Advocate II

Job Posting Title

Advocate II

Agency

340 OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Supervisory Organization

340 Office of Client Advocacy

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

July 10, 2025

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Up to $45,968.61 depending on experience and education.

Why you’ll love it here!

RESPECT. COLLABORATION. SERVICE. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is committed to leading Oklahoma to prosperity through health. Our mission is to protect and promote health, prevent disease and injury, and cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive. Check out why we are passionate about public health and believe it is the career for you!!!

Oh yeah, did we mention perks? We know that benefits matter and that is why we offer a competitive benefits package for all eligible employees.

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Student Loan repayment options & tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

Job Description

Location: Garfield County

Salary: up to $45,968.61, based on education and experience

Full Time /Part Time: Full time

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday

Primary Hours: 8am-5pm

Position Description: An Advocate II is responsible for conducting internal and external audits and field investigations and performing federally or state mandated quality control audits to evaluate the effectiveness of agency programs.  Some positions will perform follow-up reviews and advocate for clients and program changes. Duties include investigating welfare fraud and employee violations of agency policy, regulations and applicable state and federal laws.  Some positions in this job family will conduct investigations and inquiries to protect the rights of clients, act as client advocate and file grievances on behalf of clients.

Level Descriptor

Levels are distinguished based on the complexity of assigned duties, the level of expertise required for completion of work assignments, and the responsibility assigned for the supervision of others.

At this level, employees are assigned responsibilities at the full performance level.  In addition to the duties performed at Level I, tasks will include, but are not limited to, carrying a caseload of complex and difficult audits and investigations; preparing material pertinent to the analysis and evaluation of program operations at the local level; and analyzing plans for caseworker service.  May conduct single suspect investigations. In addition, employees at this level locate and conduct interviews with selected recipients; check collateral references for verification of essential information pertinent to the case under review; summarizes results of investigation and/or reviews conclusions of case review; prepares weekly and monthly reports to supervisor.

Position Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Visits and reviews various types of contractors to perform financial reviews.
• Acts a client advocate; protects rights of clients assigned to State Human Services or Juvenile Affairs facilities, or other state contracted providers, files grievances on behalf of clients.
• Coordinates activities of a client grievance system, acts as client grievance facilitator and addresses and may investigate allegations of client mistreatment, exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
• Monitors agency and facility, and contract provider’s policy and procedures, identifies policy violations and unauthorized practices, and recommends corrective action.
• Performs investigations on vulnerable children and adults in the areas of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in accordance with all state and federal laws.
• Being present in the office is an essential function of this job
• Other duties as assigned

Other Duties

• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree and three years of professional experience in investigation, auditing, social work, juvenile justice, personnel administration, law enforcement, child support enforcement, or working with person with intellectual disabilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements:  Applicants for some positions will be required to possess necessary qualifications to be a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional as defined in the Conditions of Participation for Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded, Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart D, 42 CFR 483.430 (a) and (b)(5). ## Some positions may require current certification by the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training as a peace officer. Some positions may require two years in qualify control, auditing or the investigations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, fraudulent activities in connection with Medicaid or social services programs, or criminal investigations at levels III and IV. Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Some agencies may have determined positions in this job family to be safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.

Application Requirements:

• If education, certification or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.
• All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Valued Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the rules and regulations governing social service agencies and residential facilities or contract providers; of quality control and audit procedures; of review and investigative techniques; of the Oklahoma Personnel Act and Merit for employment; and of organizational theory and functions. Ability is required to review and analyze large amounts of information and identify deficiencies; to conduct interviews effectively; to establish and maintain effective working relationships; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Work is typically performed in an office setting with climate-controlled settings and exposure to moderate noise levels.  While performing the duties of the job, employees are required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms; carry light items; drive an automobile. This position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computers and phones. Applicants must be willing to perform all job-related travel associated with this position. Occasionally, in state overnight and weekend travel may be required. Being present at the office is an essential function of the job

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.