Interviews and investigates clients, their families and agency staff to determine if client’s needs and human rights are met in a residential facility or community program of a state agency. Conducts investigations and prepares recommendations on individual problems for a program/facility. Assists clients in gaining information and support from the community as clients transition to independent living.
Employees in this class serve clients who are institutionalized, incarcerated, and/or seeking social services in preparation for transition to more independent and/or stable living.
Interviews clients and families of clients to obtain their perspective on program effectiveness and to solicit recommendations for services/facilities improvement. Interviews staff to gain recommendations for service improvement to clients. Represents agency in personal inquiries into unusual client/family consumer needs. Reviews regional centers and community programs for program effectiveness. Makes recommendations on strategies for correcting problem areas. Participates in human rights committee meetings in each facility to coordinate development of procedures consistent for all agency facilities. Serves as contact with external advocacy systems. Represents agency at state or regional meetings on advocacy and client/consumer affairs. Monitors interagency efforts to secure services appropriate to client needs.
Knowledge of agency organization, community resources, and public assistance programs. Knowledge and skill in conducting needs assessment. Ability to conduct interviews and surveys. Ability to conduct investigations, draw conclusions and recommend action required. Ability to maintain effective relationships with clients, their family, and personnel from various agencies and external advocacy agencies. Ability to communicate effectively.
Some positions may require special certification (i.e. Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) or National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) Certification)
A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.