Senior Deputy Public Guardian - County of Orange
Orange County, CA
About the Job
Senior Deputy Public Guardian
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:
Effective June 28, 2024 – 4.25% increase
Effective June 27, 2025 – 4.00% increase
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and the successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five business days and will remain open continuously until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the County's needs are met. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as the deadline to apply for the first round of consideration will be on August 23, 2024, at 5:00 PM (PST).
This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Senior Deputy Public Guardian positions. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.
THE AGENCY
The County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal, individual, family and community health. Under the direction of the Agency Director, a new and dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) service areas - Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Specialized Medical Services, Correctional Health, and Public Health - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
PUBLIC GUARDIAN
The Office of the Public Guardian (PG)is dedicated to the physical and financial safety of persons unable to do so on their own who are conserved when there are no viable alternatives to public conservatorship. The Superior Court determines whether a conservatorship should be established, involving a court process that includes petitioning the court and notifying the proposed conservatee and his or her family of the proceedings. A conservatorship is only established as a last resort through a formal hearing. The Court can appoint the Public Guardian as a conservator of the person only, estate only (for probate), or both person and estate.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Senior Deputy Public Guardian (Sr. DPG) is responsible for performing conservatorship investigations for Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS), criminal referrals, and probate cases, as well as providing case management services for intricate cases involving conservatorships, trusts, and properties. Additionally, the Sr. DPG represents the PG in court proceedings related to estates and other legal matters, oversees the management of real estate and personal property for conservatees, and offers guidance, training, and assistance to lower-level deputy staff handling challenging cases.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Developing, reviewing, and monitoring multiple complex cases/projects, ensuring compliance with State and Federal regulations, Welfare and Institutions and Probate Codes, confidentiality laws, program policies, and funding source requirements.
- Consulting with County Counsel to interpret sections of State and Federal regulations, Welfare and Institution and Probate Codes relevant to Public Guardian program matters.
- Assessing cases and leveraging the most appropriate community and welfare resources to deliver effective conservatorship services.
- Marshalling assets when necessary.
- Conducting presentations to Adult Protective Services (APS), external and internal business partners, care providers, and other outside groups to elucidate PG programs.
- Serving as the lead Deputy in a unit and acting as supervisor in the absence of the regular supervisor.
- Lift and carry personal protection, test equipment, and client property up to 25 lbs.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess at least three (3) years of experience working as a Deputy Public Guardian or in a related position.
This position will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
Technical Expertise | Legal & Regulatory Navigation
- Ability to interpret and apply the Omnibus Clause, Prudent Rule, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the Uniform Investor Act.
- Including the Certificate of Authority and the duties and powers associated with trusts.
- Maintain appropriate education and professional certification as a Deputy Public Guardian or Conservator as required by the California Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators.
- Work with a variety of adult clients, including those with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities that may be residing at home, a health facility, correctional institution, or homeless.
- Prepare reports, written correspondence, and/or investigations to internal and external audiences.
- Review trusts documents, make decisions to invest or liquidate per the terms of the trusts and estate needs.
- Handle estate and finances of conservatees, including paying bills, closing financial accounts, establishing, or administering trusts and accommodating needs of the client.
- Interview multiple partners to gain knowledge and background information to advocate for the well-being of the client and ensuring services, including medical, psychiatric and placement.
- Act as a liaison on behalf of clients and appear in court when needed.
- Understand and apply basic Welfare and Institution and Probate Codes for California.
- Understand and apply Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Personal Health Information (PHI) laws and regulations.
- Understand and apply business arithmetic and legal terminology.
- Review and analyze reports to be presented to the court, identify problems, develop resolutions, and make recommendations.
- Review and assess pertinent and complex case information/developments and conservatees needs to determine and pursue an appropriate course of action in compliance with departmental policy and governing regulations/laws.
- Manage and monitor a caseload and take timely and effective actions to meet deadlines, court demands and conservatees personal and estate needs despite competing priorities and provide guidance to unit members to do the same.
- Report suspicious behavior and circumstances as a mandated reporter.
- Train lower-level deputy staff on investigations, court report writing, general case management and other related subjects.
- Serve as a key participant in meetings and trainings.
- Make presentations to staff and lead group discussions.
- Conduct research and provide proposals for improvement.
- Provide directions to staff and perform duties as a backup supervisor.
- Record information in case management systems and files, and compile court reports.
- Deliver timely, accurate, and succinct updates to the Court Officer regarding cases listed on the Probate or LPS court calendar and act as the Court Officer, as needed
- Ensure compliance with County, State, and Federal guidelines by crafting timely, thorough, and precise reports.
- Communicate with family members and medical providers on behalf of the client.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, business partners and the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here to view the minimum qualifications for the Senior Deputy Public Guardian classification as well as the physical & mental requirements and the environmental conditions.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those candidates who meet the qualifications listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%)
Applicants will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicant's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the applicant's qualifications for the job.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Source : County of Orange
