Deputy Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator I

About the role

The Health Department, Public Administrator/Public Guardian/Conservator Division is seeking to fill one vacant Deputy Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator I (Deputy PA/PG/PC I) position. The Deputy Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator I functions as public conservator, public guardian, public administrator, and representative payee for individuals meeting criteria and as appointed by the Court. The Deputy PA/PG/PC I will perform routine and basic case administration, estate management and administration services involving Lanterman-Petris-Short (L.P.S.) conservatorship, Probate conservatorships, and/or Decedent Estate Administration placed under the jurisdiction of the Public Guardian Division.

Responsibilities

• Conduct periodic visits to evaluate and monitor the delivery and quality of care given; conduct investigations; prepare reports and analyses to determine the legality of and need for placing individuals into public conservatorship or public guardianship.
• Plan, manage, and monitor fiscal affairs and real property, living services, psychological and medical care, protection, court proceedings, and related matters for conservatees and their estates.
• Make periodic visits to evaluate and monitor the delivery and quality of care given by treatment providers; perform special personal services such as obtaining clothing or other personal items, as required.
• Assist higher-level staff with scheduling, planning, preparing for, attending, and documenting visits and care conferences; prepare material for and attend client discharge and admission planning meetings; coordinate transportation of clients to hospitals, court proceedings, and/or other facilities.
• Conduct less complex investigations and analysis of medical, psychological, financial, and social backgrounds of potential and/or existing conservatees to determine need for and/or continuation of conservatorships; create and document results within prescribed timelines.
• Arrange for appropriate placement of wards and conservatees in the least restrictive and most appropriate type of residence or care facility; arrange for necessary medical and/or psychiatric treatment.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of financial resources for treatment, care, and other expenses; arrange for purchase or disposal of personal and real property; secure financial assistance such as Social Security benefits, veteran’s benefits, and public assistance.
• Oversee client resources and approve timely purchases for personal needs; accurately and timely complete updates into electronic database systems.
• Collect and inventory all client assets including cash, real and personal property; protect estates from exploitation or loss by performing record searches, locating and taking control of all assets, budgeting expenditures, managing or disposing of real property, and safeguarding or disposing of personal property.
• Facilitate and coordinate with vendors for real property services such as lawn maintenance, plumbing, and other services as necessary for safeguarding, preserving, and sustaining the client’s estate and real property.
• Review the validity of claims and other liabilities against the estate; authorize timely expenditures and payment of claims and bills; manage Rep-Payee caseload with support from administrative/clerical staff.
• Establish and maintain accurate financial and casework records and files for renewal cases, as well as for court approval of accounting as required by applicable laws.
• Assist with making funeral arrangements and disposal of assets of deceased clients as directed by Probate Code and according to department standards; notify relatives and other interested parties.
• Interview, advise, and confer with heirs, relatives, attorneys, title companies, banks, appraisers, accountants, and other public agencies, County Counsel’s office, and others concerning the administration and probate of estates.

Qualifications

• Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, counseling, social work, health care, law, finance, public administration, or a closely related field; OR
• Experience: Two years paraprofessional experience in counseling, social work, social welfare, human services, public administration, business administration, law, or health care.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of techniques for interviewing individuals to obtain information and investigative data.
• Principles, policies, and procedures used in conducting comprehensive assessments of mentally and functionally disabled persons, the elderly, and their families.
• Principles, policies, and procedures used in developing and maintaining care plans for mentally and functionally disabled persons and the elderly.
• Cultural competence and humility; aspects of multicultural and ethnic diversity.
• Basic principles and practices of customer service and public relations.
• Fundamental recordkeeping, bookkeeping, basic math, English, and grammar.
• Ability to recognize that the care of the client/estate is a prime responsibility and to provide quality services consistent with available resources and applicable laws.
• Provide services with respect for the dignity and uniqueness of the client/estate, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, race, age, sex, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual identity or orientation, personal attributes, the nature of the mental or medical problems, or any other protected category.
• Act as an advocate in safeguarding the client/estate’s rights.
• Safeguard the client/estate’s right to privacy by judiciously protecting confidential information.
• Gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence; draw logical conclusions and make sound recommendations.
• Administer estates and safekeep assets and personal effects; uphold fiduciary responsibility.
• Learn to interpret and apply complex laws, codes, and other regulations and reference manuals such as they relate to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
• Maintain an attitude of fairness, honesty, and impartiality in all professional activities and relationships.
• Manifest personal integrity and assume responsibility and accountability for sound individual judgments and actions; eliminate any possibility of conflict of interest.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparation of clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, documentation, and other related information.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and files; organize and maintain accurate accounting, inventory, appraisal, and other detailed business records.
• Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work; deal courteously, tactfully, and effectively with the public, colleagues, clients, especially in situations where relations may be strained.
• Accept supervision and adjust to immediate and significant changes in established procedures, laws, and regulations as related to duties; attend and perform duties on a regular, reliable, and consistent basis.
• Adhere to professional guidelines and support services to promote quality programs.

Desirable Qualifications

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

Conditions of Employment

• Successfully complete a background check to include fingerprinting.
• 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.