Rights Protection Officer

Career Opportunities:
Rights Protection Officer (19057)

Posting  | Closing Date 07/30/2026 | Agency:
Health & Human Services Commission | Department:
Clients Rights Unit | Facility

Location:

Terrell State Hospital | Job Location City: TERRELL | Not eligible for Telework. Additional Shifts available (1). Salary range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 per month.

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and contribute to protecting the rights of individuals served. HHSC offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.

The 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 journey-level rights protection work, maintains a program to promote and protect the legal and basic human rights of individuals served, investigates allegations of rights violations, provides guidance to staff, and exercises independent judgment under general supervision.

• Attend work on a regular basis and work a specified or rotating shift schedule, with potential extended shifts or overtime as needed.
• Implement processes to ensure that individual patient rights are observed across state hospital units and programs.
• Represent individuals served in recovery team meetings and on hospital committees as needed (e.g., Hospital Executive Committee, Grievance Committee, Ethics Committee).
• Respond to requests and complaints by engaging with individuals on their treatment units and addressing rights issues.
• Conduct observations and interviews to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, CMS conditions of participation, TAC, HIPAA, and hospital policies; complete medical record audits to ensure rights restrictions are properly documented.
• Provide mechanisms to file complaints/grievances, investigate allegations, and refer as appropriate; communicate results to the HHSC Office of Ombudsman.
• Track data, analyze trends, and prepare reports for leadership and governing bodies.
• Support investigations by providing records and policy guidance; coordinate with relevant offices (OIG, disability rights, etc.) as needed.
• Plan and lead rights group meetings with patients and assist with disseminating the Patient Rights handbook; ensure rights information is posted throughout the hospital.
• Ensure staff and volunteers receive orientation and ongoing training on patient rights.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response, recovery, or COOP activation, which may require alternate shifts or locations.

• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and agency policy
• Knowledge of TJC, CMS, and HIPAA standards
• Knowledge of legal and basic human rights
• Knowledge of mental health disorders
• Knowledge of statistical analysis
• Skills in conducting interviews
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Ability to communicate statistical information effectively
• Ability to make decisions and provide recommendations to facility leaders
• Ability to work independently with all levels of staff
• Ability to gather, analyze, and present data clearly
• Ability to facilitate meetings and provide guidance to others

• Initial Screening Criteria:
  Graduation from an accredited four-year college with major coursework in psychology, sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or a related human services field and at least 12 months of relevant experience, OR an associate degree with 24 months of experience, OR no degree with 48 months of experience; AND two years of experience working with persons with mental health or developmental disabilities.
• Registrations, Licensure or
  
  Certifications:
  
  None

• Applicants must pass background checks, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE);
  Selective Service registration for males 18-25 is required.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years old; for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth, 21 years of age.
• Flexibility in work hours and potential overtime/extended hours.
• Immunization requirements per HHSC policy; vaccinations or masking may be required depending on exposure risk.
• ADA accommodations available during hiring; contact the HHSC Employee Service Center for assistance.
• HHSC uses E-Verify; bring I-9 documentation on first day.