Human Rights Officer I

About the role

The Human Rights Officer (HRO) is responsible for maintaining a facility program to ensure the legal and basic human rights of persons served are promoted and protected. The HRO serves as the facility’s liaison with Disability Rights Texas and coordinates the Patient Advocacy Program.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve rights-related complaints/issues presented by persons served and other interested parties.
• Evaluate how facilities investigate, review and report unusual incidents and injuries.
• Provide input to the facility Superintendent and make recommendations for systemic improvements to decrease incidents of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
• Develop facility policy and procedures.
• Attend Hospital investigations and resolution of rights-related complaints/issues.
• Train staff, Patient Advocacy Committee (PAC) members and persons served as requested or required.
• Monitor and promote staff and patient awareness of potential rights violations.
• Ensure that each restriction of an individual's rights adheres to due process and occurs solely based upon the individual's needs and capabilities.
• Participate in Clinical Case Review (CCR).
• Follow up to remove or reduce restrictions as needed.
• Support individuals to exercise their rights including participation in self-advocacy, citizenship, voting and community political activities.

Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program area.
• Knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid and Joint Commission Regulations or local, state and federal laws related to the program area.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Computer skills to include Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to develop and provide training to staff, volunteers and persons served.
• Ability to facilitate meetings.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in psychology, sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or a related human services field and six (6) months experience in human rights, patient advocacy, mental health services, or case management work.
• Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months’ experience required.
• No degree and a minimum of thirty-six months’ experience required.
• Six months of experience working with persons with mental health or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Skills

• Knowledge of legal and basic human rights and due process.

Benefits

Includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

Pay

$4,020.33 - $6,335.66

Schedule

Day