Lead Mental Health Patients' Rights Advocate

Lead Mental Health Patients' Rights Advocate Do you wish to influence the quality of mental healthcare in your community? Do you have experience serving vulnerable individuals? If you answered yes, this position may be right for you We seek someone passionate about civil rights and humane care of mental health clients willing to champion their rights. Our team of advocates provides essential oversight of mental health facilities, preventing neglect/abuse. We ensure that clients are treated with kindness through visiting facilities, interacting with clients & staff, and identifying concerns to safeguard rights of those receiving services. We partner with ethical providers to positively transform mental health treatment services. If you consider this worthwhile work, we encourage you to apply to join our team. We Offer Competitive salary Eligible for first pay increase after successful completion of 3‑month introductory period Some positions eligible for Bilingual Pay Differential for fluency in an Alameda County threshold language 100% paid medical and dental coverage for the employee Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes free access to Tele‑Doc and Psychotherapy services Generous time off benefits: 14 paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Years Day Vacation leave 2 weeks per year, increases to 4 weeks by year four of employment Mileage reimbursement for work related travel Paid volunteer time off Tuition reimbursement On the job training Essential Job Duties Receives complaints from consumers of mental health treatment, family members, and/or other concerned parties Responds promptly to complaints and interviews the complainant by phone or in person at the facility Investigates complaints of violations in the utilization of involuntary detention, involuntary medication, seclusion and behavioral restraints Conducts investigations: gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, reviews client records and facility protocols to substantiate claims Draws conclusions based on the available evidence and drafts summary report Prepares investigation reports and maintains investigation files Completes investigation reports within required timelines Conducts focused monitoring of reported and suspected abuse and neglect trends in facilities where mental health clients are detained Conducts interviews of staff members and patients and performs thorough chart review Completes detailed monitoring documentation and writes high quality investigative reports Works with facilities to resolve issues discovered during monitoring or investigations Provides education and consults with mental health providers on issues related to patients' rights, due process for involuntary treatment and other mental health statutes Provides daily and ongoing support in the field to Patients' Rights Advocates and Monitoring Investigations Specialists Provides training for all newly hired Patients' Rights Advocates and Monitoring Investigations Specialists Provides ongoing observations and training to Patients' Rights Advocates and Monitoring and Investigations Specialists in the field Minimum Qualifications Associate of Arts (AA) Degree Two years experience working as a Title 9, County Patients' Rights Advocate Demonstrated knowledge of codes and regulations governing patients' rights and mental health treatment (Lanterman‑Petris‑Short Act) Understanding of the principles of performing investigations and monitoring or performing high quality management in a mental health facility Experience producing high quality reports, with strong attention to detail Ability to provide training in a manner that meets the needs of adult learners Solid written and verbal communication skills Proficiency with MS Office 365 software applications including Email (Outlook), Documents (Word), Spreadsheets (Excel), Presentations (PowerPoint), and Collaborative Work (Teams) Ability to gather information, analyze facts and derive conclusions based on known facts Experience working with diverse and vulnerable populations Have active deep listening skills that demonstrate responsiveness and sensitivity to complex and changing situations Must have a valid CA drivers license, daily access to a working motor vehicle, maintain legally required auto liability insurance, and have an acceptable motor vehicle report as determined by MHAAC's insurance broker Must successfully pass a fingerprint background check by CA DOJ and the FBI Additional Desired Qualifications Bachelor's Degree (BA) Prior experience as a Lead Patients' Rights Advocate or Monitoring and Investigations Specialist Bilingual in an Alameda County threshold language: Cantonese, Farsi, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, or Vietnamese Hours of Work Full‑time: Tuesday and Wednesday 8 am – 5:30 pm; Thursday and Friday 11 am – 8:30 pm. The Lead Specialist will routinely be required to work on legal holidays. Work Location 2855 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705. The Lead Specialist will be based in the field with only minimal time spent in the office. This position is not eligible to telecommute except in an emergency and/or with limited approval. Salary $31.85 per hour (≈ $59,620 annually). Position is eligible for 4.5 % Bilingual Pay Differential if fluent in a county threshold language. Employee benefits include generous vacation, sick leave, and health/dental insurance. Required travel for clients and meetings is reimbursed at the federal reimbursement rate. Benefits 401(k) Retirement Plan Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Mental Health Association of Alameda County is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and/or physical), those who exercise the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. We are also committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accountable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or participate in the interview process, please connect with us and describe the specific accommodation request for your disability‑related limitation. #J-18808-Ljbffr