JOB PURPOSE:  Serves as the Center's Rights Protection Officer overseeing the rights protection program and reporting analysis of findings to leadership. Performs advocacy work; serves as liaison to Department of Family and Protective Services; serves as a liaison between consumers and families and Spindletop Center, and performs other quality management duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:  Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field related to program area preferred.  At least three years of experience in a client rights protection program. Education and experience may be substituted for one another. 

DEGREE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED (IF APPLICABLE):  N/A

DRIVING REQUIRED:  Yes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Good spelling and grammar skills.

• Ability to write progress notes according to standards, assessments, brief mental status exams, memos, letters, various complex reports and miscellaneous other documents with acceptable spelling and grammar.

• Computer - skilled in the use of technology with Microsoft Office and all Google applications.

• Ability to input data into computer, make calculations, complete paperwork, produce reports.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS OR CONDITIONS (specify):

• May be required to interact with other consumers, referral sources, outside agencies, and family members to determine needs and actions to be taken.

• Current State of Texas Driver License or if you live in another state, must be currently licensed in that state.

• Liability insurance required if employee will operate personal vehicle on Center property or for Center business. Must be insurable by Center's liability carrier if employee operates a Center vehicle or drives personal car on Center business.

• Must complete all training requirements in month in which they are due.

• May be required to provide on-call duties.

• Availability of a personal vehicle for business use may be required.

• Work will take place within office setting, community setting and within the homes of clients, which may include shelters and temporary housing.

• Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test.

• Must successfully pass all background screens as required by the state.

• Must be physically able to conduct home visits to include walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time if required.

Essential Tasks & Standards

• Maintains working knowledge of standards, rules, regulations, laws, policies and procedures related to services provided by the Center and the population served.
• Maintains working knowledge of available community resources for all consumers served by the Center.
• Oversees Center's rights protection program including internal and external investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, exploitation, rights violations, and customer service complaints. Ensures all notifications, investigations, reports and follow-up are completed within specified time frames.
• Participates in the death review process in accordance with current Center policy.
• Reports all critical incidents in accordance with policies, laws, regulatory standards, and contract requirements.
• Oversees interpreter services for the Center. Reviews and prepares invoices for approval and ensures effective implementation of related policies.
• Serves as the voter registrar for the Center. Ensures effective implementation of related policies.
• Participates in stakeholder surveys and related performance improvement projects as assigned.
• Performs advocacy work within the Center and the community at large. Collaborates with local advocacy groups and the Center's planning and network advisory committee.
• Participates in training of Center employees, volunteers, contractors and clients as assigned.
• Participates in quality management activities as requested by supervisor.

Work Behaviors & Standards

• Attends work regularly and punctually in order to provide reliable and consistent coverage in area of responsibility. Arrives at designated time and departs according to schedule. Maintains a willingness to adjust schedule to meet the needs of the situation. Makes every attempt to pre-schedule absences and provide dependable coverage and service. Complies with Center policies regarding leave usage, absenteeism, and tardiness.
• Interacts with person served in an emotionally supportive and/or therapeutic manner in order to provide an environment of caring, dignity, and respect.
• Works harmoniously with fellow employees, supervisors, family, and friends of persons served, and the public in order to create an environment of caring, dignity and respect, and that allows for the accomplishment of the Center's mission.
• Utilizes work time effectively to insure that all assignments are completed in a thorough and timely manner.
• Abides by all Center policies and procedures regarding training objectives and requirements including those that relate to safety and infectious disease control. Will keep all Staff Development mandatory trainings current.
• Adheres to Center policies and procedures and all applicable requirements and regulations of HHSC, CMS, Texas Administrative Code, CARF, relevant contracts and all other applicable regulatory bodies.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding consumers, records, personnel, and other sensitive and confidential information in order to comply with Center, state, and federal policy.
• Conducts all aspects of employment in accordance with Center's Compliance Program.