Baker Act Coordinator/Patient Advocate

Overview

Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

North Tampa Behavioral Health is seeking a collaborative and detail-oriented professional to serve as our Baker Act Coordinator / Patient Advocate. This role ensures full compliance with Florida’s Baker Act requirements while actively safeguarding patient rights and supporting the grievance process.

This is a highly visible, patient-facing role that partners with clinical teams, leadership, and legal entities to protect patient safety, maintain regulatory compliance, and promote a professional and respectful care environment.

Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Baker Act Coordinator / Patient Advocate oversees all legal and operational aspects of the Baker Act process, ensures timely court documentation and hearings, conducts record reviews for compliance, and serves as the primary facilitator for patient and family complaints and grievances. This position balances regulatory oversight with compassionate advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

Baker Act Compliance & Court Coordination

• Coordinate and monitor all aspects of the hospital’s Baker Act program

• Ensure strict adherence to legal timelines and documentation requirements

• Review admissions documents, charts, and progress notes for compliance

• Maintain communication with courts, State Attorney, Public Defender, and other legal parties

• Ensure timely submission of required court documents and attend hearings as necessary

• Partner with Intake, Nursing, and Clinical teams on compliance reviews

• Provide ongoing education to staff regarding Baker Act requirements and documentation standards

Patient Advocacy & Grievance Oversight

• Facilitate the patient and family grievance process from intake through resolution

• Maintain accurate complaint and grievance logs

• Collaborate with department leaders and Risk to investigate and resolve concerns

• Communicate outcomes clearly and professionally to patients and families

• Identify process gaps that may impact patient rights or safety

• Support patient safety and advocacy education efforts

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

• Demonstrated knowledge of Florida Baker Act regulations is required 

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a clinical field preferred

• Minimum three years of experience as a Baker Act Coordinator or equivalent preferred 

• Behavioral health experience preferred 

Ideal Candidate

• Collaborative and team-oriented

• Professional and composed in high-stress situations

• Strong attention to detail and able to manage legal deadlines

• Comfortable in patient-facing interactions, including handling difficult conversations

• Clear communicator with sound judgment

• Able to balance compliance oversight with compassionate advocacy

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by the facility).
• First aid may be required based on the state or facility.

ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

 This position requires a Level 2 Background Screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.  In accordance with Florida law, employers must provide applicants with direct access to information about the state’s background screening requirements. 

To learn more about disqualifying offenses, exemption procedures, and screening timelines, please visit the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Background Screening Education & Awareness webpage:

https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applicants are encouraged to review these requirements before applying.

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