SUPERVISING DEPUTY PUBLIC GUARDIAN - EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT HOMELESSNESS

This is an emergency recruitment in response to the LA County Board of Supervisors’ declaration of a local state of emergency for homelessness. The Department of Mental Health is filling Supervising Deputy Public Guardian vacancies to address housing, mental health, and substance use needs. Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment based on a 100%-weighted performance assessment.

About the Role

This is the supervisory-level class in the Deputy Public Guardian Series within the Department of Mental Health’s Office of Public Guardian. Positions typically report to an Assistant Division Chief or higher and are responsible for supervising staff and support personnel engaged in investigations, case management, and associated fiduciary functions. The role requires expert knowledge of conservatorship principles, organizational planning, data evaluation, and the ability to interpret Federal, State, and County regulations. Supervising Deputy Public Guardians oversee the full scope of activities related to conservatorships, guardianships, and trusts, distinguishing them from Principal Deputy Public Guardians who may focus on technical guidance and training.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff engaged in investigations and caseload administration of Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) or Probate conservatorships, guardianships, and trusts.
• Assign, review, and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; advise on problem cases and provide guidance on conservatorship, guardianship, and trust administration.
• Recommend legal action, sale of assets, and other financial transactions to benefit conservatees or trust beneficiaries.
• Confer with conservatees, trust beneficiaries, relatives, attorneys, heirs, and other interested parties regarding conservatorship or trust administration.
• Coordinate the work of subordinate staff with other units and divisions.
• Oversee property inspections, securing and protecting property at risk for loss or theft, and managing the withdrawal and receipt of funds from conserved client bank accounts.

Requirements

• Option I: Three years of experience as a Senior Deputy Public Guardian in Los Angeles County.
• Option II: One year of experience as a Principal Deputy Public Guardian in Los Angeles County.
• Option III: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in social science, behavioral sciences, or business administration, and seven years of experience administering conservatorships, guardianships, or trusts in a public agency. A master’s degree in a related discipline may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of conservatorship principles, methodologies, and evaluations.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, and synthesize data to draw conclusions and formulate recommendations.
• Ability to make decisions on behalf of conservatees and interpret Federal, State, and County legislative regulations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, community members, and other agencies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• A valid California Class C Driver License.
• Physical ability to perform light administrative and clerical duties, including occasional light lifting (up to 10 pounds) and ambulation.

Application filing period: Monday, August 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM (PT) through Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by 5:00 PM (PT). Applications must be submitted online; late submissions will not be considered.