Patient Advocate Attorney

Position Title: Patient Advocate Attorney

Organization: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Department: Patient Advocacy Program

Position Type: Full-Time hours/week), Exempt

Work Setting: Fully Onsite

Reports To: Senior Director of Patient Advocacy and Housing Services

Pay Range: $90,000-$94,500/year

Total Compensation:

• Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees

• Generous employer 401(k) contributions

• Employer-covered life insurance

Time Away from Work:

• Paid vacation time and sick leave

• 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (if on normal scheduled workday), plus floating holidays

• 2 Wellness Days per year to support mental wellness

Position Overview:

• Provide legal advisements and represent minors in publicly funded psychiatric facilities

• Conduct legal research and assist clients at certification review hearings for involuntary holds in psychiatric hospitals

• Support Senior Director and Director with relevant tasks

• Advocate for behavioral health clients countywide, protecting their rights

Key Talents:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Ability to create and implement multiple strategies for problem resolution

• Compassionate, responsible, accountable, with a sense of humor to make work enjoyable

Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the Patient Advocacy Program daily

• Perform Roger S advisements and represent minor clients at Roger S hearings

• Manage primary program calendar during Program Manager's absence

• Conduct grievance investigations and review grievance files for county audits

• Represent clients at due process hearings

• Present in-service training for clients, staff, and behavioral health community

• Develop and oversee program materials

• Train and support qualified staff and volunteers promoting collaboration and efficiency

• Provide feedback on grievance letters and next steps

• Leverage staff strengths to meet program objectives

• Provide regular Article 14 training and maintain attendance records

• Review emails containing PHI for confidentiality compliance when Program Manager unavailable

• Conduct legal research as needed

• Build relationships and collaborate with community partners, facility administrators, law enforcement, fellow advocates, and groups like NAMI

• Stay updated on resources relevant to populations served

• Attend community meetings and represent the agency with awareness of political issues and community concerns

Must-Have Skills/Experience/Abilities:

• Licensed attorney

• Valid CA driver's license, insurance, reliable personal vehicle, willingness to travel off-site

• Successful Criminal History Background Check

• Commitment to working with underrepresented communities including those living with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, diverse ethnic/cultural/linguistic backgrounds, unhoused individuals, active drug users, LGBTQ+ community

• Knowledge or willingness to learn California patients' rights laws and San Diego County policies

• Experience or willingness to perform Roger S advisements

• Knowledge or willingness to learn program reporting requirements

• Detail-oriented with strong oral and written communication skills

• Ability to build relationships with a wide range of community partners

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics

• Experience providing presentations on behavioral health

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently sit, talk, listen, stand, walk, use hands/arms, handle papers, use phone

• Occasionally climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl

• Occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds

• Moderate noise level requires concentration and good hearing

• Approximate time spent on job tasks:

• Sitting: 75%

• Standing: 15%

• Lifting: 10%

Application Instructions:

• Submit resume and cover letter

• Incomplete applications will not be considered

• No phone calls; principals only

• Local candidates only; no relocation assistance

About Jewish Family Service of San Diego:

• Client-centered, impact-driven organization with over 100 years of trusted service

• Offers life-changing and life-saving services

• Values employees as backbone of the agency

• Committed to dignity, respect, and employee success

• Learn more at

Equal Opportunity Employer: Jewish Family Service is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.