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DATE:1/18/22
STATUS:Regular, Full Time
SALARY RANGE:$55,871.01 - $79,522.37
TITLE:RECIPIENTS RIGHTS OFFICER
GRADE:30
LOCATION:555 Towner
UNION AFFILIATION:Non-Union Employees
 
JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Rights Officer will assure that the agency operates a Recipient Rights System that is in compliance with the Michigan Mental Health Code (MMHC), particularly Chapters 7 and 7a. The Rights Officer will:
  • Receive reports of, and investigate apparent or suspected violations of rights
  • Act to assist recipients in obtaining resolution of complaints, and act on behalf of recipients to obtain remedies for apparent violations
  • Otherwise endeavor to safeguard the rights guaranteed by the MMHC through prevention, monitoring, and education activities for the agency and its staff.
Initially under close supervision, employees gradually receive more complex assignments and work more independently as experience is gained. Once gaining the required experience and demonstrating acceptable work, proficient employees are expected to independently perform varied work responsibilities.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Essential Duties:

Complaint Resolution

  • Receive and acknowledge all complaints of apparent or suspected violations of rights.
  • Investigate, or if appropriate, intervene to resolve allegations of rights violations as specified by the MMHC and contractual requirements. Determine responsibility for rights violations and recommend actions necessary to remediate violations in a timely manner
  • Intervene to assure the protection of recipients who may be abused or neglected. Develop and monitor compliance with remediation recommendations. Report recipient rights allegations and findings as required by law. Coordinate investigations with interested or required agencies as appropriate.
  • If necessary, assist the appellant in the appeal process as permitted in the MMHC Chapter 7a. Assure adherence to proper due process procedures required for appeals made to the Recipient Rights Appeals Committee.
  • If necessary, assist the appellant in filing an appeal to the DCH Administrative Tribunal when appeals have been exhausted at the local level.
  • Advise and assist recipients and families if recourse is outside the purview of the Office of Recipient Rights.
Prevention

  • Initiate, maintain, and update all agency Recipient Rights policies and procedures. Provide review and comment to other agency policies, procedures, and standards as it relates to the rights of recipients.
  • Assure that all contracts for mental health services entered into by the agency contain complete and updated language which protects and promotes the rights of recipients via mandated training and adherence to the rights protection system.
  • Consult with and provide consultation to the Executive Director, DCH, Licensing, and Corporation Counsel regarding questions of interpretation of laws and guidelines. Communicate clarifications to staff.
  • Serve as the consultant to staff regarding potential rights issues, providing interpretation of applicable rules, laws and guidelines as necessary.
  • Serve in an advisory capacity on the Behavior Treatment Committee to provide consultation and technical assistance to the Committee.
  • Alert the Executive Director to agency practices that may potentially violate rights.
  • Work cooperatively with outside agencies to ensure protection of rights of recipients. These may include Michigan Protection and Advocacy, Protective Services, Licensing, state or local law enforcement agencies, and other advocacy or regulatory groups.
  • Consult with and report to the local Recipient Rights Advisory Committee and to the Department of Community Health, per Chapter 7.
Monitoring

  • Review all Incident Reports. Whenever such reports indicate a potential violation of rights has occurred, assure that an intervention or investigation is initiated. Follow-up on systemic concerns or questions generated by Incident Report review.
  • Review the circumstances surrounding the death of, or serious injury to a recipient. If there is an apparent or suspected rights violation that caused or contributed to the death, initiate an investigation.
  • Conduct announced and unannounced visits to all service sites, minimally once a year or with the frequency necessary to assure rights protection. Document deficiencies and monitor remedial action to resolve deficiencies.
  • Review reports from accrediting bodies for information pertinent to rights protection .
Education

  • Develop, organize, and implement recipient rights training for employees, contract employees, volunteers or other agents of the agency as mandated by the MMHC and in response to complaint trends.
  • Ensure training of the Recipient Rights Advisory Committee and the Recipient Rights Appeals Committee.
  • When indicated, develop training for recipients, family members, and interested public or civic groups.
Substance Abuse Rights Protection

  • Performs rights protection activities and other related duties as assigned, per the Administrative Rules for Substance Abuse Programs in Michigan, Part 3 and the MDCH Recipient Rights Procedures Manual.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

  • Mental Health Code, Public Health Code, DCH Administrative Rules, State of Michigan Licensing Rules, HIPAA, Substance Abuse rules and laws, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and policies.
  • Interviewing, negotiating and influencing skills and techniques.
  • Effective communication skills (e.g., public speaking, proper written & verbal skills).
  • Effective training methods and techniques to be used with program staff.
Skill in:

  • Interacting effectively with recipients or staff who may be anxious, angry or defensive during the investigative process.
  • Conducting impartial, objective, factual and fair investigations of potential rights violations.
  • Analyzing complex problems, evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations.
  • Performing effectively under stress, managing competing priorities, and skilled time management.
  • Performing effectively under stress; attaining precise set limits, tolerances and standards.
  • Working under specific instructions and meeting required deadlines.
  • Using sound independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Maintaining accurate files and records.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted within the course of work.
  • Operating standard office equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.
These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
EDUCATION
  • Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing, Public Administration; Criminal Justice; Juris Doctorate; or a Master's degree in a field closely related to mental health, human services, or law.
EXPERIENCE
  • Two (2) years of experience in mental health programs or other human services, including Rights-related work, or experience in practicing law.
This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to possess

FILING DEADLINE: 2/8/22

CONTROL NUMBER: 2201-5100-3074-0001

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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