Onsite Patients’ Rights Advocate

Disability Rights California; Atascadero (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% Match – 401K

Health benefits (HMO options)

Dental, vision, life and disability保险

Flexible spending accounts

PSLF eligible employer

Vacation and holidays

Teladoc

Job summary

Disability Rights California (DRC) is seeking a Patients’ Rights Advocate to provide onsite advocacy at Atascadero State Hospital. The role involves investigating abuse and rights denials, representing residents in involuntary medication hearings, and ensuring confidential handling of complaints.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent life/advocacy experience), familiarity with mental health and criminal justice systems, and the ability to train hospital staff on patients’

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field required.
• Four years direct life experience as a mental health consumer or four years’ experience as a consumer advocate may substitute for the degree.
• Two years’ experience as a consumer advocate within the social/human services field desired.
• Working knowledge of mental health and criminal justice systems.
• Experience with rights of persons with disabilities preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse communities and individuals.

Responsibilities

• Maintain onsite advocacy presence at the state hospital during regular business hours.
• Receive and investigate complaints regarding abuse/neglect and denial of rights.
• Provide direct representation for involuntary medication hearings.
• Maintain confidential complaint processes and services.
• Inform residents about their rights and provide presentations on rights issues.
• Provide training and education on mental health laws and patients’ rights to staff.
• Advocate for residents who cannot register complaints due to health conditions.
• Participate in unit meetings, trainings, and communications.
• Monitor facility programs for compliance with rights laws and procedures.
• Demonstrate DR C’s values around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Conduct weekly unit visits at the state hospital.

Skills

Mental health system knowledge

Criminal justice system knowledge

MS Word proficiency

Disability rights experience

Spanish or ASL (desirable)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Four years direct life experience as mental health consumer or four years consumer advocate experience

Two years experience as consumer advocate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Disability Rights California (DRC) is seeking a Patients’ Rights Advocate to provide onsite advocacy at Atascadero State Hospital. The role involves investigating abuse and rights denials, representing residents in involuntary medication hearings, and ensuring confidential handling of complaints.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent life/advocacy experience), familiarity with mental health and criminal justice systems, and the ability to train hospital staff on patients’