Client Advocate

Summary or Purpose

Responsible for the day-to-day direct care oversight of clients. Plans and oversees the program activities ensuring a safe, therapeutic quality of care. Provides multi-cultural appropriate care.

This job description serves for Client Advocates who may work at the NSB Arctic Women in Crisis Residential Shelter, Children & Youth Services Residential Program, or the Integrated Behavioral Health Outpatient Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Provides trauma informed care and evidenced-based counseling services to residential and non-residential clients within scope of authority; supervises behavior and activities of clients.

Facilitates a calm, healing, and safe environment for clients, which include being trauma informed and developmentally appropriate.

Implements and follows the designed program schedule and structure by providing informal education and motivational counseling; initiates and oversees activities for clients.

Participates in agency functions which may consist of community outreach, education, and presentations.

Completes admission and discharge screening protocol, documents client interactions as outlined by program policies and procedures, and reports any significant issues immediately to the supervisor.

Monitors clients, de-escalates client behavior, follows established safety protocols, initiates intervention services as needed, and calls for assistance as required.

Attends scheduled meetings as requested by supervisor to ensure programmatic and client needs are met; transports clients to appointments as needed.

Evaluates client care continually and recommends changes to meet the individualized client needs.

Confers and consults with supervisors as needed; collaborates with other professionals to provide and advocate for continued care outside the limitations of the program.

Updates and maintains a variety of program records; documents all services and activities within appropriate timeframes outlined in program policy.

Prepares meals as outlined by the menu schedule and adheres to the food regulation guidelines.

Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly program in accordance with licensing and OSHA regulations; performs housekeeping functions as directed, including meal preparation, cleaning and laundry.

Maintains appropriate boundaries, professional attitude, and appropriate behavior at all times with staff and clients.

Respects and acknowledges client rights and maintains strict confidentiality in all client matters pertaining to 42 CFR & HIPAA Compliance and associated guidelines and regulations.

In the event of an emergency, will follow responsibilities as outlined in the North Slope Borough program policies and procedures and the Emergency Action Plan Manual.

Protect self, co-workers and consumers by following policies and procedures to prevent the spread of blood borne and/or airborne diseases.

May be required to work a non-traditional work schedule to include evening, holidays and weekends and may be subject to 24 hour on-call status.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Department and Borough policies and procedures.

Knowledge of local community resources.

Skill in providing effective client care services.

Ability to communicate orally and in writting with staff and clients.

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses Required

High School graduate or G.E.D/or, a combination of 12 years of education and work related experience.

CYS Program** grant requirements indicate: a preference for childcare staff to have no less than 50% of staff in a Residential Care facility will possess a Bachelor's Degree; or may be substituted with combination of four years of formal education and experience working with children.

Ability to obtain CPR and Basic First Aid Certification within 30 days;

Must be 21 years of age or older;

Applicant must pass a criminal history background check conducted by the State of Alaska Background Check Unit;

One-year separation from receiving services for substance use or domestic violence perpetration;

Documentation that the individual is free from active pulmonary tuberculosis;

Ability to obtain a valid Alaska driver's license that meets North Slope Borough insurance criteria within the probationary period; and

Have the ability to lift 35 to 50 pounds regularly.

This is a career ladder position. Please contact North Slope Borough Human Resources/Recruiting Division for questions regarding the career ladder.
THE NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH IS AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.
This Job Description reflects North Slope Borough's best effort to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the job described. It is not exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation. This is not intended to be a contract.

The North Slope Borough offers the following benefit packages to all permanent full time and permanent part time employees who work at least 15 hours a week.
Health care is provided at no cost to the employee (no premiums). Our Health Care package covers major medical, preventive care, vision, dental and prescription drug benefits.
Benefits do not apply to temporary employees.