Patient Advocate Attorney

• Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees
• Generous employer 401(k) contributions
• Employer-covered life insurance

• Paid vacation time and sick leave
• 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (if on normal scheduled workday), plus floating holidays
• 2 Wellness Days per year to support mental wellness

• Provide legal advisements and represent minors in publicly funded psychiatric facilities
• Conduct legal research and assist clients at certification review hearings for involuntary holds in psychiatric hospitals
• Support Senior Director and Director with relevant tasks
• Advocate for behavioral health clients countywide, protecting their rights

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to create and implement multiple strategies for problem resolution
• Compassionate, responsible, accountable, with a sense of humor to make work enjoyable

• Lead and coordinate the Patient Advocacy Program daily
• Perform Roger S advisements and represent minor clients at Roger S hearings
• Manage primary program calendar during Program Manager's absence
• Conduct grievance investigations and review grievance files for county audits
• Represent clients at due process hearings
• Present in-service training for clients, staff, and behavioral health community
• Develop and oversee program materials
• Train and support qualified staff and volunteers promoting collaboration and efficiency
• Provide feedback on grievance letters and next steps
• Leverage staff strengths to meet program objectives
• Provide regular Article 14 training and maintain attendance records
• Review emails containing PHI for confidentiality compliance when Program Manager unavailable
• Conduct legal research as needed
• Build relationships and collaborate with community partners, facility administrators, law enforcement, fellow advocates, and groups like NAMI
• Stay updated on resources relevant to populations served
• Attend community meetings and represent the agency with awareness of political issues and community concerns

• Licensed attorney
• Valid CA driver's license, insurance, reliable personal vehicle, willingness to travel off-site
• Successful Criminal History Background Check
• Commitment to working with underrepresented communities including those living with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, diverse ethnic/cultural/linguistic backgrounds, unhoused individuals, active drug users, LGBTQ+ community
• Knowledge or willingness to learn California patients’ rights laws and San Diego County policies
• Experience or willingness to perform Roger S advisements
• Knowledge or willingness to learn program reporting requirements
• Detail-oriented with strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to build relationships with a wide range of community partners
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics
• Experience providing presentations on behavioral health

• Frequently sit, talk, listen, stand, walk, use hands/arms, handle papers, use phone
• Occasionally climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl
• Occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds
• Moderate noise level requires concentration and good hearing
• Approximate time spent on job tasks:
• Sitting: 75%
• Standing: 15%
• Lifting: 10%

• Submit resume and cover letter
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• No phone calls; principals only
• Local candidates only; no relocation assistance

• Client-centered, impact-driven organization with over 100 years of trusted service
• Offers life-changing and life-saving services
• Values employees as backbone of the agency
• Committed to dignity, respect, and employee success
• Learn more at jfssd.org

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.