Patient Rights Advocate- Sacramento

Job Description

Job Description

About Us
Sustainable Wellness Solutions (SWS) is a peer-run nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, peer support, housing, and education for individuals living with mental health and substance use challenges. Our mission is to provide culturally competent, strength-based services that foster empowerment, self-responsibility, and community integration.
We believe in hope, empowerment, self-worth, and respect, and we work every day to ensure those values guide the way we serve.

The Role
We are seeking a Patients’ Rights Advocate to join our Office of Patients’ Rights program in Sacramento. This role is critical in protecting and advancing the rights of individuals receiving mental health services. Advocates provide representation, resolve complaints, monitor facilities, and ensure individuals understand and can exercise their legal rights.
Advocates at SWS are often individuals with lived experience in the mental health system, using their perspectives to ensure client-centered, lawful, and compassionate advocacy.

Key Responsibilities
• Representing clients expressed wishes in certification review hearings and complaint resolution.
• Investigate and resolve rights violation complaints in licensed health or community care facilities.
• Monitor facilities to ensure compliance with patient rights laws and regulations.
• Notify clients of their legal rights and assist them in navigating the mental health system.
• Provide training and education to providers about mental health laws and patient rights.
• Collaborate with courts, providers, and community partners to strengthen advocacy support.
• Maintain accurate documentation, case notes, and reports.
• Uphold California Welfare & Institutions Code requirements.
• Participate in agency training, outreach, and activities.

What We’re Looking For
• Lived experience in mental health services (as a consumer or family member) is strongly preferred.
• 1+ year of experience in customer support or mental health-related work preferred.
• Strong communication skills, assertive yet compassionate.
• Knowledge of self-help philosophy and behavioral health systems.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with professionalism.
• Strong organizational and computer skills (Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Valid CA driver’s license, clean DMV record, proof of insurance, and willingness to travel throughout Sacramento County (up to 50%).
• DOJ background check required.
• Multilingual applicants encouraged to apply.

Benefits & Perks (for eligible staff)
✔ Bi-weekly pay ✔ Medical, dental, and vision insurance ✔ Outstanding paid time off ✔ 401(k) plan with employer support ✔ Life insurance & supplemental benefits (Aflac) ✔ Flexible spending account ✔ Paid volunteer days & community involvement opportunities ✔ Employee Assistance Program ✔ Opportunities for advancement

COVID-19/Health Considerations
• Advocates provide in-person services in psychiatric hospitals and other facilities.
• Must be willing to travel across Sacramento County.
• COVID-19 vaccination is recommended but not required.