Guardian

About the Role

Under the direction of the Director of The Arc Alliance Guardianship Services, the Guardian performs a variety of functions and activities in a social service context. The position requires advocacy, high organization, multitasking, and initiative. The Guardian asserts the rights and interests of the incapacitated person by respecting their wishes and preferences as much as possible.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in‑person visits to clients, guided by living situation.
• Guide, problem‑solve, and coordinate personal safety.
• Ensure appropriate and timely medical and mental‑health services are received and maintained; attend medical appointments as needed.
• Maintain up‑to‑date needs assessments, goals, and objectives for each ward.
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage for each ward and identify additional insurance needs.
• Monitor wards’ living situations for safety and identify needed supports and services.
• Make informed decisions on behalf of each ward, considering preferences regarding medical treatment, living accommodations, lifestyle issues, and funeral arrangements.
• Participate in client meetings to coordinate ongoing care/support (ISP, care conferences, discharge planning, etc.).
• Coordinate and disseminate information to others involved in the ward’s care.
• Maintain communication and positive relationships with the ward’s support team.
• Maintain working relationships with courts, legal community, service providers, nursing and personal‑care facilities, medical practices, and rehabilitation facilities.
• Ensure each ward’s personal and medical history files are current and complete.
• Solicit guidance, opinion, and direction from individuals with personal or professional knowledge of the ward’s needs.
• Maintain written records of contacts, occurrences, and decisions, including factors considered.
• Perform duties and discharge obligations in accordance with state and federal law.
• Follow requirements specified in each guardianship court order.
• Submit required guardianship reports to the court in a timely manner.
• Seek court approval for legal matters involving real property, extreme medical treatment, etc., as required by statutes.
• Work closely with the Guardian of the Estate to protect each ward’s assets, ensure timely payment of expenses, and arrange funding for uncovered costs.
• Promote the organization’s objectives, values, and vision; collaborate with supervisor to establish and implement agency priorities, goals, and strategies.
• Facilitate and foster effective, supportive relationships between service recipients and The Arc Alliance and its affiliated agencies.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Obtain guardianship certification within one year of hire or hold a valid certification; maintain certification and continuing‑education credits.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• College degree preferred.
• Experience/knowledge of human/social services agencies and systems, Pennsylvania’s MH/ID service systems, and current welfare, Social Security, and other benefits systems (a plus).
• Client‑care experience in a variety of settings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
• Current FBI, criminal‑history, and Child Abuse clearances at time of hire; willingness to update clearances as required.
• Legal authorization to drive in Pennsylvania, a valid driver’s license, and current automobile insurance.
• Three‑year driver record check at hire, updated annually; recommended automobile liability coverage of $100,000/$300,000 and property damage coverage of $100,000.
• Willingness and ability to drive throughout service counties (travel 25‑50%).

Physical Requirements

• Frequent verbal and written communication.
• Use of math/calculators.
• Frequent sitting and standing.
• Visual observation and assessment.