Patients’ Rights Advocate

Description

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)

At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Interview questions provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people that have disabilities.... JOIN US!

LOCATION:

Atascadero State Hospital (fully onsite/ in-person) 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Non-exempt; Regular; Full-time (37.5 hrs).

SALARY RANGE:

$27.47 hr. - $40.23 hr. / $53,560 - $78,452.40 yr (Band 6)   

We base salary offers on program budget, experience and an internal equity analysis. Therefore, our offers are firm. 

EXCELLENT BENEFITS  including 8% 401k Match. A language differential up to $250/mo. Health (HMO and PPO options), dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance and flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Additionally, we offer ample vacation, sick/self-care leave and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December) and more…. We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.  

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Applications should be received by October 31, 2025 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

California Office of Patients’ Rights (COPR)

COPR is contracted by the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) and works with the Department of Health Care Services to ensure that the treatment and legal rights of people receiving mental health treatment are observed in State Hospitals.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Patients’ Rights Advocate (PRA) provides onsite advocacy services to state hospital patients. The PRA also investigates complaints regarding abuse and denials of patients’ rights, provides training to both the hospital staff and residents related to the rights of state hospital patients, and represents patients at involuntary medication or other due process hearings held at the state hospital. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Essential functions are the job responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions of a Patients’ Rights Advocate include:

· Receiving and investigating complaints regarding abuse/neglect, and punitive withholding or unreasonable denial of rights, of state hospital residents. 

· Providing direct representation for involuntary medication hearings held in-house at the state hospitals.

· Maintaining the complaint process and services in a confidential manner.