Rights Protection Officer

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS

2d • 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.

The Human Rights Officer II (Rights Protection Officer) works under the supervision of the Director of Rights Protection (or the state hospital Superintendent if a one-person department). The Rights Protection Officer performs complex (journey-level) rights protection work without any conflict of interest. The Human Rights Officer II maintains 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. Provides guidance to other hospital staff. Works under general supervision, with moderate 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

• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and department/agency policy and procedures
• 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
• 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 provide guidance to 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 of twelve (12) months experience working with persons with mental health or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months experience required.
• No degree and a minimum of forty-eight months’ experience required.
• Two years of experience working with persons with mental health or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• 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, as requested, which may include the Hospital Executive Committee, Grievance Committee, Ethics Committee, and other committees.
• 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 Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conditions of participation, the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), HIPAA, agency, and state hospital policies 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.
• Tracks data and provides analysis and trends on the nature and extent of complaints and/or grievances. Prepares reports for state hospital leadership and the State Hospital Governing Body.
• Supports HHSC provider investigators regarding Client Abuse/Neglect cases as requested in carrying out their investigations by providing them with medical record information, policies and procedures, and access to staff involved in the allegation. Works closely with the hospital Superintendent responding to abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE) investigation results by assisting the Superintendent in determining what action disciplinary needs to be taken.
• Supports Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigators when conducting their investigations by providing them with medical record information, policy and procedures, and access to staff involved in the allegation.
• Serves as liaison with Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) responding to inquiries regarding patient rights.
• Plans and leads rights group meetings with patients on treatment units.
• Supports the implementation of the Patient Rights handbook by ensuring that each patient receives a copy of the handbook. Ensures that patient rights information is posted throughout the hospital.
• Ensures that the rights of the patient 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
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees