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.

Position Summary

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.
• Monitor designated facilities for compliance with patient rights notification and posting requirements; document and report violations through established channels.
• Provide training and education to facility staff and community partners on patients' rights and mental health law as requested.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case documentation and timekeeping; follow program documentation standards.
• Maintain professional public relations and represent SWS at community meetings as directed.
• Other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications
• Lived experience as a consumer of mental health services or an immediate family member (preferred) and commitment to peer-driven advocacy values.
• Knowledge of and commitment to self-help philosophy and client-directed advocacy.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to represent clients in formal hearings.
• Ability to work effectively under stress, maintain professionalism in acute settings, and manage conflict.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and basic data systems.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Sacramento County and conduct field work.
• Valid California driver license, proof of auto insurance, and acceptable driving record (required).
• Successful completion of DOJ background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in patients' rights advocacy, peer advocacy, legal support, or behavioral health systems.
• Bilingual skills relevant to Sacramento County communities. Work Environment
• Work is performed primarily in psychiatric hospitals, emergency departments, crisis units, and residential facilities.
• Frequent exposure to clients in crisis, high-conflict situations, and secure settings.
• Travel between multiple locations is required. Physical Requirements
• Ability to sit for hearings and travel; ability to walk facility units and complete site monitoring.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds (files, laptop, materials). Compliance and Performance Expectations
• Advocacy is client-directed: the advocate represents the client's expressed interests, not the advocate's opinion.
• Confidentiality and HIPAA compliance are mandatory, no unauthorized disclosure of client information.
• Investigations and escalations must meet contract timelines (2-day investigation start; 5-day escalation threshold).
• Meet reporting and documentation standards; incomplete records are not acceptable.
• Follow SWS Employee Handbook policies and facility rules while on-site