Public Guardian
About the role
The Office of Public Guardian seeks an independent, enthusiastic and organized person to protect and monitor the legal and human rights of individuals under court-ordered guardianship. This position is located at the St. Albans OPG regional office. It covers a caseload of individuals with developmental disabilities or age-related cognitive impairments primarily in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties who require assistance and judgment for critical decision making in a number of life domains (such as medical, residential, legal, contractual decisions, and financial). At times, there is a high level of stress associated with this position. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or age-related cognitive impairments is essential.
Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of individuals with developmental disabilities or age-related cognitive impairments
- Provide assistance and judgment for critical decision making in life domains including medical, residential, legal, contractual decisions, and financial matters
- Travel frequently in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties and may be required to travel to other parts of the State as well
- Perform field work including visits to client residences, service providers, educational facilities, places of employment, etc.
- Handle difficult interactions and confrontations with judges, lawyers, health care providers, family members, neighborhood residents, employers, bank officials, law enforcement officers, investigators and clients
- Respond to emergency calls during evenings and weekends
- Manage high-stress situations requiring strong emotional self-regulation
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's degree in social work, gerontology/aging, disabilities, psychology, or closely related field AND one (1) year or more of experience at a professional level in social work or psychology with a focus on aging and/or disability services, a health care related field, or similar professional role that included case management responsibilities
- OR Bachelor's degree AND two (2) years or more of experience at a professional level in social work or psychology with a focus on aging and/or disability services, a health care related field, or similar professional role that included case management responsibilities
- OR Associate's degree AND four (4) years or more of experience at a professional level in social work or psychology with a focus on aging and/or disability services, a health care related field, or similar professional role that included case management responsibilities
- OR High School diploma or equivalent AND five (5) years or more of experience at a professional level in social work or psychology with a focus on aging and/or disability services, a health care related field, or similar professional role that included case management responsibilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher
Special Requirements
- Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position
- Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, will be conducted on candidates
Benefits
- 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
- State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Low cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program