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