Job Description

The Department of Mental Health is seeking a qualified candidate for the role of Human Rights Officer at the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital. The Human Rights Officer interacts with clients on a daily basis to establish a rapport and educate them about their rights as patients in a DMH facility. The occupant of this position advocates for clients whose human rights may be or are at risk of being denied, making a special effort to identify, document, and meet with clients who may not be capable of requesting assistance. This position includes filing complaints or appeals on the client's behalf as needed, monitoring the complaint process from the initial filing stage to the resolution, and monitoring other risk management data regarding all incidents and investigations. The Human Rights Officer also monitors the facilities use of restraint and seclusion by reviewing each order, episode, and related aggregate data. The Human Rights Officer serves as staff to the Human Rights Committee and provides essential information to facilitate the committee's advisory and monitoring function while also acting as liaison between the committee and facility administration. When appropriate, the occupant of this position takes deliberate steps to encourage proactive resolution to client or staff concerns prior to utilizing the formal complaint process. This includes working closely with facility staff and clients to effect positive change through participation in work groups, task forces or committees as requested. Additional duties include participating as a member of the Complaint Review Committee, collaborating with other DMH Human Rights staff on projects of common interest and importance, and attending team meetings and periodic review meetings as needed in an effort to reflect the perspective of clients. The occupant of this position will develop human rights training materials such as new employee orientation handouts, client handbooks, client rights postings, etc., and will provide necessary training to clients and staff through orientation, annual review sessions, group settings, and one-on-one meetings. Please Note: This position is 37.5 hours per week, Day Shift, Monday- Friday 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM. Days off are Saturday and Sunday. _Required Qualifications:_ * Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. * Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations. * Knowledge of the methods of general report writing. * Ability to provide oral and written reports to administration. * Ability to understand, explain, and apply applicable laws, rules and regulations, policies and procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities. * Ability to maintain accurate records through written records, electronic and paper filing. * Ability to establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds. * Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others. * Ability to adapt to varied working situations. _Preferred Qualifications:_ * Previous experience in Human Rights and/or patient advocacy. The preferred candidate will have experience advocating for individuals with mental health conditions. * Demonstrated ability to produce timely, professional reports. * Ability to organize and deliver effective presentations and trainings. * Ability to establish rapport and work effectively with co-workers, providers, and external advocates as needed. * Ability to prioritize and adjust work assignments to meet changing situations and demands. * Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency. _About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH):_ Located on over 100 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient and culturally competent mental health services. It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations. WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service, and 30 adolescents on the ACCU. _DMH Mission Statement:_ The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. _ Pre-Hire Process:_ A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 EXT 4. /Learn more about our important work: */ / First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in investigatory, law enforcement or regulatory administration work, or (B) and equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: A Bachelor's or higher degree may be substituted for a maximum of the two years of the required experience.* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. _ Comprehensive Benefits _ When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID 19 and Influenza. *An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Compliance and Certification* *Organization: Department of Mental Health *Title: * Human Rights Officer Location: Massachusetts-Worcester - 309 Belmont Street Requisition ID: 240008Z5

State of Massachusetts

Job Tags

Full time, Part time, Work experience placement, Shift work, Weekend work, Sunday, Saturday, Monday to Friday,

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