Baker Act Coordinator / Patient Advocate

Acadia Healthcare•Wesley Chapel, FL

About The Position

North Tampa Behavioral Health is seeking a collaborative and detail-oriented professional to serve as our Baker Act Coordinator / Patient Advocate. This role ensures full compliance with Florida’s Baker Act requirements while actively safeguarding patient rights and supporting the grievance process. This is a highly visible, patient-facing role that partners with clinical teams, leadership, and legal entities to protect patient safety, maintain regulatory compliance, and promote a professional and respectful care environment. Responsibilities Position Summary The Baker Act Coordinator / Patient Advocate oversees all legal and operational aspects of the Baker Act process, ensures timely court documentation and hearings, conducts record reviews for compliance, and serves as the primary facilitator for patient and family complaints and grievances. This position balances regulatory oversight with compassionate advocacy.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required
Demonstrated knowledge of Florida Baker Act regulations is required
CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by the facility).
First aid may be required based on the state or facility.
This position requires a Level 2 Background Screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.

Nice To Haves

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a clinical field preferred
Minimum three years of experience as a Baker Act Coordinator or equivalent preferred
Behavioral health experience preferred
Collaborative and team-oriented
Professional and composed in high-stress situations
Strong attention to detail and able to manage legal deadlines
Comfortable in patient-facing interactions, including handling difficult conversations
Clear communicator with sound judgment
Able to balance compliance oversight with compassionate advocacy

Responsibilities

Baker Act Compliance & Court Coordination
Coordinate and monitor all aspects of the hospital’s Baker Act program
Ensure strict adherence to legal timelines and documentation requirements
Review admissions documents, charts, and progress notes for compliance
Maintain communication with courts, State Attorney, Public Defender, and other legal parties
Ensure timely submission of required court documents and attend hearings as necessary
Partner with Intake, Nursing, and Clinical teams on compliance reviews
Provide ongoing education to staff regarding Baker Act requirements and documentation standards
Patient Advocacy & Grievance Oversight
Facilitate the patient and family grievance process from intake through resolution
Maintain accurate complaint and grievance logs
Collaborate with department leaders and Risk to investigate and resolve concerns
Communicate outcomes clearly and professionally to patients and families
Identify process gaps that may impact patient rights or safety
Support patient safety and advocacy education efforts