Job Description: Deputy Public Guardian-Conservator I/II/III - DHHS

Company: DHHS - County of Humboldt
Location: Eureka, CA, California (Northern Region)
Job Category: PA|PG|PC
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ $45,468.80 - $64,459.20 Annually - Yearly

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Deputy Public Guardian-Conservator I/II/III - DHHS

DEPUTY PUBLIC GUARDIAN-CONSERVATOR I/II/III - DHHS

Department of Health & Human Services

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team! Public Guardian positions cover a large breadth of social service programs in a team like environment. Every day is different!

What You'll Do:

This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including;

Under general supervision, reviews and analyzes the financial, medical, social and psychological backgrounds of clients to determine the need for conservatorship or guardianship;
manages an ongoing caseload of conservatorship, guardianship and Representative Payee cases.

Where You'll Do It:
This position is located at 1105 6th St., Eureka, California 95501

A typical work schedule for this position is M-F; 8-5

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, reviews and analyzes the financial, medical, social and psychological backgrounds of clients to determine the need for conservatorship or guardianship; manages an ongoing caseload of conservatorship and guardianship; assists representative payee clientele; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a multi-level class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of the three levels, depending on experience and proficiency gained and the complexity of assigned projects. This skilled professional position is responsible for detailed investigations regarding the need for conservatorship or guardianship for individuals who are not able to handle their own affairs. Incumbents also administer a caseload of active cases in which they attempt to locate appropriate housing for client, develop and administer a budget and assist client in meeting their normal needs. This class is distinguished from Assistant Public Guardian-Conservator in that the latter is a supervisory class which also handles the most complex Public Guardian-Conservator cases.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Reviews and analyzes the background of individuals to determine need for a guardian or conservator; discusses case with physicians, mental health workers, probation and other social services agencies.
Interviews the client, family, friends and/or neighbors to gather information on the client's needs.
Prepares court documents and testifies in court regarding recommendations for guardianship or conservatorship.
When appointed as conservator or guardian, interviews the client and relatives to determine nature and location of all assets and debts of the client; secures assets and determines a plan to manage them on behalf of client.
Assists the client in pursuing other financial benefits to which he may be entitled; acts as advocate for client with Social Security, Medi-Cal, Veterans Services, State Disability and other agencies; represents client in dealing with the I.R.S. and with banks and financial institutions.
Arranges and assists in the physical storage of personal property of the client; manages real property and if necessary arranges for the sale or disposition of property; processes all legal documents and procedures on behalf of client.
When acting as conservator for person with mental disorder, discusses with mental health professionals the prognosis for release; assists clients in location of housing or other placement; monitors funds for client, follows actions of client to see that they are meeting their obligations, taking medication as directed; may recommend and assist in returning the client to locked facility.
Explains complex legal policies, conservatorship, financial arrangements; answers questions from clients and family; provides information and direction to community members.
Locates survivors and next of kin; notifies them of death; secures and prepares receipts for personal effects of the deceased.
Conducts probate conservatorship intake and/or investigation, case management, estate management and personal and financial management services for minor wards, elderly and dependent adults who may need to be conserved.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Basic principles of individual and group behavior.
Crisis intervention techniques and principles.
Investigative techniques as they pertain to Public Guardianship/Conservatorship. Medical/mental health and estate management laws.
Court procedures related to Public Guardianship/Conservatorship.
State and local laws pertaining to guardianships and conservatorships.
Principles and practices of public guardianship, conservatorship and representative payee programs.
Welfare and Institutions Code, Probate Code and other applicable laws and regulations relating to estate management and disbursement.
Principles and practices of effective estate management.
Social service programs and resources available to the disabled, aged, mentally ill and persons with co-occurring diagnoses.
Principles and techniques of effective interviewing.
Medical terminology and common procedures and medications.
Standards for maintaining clients' safety in home; options for placement; (effects of removing clients from unsafe conditions).
Business arithmetic.
Business English, including spelling and grammar.

Skill in:

Administering estates and safekeeping assets and personal effects.
Conducting detailed investigations, obtaining information, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions.
Interpreting, applying and explaining County policies and adhering to laws related to Public Guardian functions.
Organizing, prioritizing and coordinating work activities.
Organizing and maintaining accounting, inventory, appraisal and other detailed business records.
Preparing clear and concise correspondence, reports and other written materials.
Exercising initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
Exercising appropriate handling and disposal of bodily fluids and hazardous materials within identified protocols and understanding the risk of exposure to aerosol transmissible diseases and blood borne pathogens.
Dealing effectively with clients who are difficult, unstable, mentally ill and potentially abusive and violent.
Performing job duties under challenging conditions.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 40 pounds. As required by law under Probate Code §1456.2: On or before January 1, 2010, the public conservator shall comply with the continuing education requirements that are established by the California State Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators. Department of Health Care Services clearance is required for positions that require access of clients confined within the Psychiatric Health Facility.

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Deputy Public Guardian-Conservator I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in psychology, social services, business administration or a closely related field.

Deputy Public Guardian-Conservator II: This is the journey level in the Deputy Public Guardian-Conservator series. In addition to the above, one year of professional experience in social services or related program equivalent to the County's class of Deputy Public Guardian-Conservator I.

Deputy Public Guardian-Conservator III: This is the advanced journey level in the Deputy Public Guardian-Conservator series. In addition to the above, two years of professional experience in social services or related program equivalent to the County's class of Deputy Public Guardian-Conservator II. Incumbents progressing to this level will be assigned the complex cases requiring the advanced journey level experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All the Benefits

CalPERS health insurance program, providing several options to employees; the County pays most of the employee premium and a portion of dependent coverage
Dental and vision plan with premiums for the employee and dependents paid by the County
At hire, earn 12 vacation days per year. Upon 3 years of services, increaes to 15 days per year. Upon 10 years of service, increases to 20 days per year
15 paid holidays per year, including 2 personal holidays
12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation
The County participates in the CalPERS retirement system, with both the County and the employee making contributions towards the employee's retirement
Other benefits like life insurance, longevity pay, educational reimbursement, deferred comp and an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary benefits may also be purchased, including supplemental life insurance, pet insurance, and flexible spending accounts

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