Program:
Do you hate injustice? Do you like fighting for the underdog? Would you like to be a part of a dynamic and dedicated team of advocates who travel the county representing clients receiving behavioral health services and ensuring that their rights are upheld?
The Patient Advocacy Program is looking for an outstanding individual who loves challenges and gets satisfaction from helping others in need.
We provide advocacy services for individuals receiving mental health and substance use disorder services in inpatient and residential settings. The Volunteer Mental Health Justice Representative will represent patients in due process court hearings in 17 acute psychiatric facilities located throughout San Diego County. Volunteers will be equipped with all the necessary tools and training.
Goal of Position:
Everyone has the right to be represented during any state of mind. The goal of this position is to develop a dynamic group of volunteers who demonstrate great compassion and accountability in their desire for supporting their fellow human. Equipped with the necessary tools and training, volunteers will be able to represent patients in due process court hearings, as well as be administrative supports for this active department. Currently, Patient Advocacy calendars thousands of hearings per year, which occur in approximately seventeen psychiatric facilities throughout San Diego County. Volunteers who can give their time and support will be an invaluable asset in the fight against injustice.
Responsibilities:
- Complete approximately 40 hours of job training with Patient Advocacy staff members, with on-going training opportunities available.
In relation to the hearing(s):
- Volunteers will call in to the office on the afternoon prior to their volunteer shift. They will be assigned anywhere from 1 to 4 hearings, depending on the volunteer's availability and number of hearings scheduled that day.
- Volunteer will drive to the facility to meet with each client for thirty minutes prior to hearing.
- Volunteer will ascertain from client whether they wish to remain in the facility for further mental health treatment
- Volunteer will attend due process hearings lasting approximately thirty minutes each, and represent the wishes of the clients at hearings.
- After the hearing, Volunteer has a responsibility to answer basic questions about the hearing's outcome, explain the writ of habeas process (if applicable), and provide contact information for the Patient Advocacy Program
- Confidently navigate health facilities throughout San Diego County
- Volunteers are welcomed at weekly staff meetings to de-brief with program staff members
- Monthly supervision with site supervisor and/or Senior Director provided
- Assist in program development and department operations
- Complete 4 hours of cultural competency training annually
Required Qualifications:
- Must pass a background check
- Must complete interview with program staff and HIPAA training
- Must provide own vehicle and insurance and be willing to travel to various locations throughout San Diego County
- Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage
- Must participate in extensive training before representing patients, with on-going training, as needed
- Must be 25 or older, have a college degree or pursuing higher education, or relevant experience
Time Commitment:
- Minimum 3 hour block of time per week
- 40 hours of "on the job" training (flexible hours). The number of hours can greatly vary depending on the needs of the volunteer.
- Minimum six month commitment
- 4 hours of cultural competency, annually
