Recipient Rights Advisor/Investigator

SCCMHA JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Recipient Rights Advisor/Investigator

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Recipient Rights, provides and coordinates the protection of recipient rights of all consumers. Investigates complaints alleging violations of rights and prepares investigative reports of alleged violations of rights. Monitors recipient rights implementation for all Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) providers. Provides recipient rights training and information guaranteed by Chapter 7 and Chapter 7A of the Michigan Mental Health Code (MMHC) for employees, consumers, contractors, and other professional groups. Track occurrences of and helps consumers navigate the SCCMHA system, including consumer rights, appeals and grievances and other complaints. This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery- based practices; person centered planning as a shared decision-making process with the individual, who defines his/her life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and a trauma informed culture of safety to aid consumer in the recovery process. Recipient Rights Advisor/Investigators will have no direct service responsibility within the SCCMHA Provider Network.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. Investigates rights complaints ensuring all appropriate investigative procedures are adhered to as required by the MMHC and SCCMHA Recipient Rights policies and procedures.

2. Prepare appropriate documentation and correspondence (including status reports) of investigation as required by the MMHC, administrative rules, and SCCMHA policies and procedures. Recommends to the SCCMHA Chief Executive Office remedial actions if violations of rights have occurred.

3. Maintains accurate documentation and records.

4. Ensures that recipients/others receive information about rights and how to contact the Office of Recipient Rights (ORR).

5. Develop and maintain current Recipient Rights training according to Michigan Department Community Health (MDCH) standards. Provides Recipient Rights training and in-service training to SCCMHA staff, Self-Direction contract staff and contract agencies’ staff. Provides assistance, education, and training to recipients and/or families on their rights and assists recipients in their self-advocacy. Provides consultation to the continuing education unit to ensure ORR training is complaint with information from the MMHC and MDCH ORR.

6. Visit, monitor, and/or audit contracted service sites at least annually (as required per statute); disseminate informational packets as required by the MDCH; audit site records to ensure compliance pursuant to the MMHC and the MDCH contract; interface with recipients, staff, members of the public, other ORR offices, and regulatory agencies.

7. Assists in coordinating investigations with other human service agencies or legal entities.

8. Conducts periodic site visits/investigations during regular or non-traditional work hours for compliance with Mental Health Code protected rights.

9. Provides appropriate referral for issues/complaints not under jurisdiction of the office.

10. Assists/consults with contractors in ensuring compliance with laws and regulations concerning Recipient Rights.

11. Assists consumers in navigating the SCCMHA system, including service array, consumer rights.

12. Records tracking information in the Recipient Rights database.

13. Adheres to the mission, vision, core values and operating principles of SCCMHA at all times.

INCIDENTAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

1. Attends in-service training, seminars, conferences, and workshops in order to sustain professional competency.

2. Reacts productively to change and handles other essential tasks as assigned. May participate in Quality Improvement functions.

3. Performs other duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Recipient Rights.

(The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of personnel so classified.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Supervisor of Recipient Rights

Supervises: None

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:

Works in normal office environment with usual pressures of conflict resolution and dealing with time constraints. Because of multiple provider sites of SCCMHA and the need to visit programs on site, it is common to drive to several locations: sometimes in bad weather. Works with a variety of providers, staff, programs, and consumers. Occasional contact with the public and in proximity of consumers who may have communicable disease, and who may be hostile, aggressive, and potentially violent. May be required to work non-traditional hours

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or related field.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years progressively responsible mental health experience. Knowledge of mental health program, Michigan Mental Health Code and Administrative Rules. Experience with recipient rights investigations preferred. Must have or attain within three (3) months of hire, the Basic Skills I/II Training curriculum as determined by the Office of Recipient Rights with the Michigan Department of Community Health and continue those ongoing education/training requirements.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid Michigan Driver’s license with a good driving record.

A limited licensed bachelor social worker (LLBSW) and/or licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of mental health programs and services, Michigan Mental Health Code, Administrative Rules, counseling and psychology.

2. Analytical ability, keyboard, computer, English composition, and office practice skills.

3. Ability to serve public in pleasant courteous manner, to communicate with individuals effectively and deal with irate individuals.

4. Ability to use tack and diplomacy and understand individuals from all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

5. Overall knowledge of the continuum of services provided by SCCMHA.

6. Ability to plan and organize work and provide small group leadership.

7. Effective oral and written communication skills.

8. Ability to organize and maintain data and information.

9. Problem solving and mediation abilities.

10. Ability to maintain favorable public relations and provide community leadership.

11. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

1. Hearing acuity to converse in person and on telephone.

2. Visual Acuity to read and proofread documents and use CRT.

3. Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.

4. Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)

5. Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.

6. Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, consumers and the general public.

7. Analytical skills necessary to conduct research, analyze, and interpret complex data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.

8. Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.

9. Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with large numbers of employees and/or consumers.

(Listed qualifications are for guidance in filling this position. Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered; however, mandatory licensing or certification requirements cannot be waived. Physical/mental requirements cannot be waived unless specifically indicated.)