Under general supervision, independently performs professional staff functions as a representative of the Office of Public Guardian. Serves as an Associate Public Guardian to qualifying minors and adult individuals whose disabilities and functional capabilities hinder day-to-day management of personal affairs and/or management of financial matters. Recruits substitute private guardians; provides education and information to support family and private guardians; and performs related work as assigned.
JOB DUTIES:
1. Coordinates and acts on behalf of eligible incapacitated individuals in day-to-day management of personal and estate matters when the Office of Public Guardian is appointed by the court.
2. Assists in expediting benefits to entitled eligible individuals.
3. Conducts intake interviews with, and provides counseling to, a case load of clients; investigates the financial, psychological, family and social histories of referred individuals; plans and arranges for client services and housing in the least restrictive alternative; makes home and facility visits and inspections; assures the care and treatment provided best suit clients’ interests and, to the extent allowable, the intent of the client expressed prior to incompetency; recommends action based on informed consent for medical, surgical and hospitalization; and all other responsibilities as required by the type of guardianship identified.
4. Responsible for estate management and sound personal and financial management to ensure the most appropriate level and highest quality of care of person and property.
5. Prepares comprehensive personal and financial court reports; maintains case records, insures clients’ bills are paid; prepares activity reports; attends court hearings as appropriate; collects data and statistics as required.
6. Serves as coordinator between the Office of Public Guardian and other governmental, public and private agencies, institutions, and organizations to assure the most effective services for each client.
7. Ensures compliance with the Office of Public Guardian policies and philosophies; implements federal and state laws and regulations relating to the administration of the Public Guardianship program.
8. Conducts and/or attends training, workshops, and seminars to promote private guardianships, Office of Guardian programs and professional development.
9. Recruits private guardians and eligible volunteers.
10. Serves as liaison conferring with various private and public organization for purposes of developing local treatment resources, providing information on the guardianship program and assisting family and private guardians with information.
A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do these examples include all the duties that may be assigned.
REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a focus on social work, counseling, psychology, gerontology, related behavioral science, or client support business services and at least two years’ experience in a discipline pertinent to the provision of guardianship and conservatorship services which must include decision-making judgment for the benefit of others in the area of legal, guidance and counseling, healthcare, probation and parole, public administration with a focus on developmental disabilities, and/or persons with disruptive behaviors.
Preferred Qualifications: Possess, from an accredited college or university, a J.D. or Ph.D.; or Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Gerontology or related behavioral science or equivalent advanced degree which includes a supervised field placement providing social casework or counseling services to elderly, vulnerable or dependent adults, minors and their families.
All educational credits must be granted from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Outstanding analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to think logically and arrive at sound conclusions; able to project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations; exercise appropriate judgment, answering questions and releasing information.
- Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and accomplish multiple projects simultaneously, take prompt action to achieve objectives as well as identify issues as they arise and address them proactively.
- Working knowledge of the Office of Public Guardian goals, objectives, and statutory requirements.
- Ability to read, understand and learn to interpret documents used in financial and estate management (e.g. contracts, wills, trusts, insurance policies, tax returns, stocks, bonds, promissory notes and other legal documents) and in real property transactions (e.g. deeds, payment records, rental receipts).
- Working knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and the symptoms or behavior patterns of persons with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and psychiatric problems; ability to research medical issues to facilitate decisions and care plans; and insight to know when to engage second opinions and wider professional team involvement.
- Working knowledge of community systems and services and the appropriate utilization for referral and placement of minors, the elderly, people with mental illness, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Basic knowledge of federal and state disability, medical, mental health, estate management, social security, economic assistance, and veteran laws and procedures.
- Knowledge of principles of social work, sociology and psychology; crisis intervention techniques and principles; casework management methods, organize and prioritize personal/estate case management tasks and assignments.
- Ability to utilize personal computer programs and word processing application; input and retrieve data and information stored in computerized record systems; learn a variety of computer programs.
- Ability to coordinate guardianship/conservatorship case management efforts with other public and/or non-profit agencies involved in client cases and effectively interact with other professionals (lawyers, social work, and health care).
- Ability to prepare clear, concise written communications and comprehensive office and court reports; maintain complete and accurate case information and trust/estate case records.
- Ability to communicate effectively with clients who are physically or mentally incapacitated; exercise tact and diplomacy with persons under emotional stress or with people who have cognitive disabilities, are hostile, or uncooperative; work effectively with persons from varied socio-economic and cultural backgrounds;
- Must be able to be flexible and work well under pressure; maintain a calm and professional performance while operating under time constraints; Work independently with minimum supervision.
Physical Requirements
- Sitting behind a computer for extended periods of time.
- Lifting heavy items may be required up to 20 pounds.
- Extensive independent travel may be required.
HIRING RATE (probation): $55,619.39/year
AFTER probation: $57,009.87/year
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
External Candidates – Please visit https://statejobs.nebraska.gov to complete a State application.
Any Current State of Nebraska Employee: apply via Jobs Hub through Workday, here: https://www.myworkday.com/son/d/task/2998$42366.htmld#backheader=true
The Judicial Branch values our employees as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We recruit, hire, train and promote in all job qualifications at all levels without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or genetics. The Judicial Branch complies with Veterans Preference Laws.