Job Specification Details

Supervisory, public guardianship, casework and coordinating work at a professional level for the Department of Aging and Independent Living involving the provision of guardianship services to persons with developmental disabilities and persons aged 60 or older who lack decision making capacity and have been placed under guardianship by a court order. In addition to supervision, this position performs intake of referrals for public guardianship for adults who are alleged to lack decision making capacity, and diversion of these referrals to alternatives to guardianship or private guardians when possible. Additionally, this position will provide direct, court-ordered guardianship for a partial case load. Work is performed at a professional level for the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities and persons aged 60 or older. Duties are performed under the supervision of the Director of the Office of Public Guardian. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Facilitates hiring of new Public Guardians. Trains and supervises Public Guardians assigned to a geographic location or area of specialization. Assigns caseload, monitors staff performance, provides training and counseling to staff, oversees maintenance of client records, and assures coverage of total caseloads at all times. Monitors frequency of client contact, completion of case logs, case notes, annual reviews and court reports. Provides assistance to guardian with novel or challenging situations. Monitors performance of guardians and provides ongoing feedback. Completes performance evaluations and manages disciplinary action when needed. Provides liaison between district office and central office and regional agencies.

Responds to wide ranging questions about guardianship and guardianship- related issues statewide, and manages referrals for public guardianship by gathering information from all parties involved and exploring any less restrictive alternatives that may be put in place and/or viable options for private guardianship. Assesses situations for risk of harm and mediates disagreements about living arrangements, financial control, and medical decisions. Interacts continuously with courts, physicians, Adult Protective Services investigators, police, attorneys, bank officials housing officials, service providers, individuals, family members and friends in attempt to mediate disagreements and arrive at satisfactory outcomes for clients.

When no other solution can be found, accepts individuals into public guardianship and transfers individual to public guardian.

Provides training about guardianship to organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging, Designated Agencies, healthcare providers, court personnel, etc.

Manages own caseload of clients. Upon assignment of caseload, meets with client to explain guardian's role and expectations and client rights. Conducts Assessment of client's needs and resources, evaluates options, and develops appropriate plans, including encouraging increased self-sufficiency where appropriate. Arranges for or assists the client to access medical, financial management, educational, housing, employment, public benefits legal representation, social and other services as needed. Monitors services provided to client. Continually evaluates client interaction with both the physical and social environment and their impact upon client self-sufficiency and well-being. Manipulates various environmental factors as necessary or possible to enhance client progress toward independent living. Acts as client advocate as necessary.

Delivers services in a manner which is positive, enhances client dignity, and is sensitive to client desires. Appears in Probate, Family and Superior Court for a variety of court proceedings. Determines when client self-sufficiency has been achieved, or locates private guardian, and recommends termination of public guardianship. Makes difficult decisions such as placement in protective settings, selling financial assets such as home and property, and withholding of medical treatment including withdrawal of life support. Keeps accurate and timely case records, financial records and prepares periodic reports as required. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed statewide or an assigned region of the state and require considerable field work, including visits to client residences, service providers, educational facilities, places of employment, courts, hospitals, correctional facilities, etc., for which private means of transportation must be available when fleet cars are unavailable. Difficult interactions and confrontations with judges, lawyers, health care providers, family members, neighborhood residents, employers, back officials, law enforcement officers, investigators, and clients themselves may involve high levels of emotion, anger and frustration, and demand excellent interpersonal skills. Some work outside normal office hours is required, including emergency calls during evenings and weekends.

Advanced knowledge of persons with developmental disabilities and of elders and the disabilities associated with aging.

Advanced knowledge of problems encountered by persons with developmental disabilities and elders and of resources available for support in overcoming those problems.

Advanced knowledge of financial, health care, housing, mental health services and other resources available to individuals with developmental disabilities and/or older persons.

Ability to facilitate and mediate disagreements regarding best outcomes for an individual's services, living arrangements, medical care, and financial control in highly emotionally charged situations.

Advanced knowledge of casework principles and practices as they apply to assigned clients.

Advanced knowledge of family and probate court systems and rules.

Ability to effectively assess the needs and abilities of clients and to develop realistic plans to address those needs.

Ability to directly manage client's personal funds when financial guardianship has been ordered by the court.

Ability to establish positive and supportive relationships with clients.

Ability to work well with diverse individuals and systems.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to make difficult decisions on behalf of others, while permitting as much choice and independence as possible.

Ability to cope effectively with stress caused by making life and death decisions on another's behalf.

Ability to tolerate high levels of stress from a variety of sources and manage own emotional self-regulation.

Ability to maintain complete and accurate case records and time records and to prepare reports as needed.

Supervisory skills are required to train, mentor, monitor, lead, and evaluate employees. Ability to give both positive and critical feedback, and design and implement performance improvement plans as needed.

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Minimum of Bachelor's degree AND three (3) years or more in related position serving individuals with developmental disabilities and/or elders.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.