Mental Health Advocates (MHAP) is a program of the Mental Health Association of Alameda County. The purpose of the program is to assist mentally ill adults in obtaining services and/or benefits they need maintain themselves in the community. The program also provides consultation and information and referral to anyone in Alameda County about mental health services, a variety of social services, and public benefits.

The Advocacy Specialist, reports to the Mental Health Advocates Program Director, and is responsible for delivering individual advocacy services to mentally ill adults in Alameda County.  The Advocacy Specialist also provides information and referrals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides direct client representation and advocacy services to clients seeking assistance with public benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal, General Assistance (GA) and Food Stamps.

• Serving underrepresented groups advocating for client access to services with various state, county and local public agencies.

• Represent clients at Appeals Hearings for benefits with local government agencies at the county, state and federal level.

• Provides a full range of information and referral services to incoming calls and walk-in clients such as:  financial assistance programs and public benefits assessments, mental health and crisis services, social services, shelter and housing, food referrals, rehabilitation programs, legal services etc.

• Responsible for answering a high volume of incoming calls and responding to crisis calls.                                                                                    
• Perform individual intake interviews to assess client’s eligibility for program services.

• Manage a caseload of 20-40 on-going clients and follow-up casework.

• Participate in outreach and education with other mental health and human services agencies.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the program director.

Qualifications

• One year experience in mental health or related social services or 6 months of experience delivering individual advocacy services to mentally ill or mentally disabled persons.

• Excellent communication skills for effective advocacy both orally and in writing.

• Ability to take direction and  work in close cooperation with the Director and staff members as a team in order to maximize services to clients.

• Ability to work with a diverse client population.

• Ability to work professionally and effectively with empathy towards the mentally ill.

• Ability to operate with professionalism and diplomacy at all times with staff members and outside agency representatives.

• Personal stability and an ability to work under pressure.

• Ability to maintain a positive attitude under difficult circumstances.

• Must have a motor vehicle available for daily use, possess a valid California license, carry auto liability insurance with at least $100,000/$300,000 limits, and have an acceptable motor vehicle report, as determined by our insurance broker.  Local travel within Alameda County required.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with SSI and Medi-Cal, SSDI and Medicare,  and other benefit programs for the disabled.

• Experience in effectively navigating government bureaucracies.

• Experience in government appeals process.

• Knowledge of local professional, peer and community resources.

• Fluency in a second language.

Hours of Work: M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  (includes 1/2 hour daily for lunch.)

Salary:  Annual $28,358.  $2,363.00 per month full-time with reimbursement for travel.  Employee benefits include vacation, sick leave/health/dental insurance and acupuncture and chiropractic insurance.                                                                       

To apply: Download application and affirmative action data request and mail or email with cover letter and resume to:

Janellen O’Hara
Program Director
954 60th St., Ste. 10
Oakland, California 94608

janellen@mhaac.org

Download Application

Download Affirmative Action Data Request

Deadline: All materials must be received by 5:00 p.m., June 16, 2008.

Hiring Date: July 7, 2008

The MHAAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  Women, members of minority groups, veterans, and persons with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply for employment.