Patient Rights Advocate - Case Manager

Mental Health Systems, Inc. • Santa Ana, CA

109d

About The Position

The Patient’s’ Rights Advocate (PRA) provides advocacy services to, and investigates complaints regarding abuse and denials of rights of, state hospital patients. The PRA provides trainings to both the hospital staff and residents, and represents patients at hearings on site involving involuntary medication or at other due process hearings. This position provides services in the field 50% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field. Four (4) years direct life experience as a mental health consumer or four (4) years of experience as a consumer advocate may be substituted in lieu of the bachelor’s degree (i.e., social work, counseling, self-help).
• Two (2) years of experience as a consumer advocate within the social, human service, government, or health care environment. (If using experience in lieu of Bachelor's degree, this qualification has been met).
• Involvement with disability organizations and/or within disability communities.
• Valid CA Drivers License and vehicle insurance required.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office Suite and EHR software.
• Ability to problem solve and react appropriately to emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently and effectively collaborate with a team.

Responsibilities

• Receive and investigate complaints from or concerning state hospital regarding abuse/neglect, punitive withholding, or unreasonable denial of patients’ rights. Responsible for a heavy caseload.
• Provide direct representation for involuntary medication hearings held in house at the state Hospitals.
• Maintain the complaint process and services in a confidential manner.
• Ensure state hospital residents are notified of their rights and provide informational presentations to residents regarding their rights.
• Provide training and education about mental health laws and patients' rights to facility staff. Act as a consultant to Hospital staff in patients' rights.
• Advocate for residents who are unable to register a complaint because of their physical or mental health conditions.
• Participate in all unit meetings, trainings, functions, and communications.
• Monitor facility programs and services for compliance with patients' rights laws, regulations and procedures as directed.
• Participation in outreach activities to minority and underserved populations.
• Provide advocacy services.
• Conduct unit visits on a weekly basis.
• Possess working knowledge and understanding of the mental health and criminal justice systems.
• Experience working with and a sensitivity to the rights of persons with disabilities.
• Knowledge of working with and a sensitivity to persons from multi-ethnic communities.
• Skilled in direct advocacy for persons with psychiatric disabilities.
• Working knowledge of the legal, civil, and service rights of persons with psychiatric disabilities in California.
• Experience with the mental health system as a current or former consumer/or with family member, significant other.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all MHS and program rules, policies and procedures including HIPAA standards.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees