Job Description
The successful applicant will engage in individual and systemic advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the applicant will monitor the care and conditions for persons with psychiatric disabilities served within Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH) and monitor the continuity of care for BSH persons served who are discharged to correctional facilities, Department of Mental Health facilities, and other settings. The successful applicant will use the information gathered through monitoring to shape further advocacy. In addition, the successful applicant will provide technical assistance, consultation, outreach and training to BSH clients, family members, and advocates.
Specific Duties
- Monitors conditions and treatment for individuals with disabilities served within BSH, including satellite units at adjacent correctional facility;
- Monitors correctional facilities, state and private psychiatric hospitals, community residences, long term care facilities, and other congregate settings that receive persons served transferred from BSH;
- Conducts investigations into abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities at BSH and receiving facilities, and prepares investigative reports, as necessary;
- Maintains an active caseload of individual cases, as assigned; utilizes negotiation, and advocates appropriately to resolve individual cases and obtain resolution of client problems;
- Develops expertise on needs and abilities of the individuals represented;
- Exercises independent judgment on the handling of monitoring, investigations, and assigned cases under supervision of an attorney; promptly identifies cases that require attorney services and communicates factual and potential legal basis of issues in the case to attorney in an appropriate and effective manner;
- Visits facilities in which clients or other persons with disabilities are located, as necessary and in keeping with current public health considerations;
- Conducts case assessments to identify potential courses of action;
- Reviews treatment records and other institutional records;
- Maintains thorough and current knowledge of appropriate community resources for clients;
- Provides short-term information and referral for clients, families of persons with disabilities;
- Conducts statutory and regulatory research to inform systemic and individual advocacy; keeps abreast of relevant developments in agency regulations, policies, and procedures;
- Develops and maintains effective working relationships with service providers, public and private organizations, other agencies, and the community at large with regard to the rights of people with disabilities at BSH;
- Prepares training materials and delivers presentations, trainings, and workshops on a variety of subjects pertinent to persons with disabilities at BSH, their families, service providers and the community;
- According to agency policies and procedures, maintains complete and accurate records of monitoring and investigation activities; prepares memoranda and case reports; maintains the security of confidential records.
- Any other duties, as assigned.
Education and/or Work Experience Required
The successful applicant must meet one of the following minimum requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: sociology, psychology, social work, or other related human services fields with experience (2+ years) in advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities;
A minimum of four (4) years of experience in human services area, with at least three (3) years of direct experience working with individuals with psychiatric disabilities;
OR a comparable combination of educational and work experience.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT
DLC is committed to protecting the fundamental human rights of its clients by providing zealous advocacy and excellent representation. We are dedicated to understanding our clients’ diverse circumstances and to meeting their needs. In fulfilling our mission, DLC is committed to fostering diversity at all levels of the agency. DLC’s leadership is responsible for ensuring diversity, inclusion, and equity. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment and equitable treatment for all and encourage people of color, LGBTQI individuals, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Disability Law Center strongly encourages applications from individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested applicants for this position must submit a cover letter, resume (with three references), and a short writing sample through DLC’s website at dlc-ma.org
When applying, mention you saw this opening listed on Disability Scoop.
