Patients' Rights Advocate

County of Shasta•Redding, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under direction, advocates for and protects the statutory and constitutional rights of individuals receiving mental health services, including representation at certification review hearings for patients receiving involuntary treatment; monitoring mental health facilities for compliance with patients’ rights laws; providing patients’ rights training and education; and performing other related duties as required. This single position classification is utilized in the Mental Health department and works under the direction of the Director of Mental Health. This classification performs duties in accordance with the Patients' Rights Advocacy Program.

Requirements

Basic civil commitment statutes and procedures
Basic patients' rights in institutional and community facilities
Basic administrative and judicial due process proceedings
Basic service system financial entitlements and rights of persons receiving mental health services
Interviewing techniques
Advocacy ethics and principles
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with recipients, providers, public administrators, community groups, and the judicial system
Learn and apply appropriate state and federal laws
Maintain confidential client information
Investigate and assess complaints and screen for legal problems
Make appropriate referrals
Communicate well both orally and in writing
Two (2) years of paid or volunteer experience in a human service agency
Possession of a valid California driver’s license

Nice To Haves

Mental health and/or paralegal background is preferred
An Associate Arts (AA) degree, or higher, in the area of health and human services, or a related field is desirable
Background and experience in working specifically with, and advocating for, individuals who experience both acute and long term serious mental health issues and/or substance use disorders
Ability to understand and navigate legal issues concerning involuntary treatment in both long term and acute secured treatment facilities
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with a wide range of individuals, including patients/clients, treatment staff, and community members
Strong public speaking, presentation, and training skills
Ability to interact effectively with individuals who may be emotionally labile and/or present with a degree of disorganized thinking
Reliable, organized, and responsive in managing a fixed hearing schedule
Commitment to client autonomy and the protection of patients’ rights
Detail oriented person who possesses the ability to move through, and document, steps taken in accordance with a set of established protocols/policies

Responsibilities

Monitors mental health facilities, services and programs for compliance with statutory and regulatory patients' rights provisions
Ensures that recipients of mental health services are notified of their rights
Receives and investigates complaints from those residing in licensed health or community care facilities regarding abuse, unreasonable denial or punitive withholding of rights guaranteed under the provisions of Division 5 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code
Reports violations of rights directly to the State Department of Mental Health
Provides training and education on mental health laws and patients' rights to mental health providers
Exchanges information and cooperates with the State Patients' Rights Office
Advocates for involuntarily detained mental health service recipients at conservatory hearings and trials
Interviews and counsels service recipients
May drive a vehicle in the course of business and may transport others