To perform a variety of analytical and professional duties in protecting the statutory and constitutional rights of Placer County mental health patients and clients; and to monitor County operated facilities and professional service providers for program and service compliance through site reviews or reporting by patient and/or others.
Receives direction from a program manager or other management position.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Monitor mental health facilities, services and programs for statutory and regulatory compliance regarding patients' rights; ensure that recipients of mental health services are notified of their rights.
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Receive and investigate complaints from residents, their families or staff of licensed health or community care facilities and Placer County Mental Health inpatient facility regarding abuse, unreasonable denial or punitive withholding of patient rights.
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Act as advocate for involuntarily detained mental health service recipients; represent clients at Certification Review Hearings; assure that denial of patient rights occurs only within the context of that allowed by State code.
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Report violations of rights directly to the State Department of Mental Health; exchange information and cooperate with the State Patients' Rights Office.
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Provide training and education on mental health laws and patients' rights to staff of County clinics and facilities; consult with staff on rights issues; and assist staff with policies and procedures relative to legal compliance.
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Travel to visit patients at residential and/or nursing facilities on a regular basis to ascertain satisfaction with level of care and evaluate the patient's environment.
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Ensure that applicable County operated facilities and providers are maintaining mandated postings and materials regarding patient rights, compliance, and services.
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Function as the Department's System of Care Ombudsman in his or her absence.
- Monitor service provider compliance through site reviews and patient reporting; maintain appropriate records and logs as departmental reference resource; advise management regarding problems or service issues.
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Prepare various reports and correspondence, including mandated reports and filings.
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Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
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Perform related duties as assigned.
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Three years of responsible experience providing client advocacy services in a mental health agency.
Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration, social sciences, psychology or a related field.
Required License or Certificate:
Must possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance is also required.