Advocacy Specialist 3, Central Office;

Date Posted:

05/21/26

Applications Due:

06/05/26

Vacancy ID:

216596 Position Information NY HELPNo AgencyMental Health, Office of TitleAdvocacy Specialist 3, Central Office; Occupational CategoryHealth Care, Human/Social Services Salary Grade23 Bargaining UnitPS&T

• Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF) Salary RangeFrom $86681 to $109650 Annually Employment TypeFull-Time Appointment TypePermanent Jurisdictional ClassNon-competitive Class Travel Percentage30% Schedule WorkweekMon-Fri Hours Per Week37.

5 Workday From8 AM To5 PM Flextime allowed?

No Mandatory overtime?

No Compressed workweek allowed?

No Telecommuting allowed?

Yes Location CountyOnondaga Street AddressNYS Office of Mental Health, Central New York Field Officr 545 Cedar Street CityAlbany StateNY Zip Code13210 Job Specifics Duties DescriptionThe New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recruiting to fill an Advocacy Specialist 3, G-23, position in the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services (OAPSS) located at the Central New York Field Office. OAPSS works to ensure the inclusion of recipients across the lifespan (youth, transition age youth, adults, and older adults) and their family's perspectives into OMH policy making and program planning, development, and evolution. The incumbent will serve as the Central New York Peer Support Supervisor and will report to the Special Assistant to the Commissioner. They will oversee the promotion and awareness of recovery, resilience, self-help, empowerment, and the inclusion of people, who are current and former recipients of mental health services. The incumbent will lead staff members across the Central New York region who interact and collaborate with other workgroups and offices/Centers/Divisions in Central Office throughout New York State. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervise and mentor a unit of Advocacy Specialists 2 and other staff assigned in regional office settings; perform the advocacy specialist functions, oversees unit workflow, and provides guidance to lower-level staff.
• Provide guidance and support to team members, foster a positive work environment and ongoing cross department communication.
• Evaluate employee performance, provide feedback, conduct performance reviews and identify areas for growth.
• Provide in-discipline supervision for assigned staff in alignment with the values and principles of peer support and family and youth advocacy.
• Function as a subject matter expert for peer service best practices and provide technical assistance as needed, and may be assigned to serve as a project lead for agency initiatives.
• Promote the inclusion of individuals who are current and former users of mental health services, families whose children are involved in children's services, and youth involved or formerly involved in services into planning, policy implementation, program development, evaluation, monitoring, and related activities.
• Promote awareness of recovery, self-help, and empowerment by disseminating relevant information to recipients, providers, family members, county government and the general public as indicated by OAPSS.
• Guide the staff they supervise to understand and comply with agency policies and processes and supports opportunities for learning and growth.
• Support community outreach functions and represents an agency in statewide outreach events, interagency workgroups, public forums, and in meetings with advocacy and provider organizations.
• Function as a part of the OAPSS Leadership team, representing OAPSS in the field office, assisting in the regular collaboration between Field Offices and Central Office.
• Travel within the region and state in support of OAPSS and Field office initiatives.
• Provide a lived experience perspective and guidance on the peer disciplines supports the primary function of the agency, which is to ensure the voice and choice of persons in services and their families and improve the lives of individuals in service through advocacy, guidance and support with a peer lens.

Minimum QualificationsQualified candidates must possess:

Seven years of experience

• as a professional advocate or service provider in rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, or homeless youth.

•

Substitution:

An associate degree may substitute for two years of general experience; a bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of general experience; a master's degree may substitute for five years of general experience; or a doctorate may substitute for six years of general experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lived mental health experience from first-hand, personal knowledge and understanding gained from directly navigating and receiving services and/or supports as an element of their recovery.
• Experience as a peer advocate in the mental health system
• New York Certified Peer Specialist [NYCPS or NYCPS-P] or Youth Peer Advocacy credential [YPA or YPA-P] moving toward the NYCPS-P certification Additional CommentsThe Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. OMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, OMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A critical component of these efforts is ensuring OMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees' unique attributes and skills are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. OMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Specific scheduled hours and telecommuting availability for this position will be discussed during the interview process. Please note, employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to operational needs and Agency Telecommuting Program Guidelines. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity. How to Apply NameCaitlin Hart Telephone Fax(518) 486-3897 Email AddressOMHHRM@OMH.NY.GOV Address StreetNYS Office of Mental Health 44 Holland Avenue CityAlbany StateNY Zip Code12229 Notes on ApplyingTo be considered for this position, interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to omhhrm@omh.ny. Please include the title of the position and Vacancy ID #216596 in the subject line of your email when applying. You are advised that, should you accept a job offer with the Office of Mental Health, you may be required to be fingerprinted and pay a fingerprint fee.