Rights Protection Officer

Date:
Jul 16, 2026

Location:

TERRELL, TX

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Human Rights Officer II (Rights Protection Officer) works under the supervision of the Director of Rights Protection (or the state hospital Superintendent if a one‑person department). The Rights Protection Officer performs complex (journey‑level) rights protection work without any conflict of interest. The Human Rights Officer II maintains a program that ensures the legal and basic human rights of individuals served are promoted and protected.

Investigates allegations of rights violations and seeks to find a resolution for all parties involved. Provides guidance to other hospital staff. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Implements processes to ensure that individual patient rights are observed on all state hospital units and programs.
• Represents the individuals served in recovery team meetings as needed, and on hospital committees, as requested, which may include the Hospital Executive Committee, Grievance Committee, Ethics Committee, and other committees.
• Responds to requests and complaints by visiting with individuals on their treatment unit and assists with other hospital rights issues as needed.
• Conducts observations and interviews with staff and individuals to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conditions of participation, the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), HIPAA, agency, and state hospital policies and procedures related to the rights of the individuals served. Completes medical record audits using the Quality System Oversight (QSO) instruments, TJC tracer tools, and unit review tools to ensure that rights restrictions are properly documented.
• Provides a mechanism to file complaints and/or grievances concerning treatment and treatment outcomes by thoroughly investigating each allegation or request received and/or referring it to the appropriate agency. Represents the expressed desires of the individuals served and advocates for the resolution of their grievances. Provides results to the patient, other appropriate parties, and as requested, to the HHSC Office of Ombudsman.
• Tracks data and provides analysis and trends on the nature and extent of complaints and/or grievances. Prepares reports for state hospital leadership and the State Hospital Governing Body.
• Supports HHSC provider investigators regarding Client Abuse/Neglect cases by providing them with medical record information, policies and procedures, and access to staff involved in the allegation. Works closely with the hospital Superintendent responding to abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE) investigation results by assisting the Superintendent in determining what disciplinary action needs to be taken.
• Supports Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigators when conducting their investigations by providing them with medical record information, policy and procedures, and access to staff involved in the allegation.
• Serves as liaison with Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) responding to inquiries regarding patient rights.
• Plans and…