Patients’ Rights Advocate

Description

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.

Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people that have disabilities.... JOIN US!

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all other protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. 

LOCATION:

Coalinga State Hospital (fully onsite/ in-person)

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

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

SALARY RANGE:

$27.47-$40.23 hr / $53,560-$78,452 yr (Band 6) 

We base salary and position offers on program budget, experience and an internal equity analysis.

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 February 7, 2025 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are 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.  

· Ensuring that state hospital residents are notified of their rights and provide informational presentations to residents regarding their rights.

· Providing in-person or virtual training and education about mental health laws and patients' rights to facility staff, as well as being a consultant to state hospital staff about patients' rights. 

· Advocating for state hospital residents who are unable to register a complaint because of their physical or mental health condition.

· Participating in all unit meetings, trainings, functions, and communications. 

· Monitoring facility programs and services for compliance with patients' rights laws, regulations and procedures as directed. 

· Demonstrate DRC’s values around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

· Conducting unit visits at the state hospital on a weekly basis. 

· Performing other duties as assigned. 

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