Patient Rights Advocate Level 1; Sacramento

Department:
Patients’ Right Advocate Sacramento County Team

Reports To:

Program Director
FLSA Status:
Full time, Non-Exempt

Work Location:

Sacramento County Facilities and Community Locations;
Travel Required

Schedule:

Full-time, typically Monday
- Friday; 37.5 hours per week.

The Patients' Rights Advocate represents the expressed interests of behavioral health clients in Sacramento County, including rights advocacy, complaint investigation, facility monitoring, and representation in hearings related to involuntary detention and capacity. This role requires strong communication, disciplined documentation, and the ability to operate professionally in acute settings.

• Represent clients' expressed wishes at Certification Review (probable cause) hearings and other proceedings as required under California Welfare and Institutions Code.
• Represent clients at Riese capacity hearings and other hearings assigned by program leadership.
• Receive, investigate, and seek to resolve complaints regarding abuse, unreasonable denial, or punitive withholding of rights guaranteed under W&I Code section 5325 and Title 9 CCR.
• Initiate complaint investigations as soon as possible, and within two working days, including interviews with the client, facility staff, and other relevant parties.
• Attempt to resolve complaints quickly; refer complaints not resolved within five working days to the County Behavioral Health Services Director or designee per contract requirements.
• Escalate unresolved issues and questions to the California Office of Patients' Rights (COPR) when required.