrated ability to effectively advocate/negotiate appropriate services for the client and manage groups/individuals working toward promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities.
6. Demonstrated supervisory skills to effectively manage the daily operations and administration of assigned function(s).
7. Demonstrated ability to respond in a professional, non-judgmental manner to emotionally charged issues, disturbing situations, and the like. The incumbent is also required to be able to respond appropriately to individuals with speech impairments, limited cognitive abilities and/or limited ability to speak English.
8. Analytical ability to identify/analyze case work trends and develop recommendations regarding systems advocacy strategies and changes to MPAS protocols and priorities.
9. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple priorities and demands.
10. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
11. Written and computer skills necessary to prepare service team documents, reports and grant funding applications.
12. Demonstrated ability to utilize the DAD2 database and work with various computer software packages including Microsoft Office, Outlook E-mail, and Internet Browsing is required.
13. Ability to adapt and respond to multiple priorities and demands, deal with the concerns/emotional needs of clients/families in a timely manner, and handle pressures related to appropriately responding to stressful/disturbing situations.
14. Physical ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time, properly operate required office equipment, and conduct site visits.
15. Successfully complete background check.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
1. Normal office environment with little discomfort or exposure due to unfavorable working conditions.
2. Work may involve travel to various locations throughout the State with some exposure to adverse weather, traffic hazards, and the like. Minimal exposure to injury and/or communicable diseases when using standard precautions.
3. Evening and weekend hours may be required.

Work Location:

• One location

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

This Company Describes Its Culture as:

• Team-oriented — cooperative and collaborative

This Job Is:

• A job for which people with disabilities are encouraged to apply