Public Guardian - Temporary

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. It covers a caseload of individuals with developmental disabilities or age-related cognitive impairments in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties who require assistance and judgment for critical decision making in a number of life domains.

Responsibilities

• Protect and monitor the legal and human rights of individuals under court-ordered guardianship.
• Work with diverse teams to provide support and guidance to individuals with developmental disabilities or age-related cognitive impairments.
• Engage in direct contact with individuals, families, and professionals involved in the lives of those under guardianship.
• Handle difficult interactions and confrontations with judges, lawyers, health care providers, family members, neighborhood residents, employers, bank officials, law enforcement officers, investigators, and clients themselves.
• Provide assistance in areas such as medical, residential, legal, contractual decisions, and financial matters.
• Travel extensively to various locations within the assigned regions.
• Respond to emergencies and make emergency calls during evenings and weekends.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the needs of individuals with disabilities, and services and opportunities for meeting those needs.
• Strong problem-solving and emotional self-regulation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A high tolerance for conflict.
• Ability to work well with diverse teams.
• Learn a variety of computer applications.
• Available for emergency response at night and on the weekends.
• Extensive travel is required.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving and emotional self-regulation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A high tolerance for conflict.
• Knowledge of the needs of individuals with disabilities, and services and opportunities for meeting those needs.
• Ability to work well with diverse teams.
• Learn a variety of computer applications.
• Available for emergency response at night and on the weekends.
• Extensive travel is required.

Benefits

• Part-time temporary guardian position through March 31, 2027.

Pay

• Not specified.

Schedule

• Not specified.

Environmental Factors

• Duties are performed in an assigned region and require considerable field work, including visits to client residences, service providers, educational facilities, places of employment, etc., for which private means of transportation must be available.
• Difficult interactions and confrontations with judges, lawyers, health care providers, family members, neighborhood residents, employers, bank officials, law enforcement officers, investigators and clients themselves may involve high levels of emotion, anger and frustration, and demand excellent interpersonal skills.
• Direct contact with individuals posing threats may be required and creates the potential danger for physical assault and injury.
• Some work outside of normal office hours is required, including emergency calls during evenings and weekends.

Special Requirements

• Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.