Patient Rights Advocate (SUD), Patient Advocacy

Position Title: Patient Advocate – Substance Use Disorders (SUD)

Organization: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Department: Patient Advocacy Program

Position Type: Full-Time (37.5+ hours/week), Non-Exempt

Work Setting: Onsite

Reports To: Patient Advocacy Supervisor

Pay Range: $25.03-$26.64/hour

Total Compensation:  

In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes:

• Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees
• Generous employer 401(k) contributions
• Employer-covered life insurance

Time Away from Work:

Being able to take time away from work is critical in bringing your best self to work. Time off benefits for this position include:

• Paid vacation time and sick leave
• 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays
• 2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees’ mental wellness

Position Overview

Do you hate injustice?  Do you like fighting for the underdog?  Would you like to be a part of a dynamic and dedicated team of advocates who travel the county representing clients receiving substance use disorder treatment and ensuring that their rights are upheld? 

We’re looking for an outstanding individual who loves challenge, gets satisfaction from helping others in need, and wants to help advance the advocacy services in this area.

Our highly regarded advocates investigate and resolve complaints, concerns, or grievances received from SUD clients about rights violations, coordinate efforts with other agencies as needed, and visit and monitor facilities for compliance with clients’ rights laws, regulations and policies. They also ensure that clients, staff, owners, and administrators are informed of the rights of persons with substance use disorders.

The person hired for this position will provide advocacy services to SUD consumers who are receiving services in residential SUD treatment facilities.  Duties include conducting outreach activities, regular facility visits and providing educational trainings for consumers and professionals. Additional duties include assisting clients receiving behavioral health services in inpatient settings. This includes investigating concerns and grievances as well as representing clients in due process hearings on inpatient units.

Key Talents: You are proud of your communication skills, both written and oral.  You have a strong commitment to teamwork and being a part of a dedicated team of professionals. You demonstrate great compassion for your fellow person and have a deep sense of responsibility and accountability.  You also have a well-developed sense of humor and like to make your workplace fun. 

Responsibilities:

• The advocate will investigate and resolve complaints, concerns, appeals or grievances received from clients about rights violations, coordinate efforts with other agencies as needed, and visit and monitor facilities for compliance with clients’ rights laws, regulations, and policies
• The advocate will represent patients at their Certification Review Hearings
• They also ensure that clients, staff, owners, and administrators are informed of the rights of persons with a mental health diagnosis or with substance use disorders
• Other duties include conducting outreach activities, regular facility visits, and providing educational trainings for consumers and professionals. Strong presentation, writing, and communication skills are required

Skills/Experience/Abilities That Are a Must-Have:

• Successful completion and pass of Criminal History Background Check
• Experience working with clients with substance use disorders
• BA/BS or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of patients’ rights law and/or willingness and ability to learn California State laws and San Diego County Policies and Procedures as they pertain to patient’s rights and substance use disorders
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work with a wide range of community groups including professionals, facility administrators and clients
• Strong sense of ethics
• Flexible and able to handle emotionally intense situations
• Ability and willingness to regularly use office equipment such as computers, fax machines, telephones and cell phones
• Reliable personal vehicle required
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout San Diego County, in