Monterey County Health Department

Salinas, CA 93906

PATIENT RIGHTS ADVOCATE

Salary: $5,672.00 - $7,747.00 Monthly

Final Filing Date: May 10, 2026

Exam # 26/60L01/04MH

The Patient Rights Advocate (PRA) ensures that individuals receiving mental health and/or substance use services are treated with dignity and that their civil, legal, and human rights are protected. Operating within Monterey County Behavioral Health and reporting directly to the Quality Division Deputy Director, the position provides advocacy, education, and oversight for clients who are served by county staff and contracted partners. The PRA serves as an independent representative who protects client rights, advises clients and staff on statutory protections, and ensures compliance with state and federal laws. The PRA dedicates approximately half of their time to Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) certification review hearings, advocating for due process during involuntary treatment. The remaining time is divided among complaint investigation and resolution, staff and client training, policy and compliance oversight, supervision and program coordination, and documentation and reporting. The position is central to promoting accountability, equity, and client-centered care throughout Monterey County’s public behavioral health network.

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process will be used to fill current and future vacancies, both regular and temporary, as they arise.

Examples of Duties:

• Advise each client in treatment concerning his/her rights as guaranteed by statute or regulation.

• Review and investigate complaints of patients and interested individuals and report any occurrence of practices with respect to procedure, personnel or facilities which reflect an abridgement of the patients’ rights to the Country Mental Health Director or his/her designee.

• Act as the local consultant on patients’ rights matters and serve as patients’ advocate in all certification review hearings.

• Assist in informing staff of facilities as specified in Section 860 of Title 9 of California Administrative Code about patients’/residents’ rights.

• Prepares statistical reports, certification review reports correspondence.

• Act as the liaison between the Monterey County Mental Health Services and the Patients’ Rights specialist from the State Department of Mental Health.

• Assure that the rights listed in Section 5325 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and Section 861 of Title 9 of the California Administrative Code, and in all pertinent U.S. codes remain posted in all facilities were posting is required pursuant to Section 860 of Title 9 of the California Administrative Code.

To view the complete job description, please visit the Monterey County website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty/classspecs/newprint/776669

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Skill and Ability to:

• Analyze, evaluate and draw logical conclusions 

• Read and interpret applicable provisions of codes, laws and decisions

• Write to prepare clear, concise reports and keep accurate patient records

• Develop and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Desirable Qualifications:

• Ability to speak, read and write in English and Spanish

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

The skills necessary may be acquired through various types of education, training, and/or experience, typically:

Education:

Completion of 30 college semester units in the social sciences or related area

AND

Experience:

One year of experience performing advocacy, social work or counselor duties in a mental health environment.

REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.

• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency, travel out of County to attend meetings.

• Successfully complete a background check to include fingerprinting.

BENEFITS: 

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Bargaining Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES:

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. 

• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9. 

• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary. 

Additional Information

Apply on-line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty/jobs/5277374/patient-rights-advocate?page=3&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

OR

Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting: 

Monterey County Health Department

Attn: Human Resources Division

1270 Natividad Road

Salinas, CA 93906.

Phone: (831) 755 – 4519    Fax: (831) 775-8132 

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application

• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer.