Deputy Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator I

Final Filing Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026

Exam # 26/34H24/08MC

Pay: $6,255 – $8,544 per Month

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 role involves routine and basic case administration, estate management, and administration services for Lanterman-Petris-Short (L.P.S.) conservatorship, Probate conservatorships, and/or Decedent Estate Administration under the jurisdiction of the Public Guardian Division.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process will be used to fill current and future vacancies, both regular and temporary, as they arise. This classification is part of a flexible series; incumbents may be promoted to higher levels subject to meeting employment standards and recommendation by the appointing authority.

Responsibilities

• Conduct 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 with scheduling, planning, preparing for, attending, and documenting visits and care conferences; coordinate transportation of clients to hospitals, court proceedings, and other facilities.
• Conduct investigations and analyses of medical, psychological, financial, and social backgrounds of potential and/or existing conservatees to determine need for and/or continuation of conservatorships.
• Arrange for appropriate placement of wards and conservatees in the least restrictive and most suitable residence or care facility; arrange necessary medical and/or psychiatric treatment.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of financial resources for treatment, care, and other expenses, including arranging for purchase or disposal of personal and real property, and securing financial assistance.
• Oversee client resources and approve timely purchases for personal needs; complete updates into electronic database systems accurately and timely.
• Collect and inventory all client assets including cash, real, and personal property; protect estates from exploitation or loss through record searches, asset control, budgeting, and property management.
• Facilitate and coordinate with vendors for real property services such as lawn maintenance, plumbing, and other necessary services.
• Review the validity of claims and other liabilities against the estate; authorize timely expenditures and payment of claims and bills; manage Rep-Payee caseload.
• Establish and maintain accurate financial and casework records and files for renewal cases and court approval of accounting as required by applicable laws.
• Assist with making funeral arrangements and disposal of assets of deceased clients according to Probate Code and department standards; notify relatives and other interested parties.
• Interview, advise, and confer with heirs, relatives, attorneys, title companies, banks, appraisers, accountants, public agencies, County Counsel’s office, and others concerning estate administration and probate.
• Provide additional services as required by changing laws.

Requirements

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

Skills

• Working knowledge of techniques for interviewing individuals to obtain information and investigative data.
• Principles, policies, and procedures for conducting comprehensive assessments of mentally and functionally disabled persons, the elderly, and their families.
• Principles, policies, and procedures for 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 client/estate care as a prime responsibility and 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, personal attributes, or protected categories.
• Act as an advocate in safeguarding the client/estate’s rights and protect their right to privacy by judiciously handling 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 regulations, including those related to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
• Maintain fairness, honesty, and impartiality in all professional activities and relationships; manifest personal integrity and accountability.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparation of clear, concise, and comprehensive reports and documentation.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and files; organize and maintain detailed business records.
• Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work; deal courteously and tactfully with the public, colleagues, and clients, especially in strained situations.
• Accept supervision and adjust to immediate and significant changes in procedures, laws, and regulations; 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 both English and Spanish.

Conditions of Employment

• Successfully complete a background check, including fingerprinting.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.

Benefits

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. For details, visit the Bargaining Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet. Note: Benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.