Introduction

Are you an experienced public advocate who is well-versed in the field of behavioral healthcare policy? We invite you to explore this innovative and pivotal role to our state.

The State of Connecticut is seeking a Behavioral Health Advocate as the head of a new independent state agency, the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate. This is a highly public, high-profile position, and is subject to a statutorily-defined selection process. The Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate shall be under the direction of the Behavioral Health Advocate who shall be appointed by the Governor, with the approval of the General Assembly.

THE ROLE:

The Behavioral Health Advocate is a hands-on Chief Executive Officer, principal public spokesperson, and policy and legislative advocate. The Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate, administratively within the Insurance Department, assists members of the public with accessing mental and behavioral health care resources and providers with timely access and receiving payments for services provided. Your expertise and leadership will be crucial in addressing the needs of individuals with behavioral health challenges and ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.

The Behavioral Health Advocate may:

Assist mental and behavioral health care providers, who are licensed, certified or registered in the state, with receiving payments for claims submitted to health carriers for services provided to covered patients.
Assist state residents with accessing mental and behavioral health care and related resources.
Provide information to the public, agencies, legislators and others regarding the problems and concerns of mental and behavioral health care providers and patients and make recommendations for resolving such problems and concerns.
Analyze and monitor the development and implementation of federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies relating to mental and behavioral health care and recommend changes as necessary.
Coordinate services with the Healthcare Advocate to assist individuals with obtaining access to and coverage for mental and behavioral health care services.
Ensure that mental and behavioral health care providers and patients have timely access to the services provided by the office.
Establish a toll-free number, or any other free calling option, to allow access to the services provided by the Behavioral Health Advocate.
Pursue administrative remedies on behalf of and with the consent of any mental and behavioral health care providers and patients.
Adopt regulations, pursuant to Chapter 54 of the Connecticut General Statutes, to carry out the provisions of this section.
Take any other actions necessary to fulfill the purposes of this section.

This is a rare opportunity to assume a politically independent leadership position with a high-functioning, well-respected, historically established independent state agency. The position carries a clear possibility over time to become recognized as a key independent leader and resource in the Connecticut community on matters of state and federal behavioral healthcare advocacy.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

The Behavioral Health Advocate shall be an elector of the State of Connecticut. NOTE: An Elector is defined as a person who is qualified to vote during an election.
The Behavioral Health Advocate shall have expertise and experience in mental or behavioral health care, health insurance, and advocacy for parity in mental and behavioral health access and outcomes.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

Monday - Friday
Full time (40 hours/week)
First Shift
Location: Hartford, CT
Hybrid opportunity

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR STATE

Connecticut offers you a blend of professional advancement and a high-quality lifestyle. As a state we are renowned for our top-tier medical facilities and ample opportunities for career growth and development. Beyond professional prospects, Connecticut boasts a high standard of living, featuring safe communities, excellent schools, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
A healthy work-life balance to all employees.
Professional growth and development opportunities.
The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company - ‘Forbes’: State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023.

Selection Plan

To Apply:

Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience leading mental health initiatives, specifically with work in multiple systems.
Experience leading advocacy initiatives.
Experience working as an attorney.
Experience in a leadership or management position.
Experience developing projects and/or programs from inception to final implementation.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

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State of Connecticut - Department of Insurance

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Behavioral Health Advocate