Job Details

Date: Jul 16, 2026Location: TERRELL, TXJoin the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.About the PositionHuman Rights Officer II (Rights Protection Officer) works under the supervision of the Director of Rights Protection (or the state hospital Superintendent if a one‑person department). The Rights Protection Officer performs complex (journey‑level) rights protection work without any conflict of interest. The Human Rights Officer II maintains a program that ensures the legal and basic human rights of individuals served are promoted and protected. Investigates allegations of rights violations and seeks to find a resolution for all parties involved. Provides guidance to other hospital staff. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.Performs other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.Essential Job FunctionsAttends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.Implements processes to ensure that individual patient rights are observed on all state hospital units and programs.Represents the individuals served in recovery team meetings as needed, and on hospital committees, as requested, which may include the Hospital Executive Committee, Grievance Committee, Ethics Committee, and other committees.Responds to requests and complaints by visiting with individuals on their treatment unit and assists with other hospital rights issues as needed.Conducts observations and interviews with staff and individuals to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conditions of participation, the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), HIPAA, agency, and state hospital policies and procedures related to the rights of the individuals served. Completes medical record audits using the Quality System Oversight (QSO) instruments, TJC tracer tools, and unit review tools to ensure that rights restrictions are properly documented.Provides a mechanism to file complaints and/or grievances concerning treatment and treatment outcomes by thoroughly investigating each allegation or request received and/or referring it to the appropriate agency. Represents the expressed desires of the individuals served and advocates for the resolution of their grievances. Provides results to the patient, other appropriate parties, and as requested, to the HHSC Office of Ombudsman.Tracks data and provides analysis and trends on the nature and extent of complaints and/or grievances. Prepares reports for state hospital leadership and the State Hospital Governing Body.Supports HHSC provider investigators regarding Client Abuse/Neglect cases by providing them with medical record information, policies and procedures, and access to staff involved in the allegation. Works closely with the hospital Superintendent responding to abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE) investigation results by assisting the Superintendent in determining what disciplinary action needs to be taken.Supports Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigators when conducting their investigations by providing them with medical record information, policy and procedures, and access to staff involved in the allegation.Serves as liaison with Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) responding to inquiries regarding patient rights.Plans and leads rights group meetings with patients on treatment units.Supports the implementation of the Patient Rights handbook by ensuring that each patient receives a copy of the handbook. Ensures that patient rights information is posted throughout the hospital.Ensures that the rights of the patient receiving services have been thoroughly explained to staff and volunteers through orientation and ongoing training.Performs other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of applicable laws, regulations and department/agency policy and procedures.Knowledge of TJC, CMS, and HIPAA standards.Knowledge of legal and basic human rights.Knowledge of mental health disorders.Knowledge of statistical analysis.Skills in conducting interviews.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Proficient skills in Microsoft Excel and Word.Ability to effectively communicate statistical information.Ability to make decisions and share recommendations with facility leaders.Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.Ability to gather, assemble, analyze, and trend facts/data, and present the findings in a way that is meaningful, effective, and understandable.Ability to facilitate meetings.Ability to provide guidance to others.QualificationsGraduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in psychology, sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or a related human services field and a minimum of twelve (12) months experience working with persons with mental health or intellectual and developmental disabilities.OR Associate degree and a minimum of twenty‑four months experience.OR No degree and a minimum of forty‑eight months' experience.AND Two years of experience working with persons with mental health or intellectual and developmental disabilities.Additional InformationApplicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18‑25 must be registered with the Selective Service.All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state‑operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. Employees must be vaccinated against hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and influenza. If employees choose not to be immunized for influenza, they may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.Military ServiceActive‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. Military occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position are listed in the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions and Military Crosswalk guide.ADA AccommodationsHHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.Pre‑Employment Checks and Work EligibilityHHSC uses E‑Verify. Applicants must bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work.Nearest Major MarketSan Antonio#J-18808-Ljbffr