CCSM is hiring for a newly created position of Policy Advocate.
Full Job Description
The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) has an immediate opening for a passionate, mission-driven individual for a newly created full-time Policy Advocate position. This position is focused on improving the rights and access to quality mental healthcare and is responsible for conducting research and analysis of laws and regulations and their impact on the mental health peer community. This position will also assist in designing and assessing policy options and opportunities for systemic change to improve people’s lives and providing information to policymakers and other organizations toward that end. The CCSM is a not-for-profit peer staffed and led organization located in Augusta, Maine with a statewide presence. We represent the interests of people with mental health challenges in the State Legislature, and Maine State Government Departments through outreach and education in the community. The CCSM works to increase the voice of those with lived experience with mental health challenges in the systems that support access to quality mental health services and the social issues related to their quality of life.
Duties:
- Support mental health peers to participate in the legislative process through education, support, and training to be able to effectively participate.
- Participating in a variety of statewide policy workgroups as a voice for individuals determined with supervisor.
- Testify as needed at the legislature or other public testimony needed on behalf of the CCSM.
- Works with directly impacted community members to identify and advance policy changes to improve consumer rights and increase access to a variety of mental health services for people with mental health in Maine through legislative and State agency advocacy.
- Assists in preparing talking points on policy issues and legislative bills.
- Monitors and documents real world impact of public policy through collaboration with other organizations, and other information sources and most importantly, those impacted in our peer community.
- Works closely with the CCSM Executive Director to determine which policy initiatives we as an organization can address and work together to achieve.
- See yourself as a member of a team with other CCSM staff, attend regular team/staff meetings, and implement ongoing work projects.
- Participate in statewide policy meetings and initiatives as determined by supervisor;
- Keep updated, complete contact information and work with the Office Manager to maintain contact databases.
- Maintain timely and ongoing communication with your supervisor, including reports on work underway and completed as requested.
- Participate in trainings, workshops, conferences, and other professional development activities, as approved by supervisor.
- Perform other tasks as requested with a sense of humor and team spirit.
- This position interacts with a variety of personalities and requires a strong level of patience.
Qualifications:
- Publicly disclosing current or former consumer of mental health services, established in personal recovery.
- Commitment to clear analysis of mental health systems reform and the ability to incorporate that analysis into their work.
- Working knowledge of Maine’s public mental health system.
- Knowledge of issues and initiatives that affect people living with mental health challenges.
- Conducts legislative advocacy, including testifying before legislative committees.
- Strong political analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Must have strong skills in public speaking and oral communication.
- Ability to write clearly, persuasively, and logically.
- Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
- A minimum of a three (3) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in government programs, policy analysis, and working on issues affecting people with mental health challenges/social justice areas.
- Interpersonal skills needed for developing relationships with both peers and the public.
- Self-directed and organized.
- Reliable transportation and willingness to travel as needed around the State of Maine.
- Demonstrated computer skills: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. The CCSM uses Microsoft platforms for shared documents and contacts.
- HS Diploma mandatory, college degree preferred.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 – $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience level: 3 years
Schedule: 8-hour shift
Work setting:
- In-person
- Office
Application Question(s):
Do you identify as a person with mental health challenges, past or present?
Ability to Relocate:
Work Location: In person
Augusta, ME 04330: Relocate before starting work (Required)
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