Director of Rights Protection

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package 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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Under the supervision of the State Hospital Superintendent, performs advanced (senior level) rights protection work without any conflict of interest. The Human Rights Officer III (Director of Rights Protection) has the responsibility to maintain a program which ensures the legal and basic human rights of individuals served are promoted and protected. Investigates allegations of rights violations and seeks to find a resolution for all parties involved. Supervises the work of Rights Protection Officers. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Supervises the work of Rights Protection Officers and develops and implements processes to ensure that individual patient rights are observed on all state hospital units and programs.

Represents the individuals served in recovery team meetings as needed and on hospital committees which may include the Hospital Executive Committee, Grievance Committee, Ethics Committee, and other committees as requested.

Responds to requests and complaints by visiting with individuals on their treatment unit and assists with other hospital rights issues as needed.

Conducts observations and interviews with staff and individuals to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) standards, the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), HIPAA, and agency policy and procedures related to the rights of the individuals served. Completes medical record audits using the Quality System Oversight (QSO) instruments, TJC tracer tools, and unit review tools to ensure that rights restrictions are property documented.

Provides a mechanism to file complaints and/or grievances concerning treatment and treatment outcomes by thoroughly investigating each allegation or request received and/or refers it to the appropriate agency. Represents the expressed desires of the individuals served and advocates for the resolution of their grievances. Provides results to the patient, other appropriate parties, and as requested by the HHSC Office of Ombudsman.

Provides analysis and trends on the nature and extent of complaints and/or grievances and prepares reports.

Supports HHSC provider investigators regarding Client Abuse/Neglect cases as requested in carrying out their investigations. Works closely with the hospital Superintendent responding to abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE) investigation results.

Supports Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigators when conducting their investigations.

Serves as liaison with Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) responding to inquiries regarding patient rights.

Coordinates and leads rights group meetings with patients on treatment units.

Supports the implementation of the Patient Rights handbook and ensures that patient rights information is posted.

Ensures that the rights of the individual receiving services have been thoroughly explained to staff and volunteers through orientation and on-going training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Working knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and department/agency policy and procedures

Considerable 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 skills in Microsoft Excel and Word

Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate statistical information.

Ability to make decisions and share recommendations with facility leaders.

Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.

Ability to gather, assemble, analyze, and trend facts/data and present the findings in a way that is meaningful, effective, and understandable.

Ability to facilitate meetings.

Ability to supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

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 a minimum Three (3) years of experience in human rights, patient advocacy, mental health services, or case management work.

OR

Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months experience required

OR

No degree and a minimum of forty-eight months experience required. 

Two years of experience working with persons with mental health or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.