Job Summary
Reporting to the VP & Associate Chief Nurse, the Patient Advocate & Human Rights Officer works closely with the program leadership to ensure procedures and protections comply with Department of Mental Health policies and regulations, in order to promote respect and protection of the patient’s human rights. The Patient Advocate & Human Rights Officer is mandated to empower the patient, including parents/guardians in the protection of the patient’s fundamental human rights.

This Patient Advocate & Human Rights Officer will be responsible for:

• Educating and informing patients of their rights, including the right to file a complaint.
• Informing legal guardians of their role in making decisions, participating in treatment planning, and otherwise protecting the rights of children and adolescents.
• Assisting patients, and their legal guardians to obtain an attorney or legal advocate when they request one or when it is in their best interest to have one in the opinion of the HRO
• Informing a patient who is age 16 or older of their rights regarding a conditional voluntary admission, the 3-day notice and their rights to an outside attorney or legal advocate
• Acting as a resource to the patients regarding the program’s guidelines
• Advocating for and assisting any patient whose rights have been, are being, or are at risk of being denied
• Assisting to resolve, through all available mechanisms, the patient’s human rights issues.
• Reviewing all complaints and Safety Events reports (SERS) relative to this patient population. Participating in all quality management activities relevant to human rights. Expert knowledge of the fundamental rights of patients and how those rights are exercised.
• Participating in the development of the program’s policies and practices, as well as other program initiatives relevant to human rights
• Participating in educating staff regarding all rights of patients and the role of legal guardians in making decisions and participating in treatment planning on behalf of the patient
• Attending all training sessions sponsored by the Department of Mental Health for Human Rights Officers. Having access to patients, patient records, incident reports, SERS, program policies, program staff at all levels, and meetings relevant to patient’s rights in order to carry out the previously listed responsibilities
• Responding and consulting to support the needs of patient and families “boarding” with behavioral health challenges as they relate to their fundamental human rights

To qualify, you must have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Masters in Nursing preferred; or Masters in Social Work.
• Current Nursing or Social Work licensure in the state of Massachusetts
• Current Commonwealth of MA DMH Training certification
• 5 years plus of nursing or social work experience in behavioral health
• Effective interpersonal relationships including respect, courtesy, and the ability to provide empathy in difficult interpersonal situations. Deep knowledge and understanding of fundamental human rights principles
• Flexibility and ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Persons with diverse backgrounds encouraged to apply
• Spanish speaking a plus

Boston Children’s Hospital offers competitive compensation and unmatched benefits including flexible schedules, affordable health, vision and dental insurance, childcare and student loan subsidies, generous levels of time off, 403(b) Retirement Savings plan, Pension, Tuition and certain License and Certification Reimbursement, cell phone plan discounts and discounted rates on T-passes. Experience the benefits of passion and teamwork