Deputy Public Guardian

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in business or public administration, social science, behavioral science, case management, nursing or a field related to the work; AND four (4) years of professional experience in a field related to the work; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources. Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Certified Guardian with the National Guardianship Association at time of appointment  is preferred, or must be obtained within nine (9) months of hire

• Principles and practices of case management, social work and social service provision.
• Crisis intervention and counseling techniques.
• Effects of mental and physical illnesses.
• Health and medical conditions and diagnoses.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, and the management of employees.
• Applicable laws, codes and regulations, including Medicaid and Social Security.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Record management principles and practices.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, often in situations which may be stressful.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.

• Planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing and evaluating the work of others.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in dealing with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with staff, coworkers, contractors and the public.

Under general direction, assists with the management of guardianships and their estates.

Examples of Duties

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Visits wards in facilities, homes, hospitals, etc., and attends to their needs; provides transportation as required; manages medical decisions and locates appropriate medical services; supervises visits with estranged family members.
• Confers with and coordinates assigned activities with service providers in various public and private organizations to ensure that resources are appropriately utilized and that all clients receive the most effective provision of services.
• Receives petitions from government entities, law enforcement, medical institutions, and the general public for guardianship for proposed protected persons; reviews information to determine whether proposed protected person meets requirements for appointment of Public Guardian; works with legal counsel to file appropriate documents related to the initiation of guardianship proceedings, and signs and provides the petitioner an acknowledgment that the Public Guardian received a copy of the petition for the appointment of Public Guardian.
• Assesses the financial and physical needs of clients to make eligibility determinations and coordinate available community resources and professional care, including medical, placement, legal needs and daily living skills, to meet client needs to maintain optimum quality of life and care within available resources.
• Upon court appointment, manages the estate of protected persons, including receipt of income, payment of expenses and claims, inventory of property, sale of property if necessary, investment of income as appropriate; and winds up affairs and administers estates when necessary.
• Upon court appointment, secures and maintains government and other benefits on behalf of the protected person as appropriate, including Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and Veterans Administration.
• Confers with and coordinates assigned activities with service providers in various public and private organizations to ensure that resources are appropriately utilized and that all clients receive the most effective provision of services.
• Interacts with the courts and all entities involved in the legal process.
• Receives and monitors court-ordered assignments from inception to completion and final discharge by the court.
• Prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures and other written materials, including necessary annual reports and accountings to the court and Letters of Guardianship.
• Serve as signatory for protected persons’ bank accounts.
• Arranges for interpreters as needed.
• Serves on task forces and committees promoting protective services and senior related issues.
• Maintains accurate records and files.
• Uses standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work.
• Drives a personal or City motor vehicle to attend off-site meetings, visit off-site locations and conduct other Public Guardian business.
• Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises and reviews the work of clerical staff who perform support functions.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department’s service by reviewing and recommending improved policies and procedures.
• Assist the Public Guardian with monitoring and interpreting changes in laws and regulations related to assigned functions; assist with evaluating their impact upon departmental activities and assists with developing policy and procedural changes as required.
• Will be designated to act as Deputy Public Guardian in the absence of the Public Guardian to perform all necessary functions of the Public Guardian during the designation.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with elected officials, clients, public, and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.