Director of Rights Protection

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•San Antonio, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below. Under the supervision of the State Hospital Superintendent, performs advanced (senior level) rights protection work without any conflict of interest. The Human Rights Officer III (Director of Rights Protection) has the responsibility to maintain a program which ensures the legal and basic human rights of individuals served are promoted and protected. Investigates allegations of rights violations and seeks to find a resolution for all parties involved. Supervises the work of Rights Protection Officers. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Requirements

Working knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and department/agency policy and procedures
Considerable knowledge of TJC, CMS, and HIPAA standards
Knowledge of legal and basic human rights
Knowledge of mental health disorders
Knowledge of statistical analysis
Skills in conducting interviews.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Proficient skills in Microsoft Excel and Word
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate statistical information.
Ability to make decisions and share recommendations with facility leaders.
Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.
Ability to gather, assemble, analyze, and trend facts/data and present the findings in a way that is meaningful, effective, and understandable.
Ability to facilitate meetings.
Ability to supervise the work of others.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in psychology, sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or a related human services field and a minimum Three (3) years of experience in human rights, patient advocacy, mental health services, or case management work.
Associate degree and a minimum of thirty-six months’ experience required
No degree and a minimum of sixty months’ experience required.
Two years of experience working with persons with mental health or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Supervises the work of Rights Protection Officers and develops and implements processes to ensure that individual patient rights are observed on all state hospital units and programs.
Represents the individuals served in recovery team meetings as needed and on hospital committees which may include the Hospital Executive Committee, Grievance Committee, Ethics Committee, and other committees as requested.
Responds to requests and complaints by visiting with individuals on their treatment unit and assists with other hospital rights issues as needed.
Conducts observations and interviews with staff and individuals to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) standards, the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), HIPAA, and agency policy and procedures related to the rights of the individuals served. Completes medical record audits using the Quality System Oversight (QSO) instruments, TJC tracer tools, and unit review tools to ensure that rights restrictions are property documented.
Provides a mechanism to file complaints and/or grievances concerning treatment and treatment outcomes by thoroughly investigating each allegation or request received and/or refers it to the appropriate agency. Represents the expressed desires of the individuals served and advocates for the resolution of their grievances. Provides results to the patient, other appropriate parties, and as requested by the HHSC Office of Ombudsman.
Provides analysis and trends on the nature and extent of complaints and/or grievances and prepares reports.
Supports HHSC provider investigators regarding Client Abuse/Neglect cases as requested in carrying out their investigations. Works closely with the hospital Superintendent responding to abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE) investigation results.
Supports Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigators when conducting their investigations.
Serves as liaison with Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) responding to inquiries regarding patient rights.
Coordinates and leads rights group meetings with patients on treatment units.
Supports the implementation of the Patient Rights handbook and ensures that patient rights information is posted.
Ensures that the rights of the individual receiving services have been thoroughly explained to staff and volunteers through orientation and on-going training.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more

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