Mental Health Rights Protection Officer

Denton County MHMR Center employees are to be committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Denton County MHMR Center defines diversity broadly to include race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, age, and other groups.

Denton County MHMR Center employees are to strive to maintain a trauma sensitive workplace, to embrace trauma sensitive and informed practices, and to foster a supportive and welcoming environment of care.

Under direction of the Administrator of Quality and Utilization Management and within federal, state and local guidelines performs routine quality assurance work.  Work involves planning, developing, and administering internal quality assurance and compliance activities.

The MH Rights Protection Officer & QA Specialist is responsible for monitoring and conducting activities under the supervision of the Administrator of QM/UM.  The position is responsible for the implementation of an on-going quality assurance program designed to monitor and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of mental health services, pursue opportunities to improve individuals served care and resolve problems objectively and systematically.  This position will be directly responsible for carrying out quality improvement processes and strategies focusing on mental health services and producing reports associated with quality assurance monitoring.  This will include but is not limited to record audit reviews, utilization reviews, outcome evaluations, scheduled self-assessment data verification reviews, death reviews, safety and consumer satisfaction surveys. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a human service field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and two (2) years prior experience in a mental health field required. Working knowledge and ability with Windows based Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Access software, E-mail and internet use or knowledge required. English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state programs, policies and laws of financial and medical eligibility program policies, and of quality control procedures.
• Skills in interviewing, in analyzing data, and in using computer programs and software.
• Ability to apply program and quality control policies and procedures; to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations; to select, analyze and evaluate information from case records in relation to eligibility criteria, and to communicate effectively.

Essential Duties

1.  Rights Protection Officer

• Assists clients in resolving potential routine rights issues.
• Investigates client rights complaints and coordinates with Center staff, state rights office, and others as necessary to resolve complaint. Submits forms to the state monthly.
• Provides back up to the RPO for IDD services as needed.
• Serves as Center liaison with DFPS to coordinate investigations of abuse, neglect, exploitation which could include occasional after hours contact with supervisory staff.
• Coordinates the Center's appeals and Medicaid Fair Hearings process.
• Conducts all investigative processes according to center policy, procedure, and related rules.
• Ensures current postings of all applicable related information at each Center. Operated/contracted facility and residential programs as required.
• Attends and advocates as appropriate and requested on behalf of a person served within established rules and regulations.
• Provides abuse, neglect, rights and confidentiality (ANRC) training monthly and additional training as requested by managers. Responsible for creation of training material and documentation of training activities.