Job Title:
Office of Public Guardian Legal Counsel
Job Description:
This classification level provides legal representation for Office of Public Guardian. Responsibilities may include providing legal support to Associate Public Guardians with administrative hearings; assisting with information and support to attorneys retained by the department to represent wards or protected persons with legal and/or administrative actions outside the parameter of guardianship or conservatorship; researching legal precedents, case reports and legal documents for case preparations; preparing initial drafts of correspondence, motions, pleadings, orders, affidavits and other legal documents.
Under the supervision of the Director and/or Deputy Director of the Office of Public Guardian (OPG), this position provides legal representation within the realm of the guardianship/conservatorship actions; gives legal support to Associate Public Guardians (APG’s) with administrative hearings; assists with information and support to attorneys retained by the OPG to represent wards or protected persons outside the parameters of guardianship or conservatorship; assists in appealing denials of benefits to eligible wards. Legal representation duties may include: Conferring with APG’s wards/protected persons, plaintiff attorneys, defendant attorneys, and other interested parties to exchange and prepare information on the facts and status of OPG guardianship and conservatorship cases. Implement legal analysis regarding tax, immigration, property, estate planning, trusts, wills, Medicaid, Social Security, Medicare issues to assist APG with determination of legal actions and thoughtful decision making for the wards’ best interests. Researches legal precedents, case reports, and other legal documents to collect information for case preparation and to facilitate the administration and compliance requirements. Prepares initial drafts of correspondence, motions, pleadings, orders, affidavits and other legal documents. Represents the OPG in guardianship and conservatorship legal actions in court. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level. The above classification responsibilities represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
Demonstrates analytical skills with the ability to think logically and arrive at sound conclusions; identifies issues as they arise and addresses them proactively; prioritizes tasks and accomplishes multiple projects simultaneously. Working knowledge of the Office of Public Guardian goals, objectives, and statutory requirements; medical and psychiatric terminology and health care laws and regulations that may impact APG decision making and OPG wards’ medical care. Knowledge of the techniques of preparing/drafting legal documents and forms; the principles and practices of guardianship and conservatorship administration; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; the principles and practices of legal research; the procedures of trial and administrative hearings.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arms and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
Requirements/ Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctorate; 2 years’ experience in related area; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Preferred Qualifications: Undergraduate education in social sciences with supervised field placement or civil clinic law experience providing social casework, counseling, or legal services to elderly, vulnerable or dependent adults, minors and their families.
Licensing Requirements: Active license to practice law in Nebraska.
Hiring Rate (probationary period): $65,956.83 per year
After probation period rate: $67,605.81 per year
Closing Date: Open until filled
Equal Opportunity Statement
The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.
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