Deputy Public Guardian I/II

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Company: County of Calaveras, CA

Location: San Andreas, CA 95249

Description:

Salary : $69,804.80 - $94,577.60 Annually
Location : San Andreas, CA
Job Type: Full Time Regular - Benefited
Job Number: 2025-00032
Department: Health & Human Services Agency
Division: HHSA - Human Services
Opening Date: 03/20/2025
Closing Date: 4/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Position Description
Deputy Public Guardian I: $33.56 - $41.25

Deputy Public Guardian II: $37.00 - $45.47

Calaveras County Health and Human Services is looking for a dynamic individual to join the Adult Service team as a Deputy Public Guardian (DPG). The Calaveras County Public Guardian/Conservator's Office, where this role is based, is responsible for the care, supervision, and financial management of the residents of the County who are severely disabled and unable to manage their affairs and make appropriate decisions for themselves. These individuals have either a mental illness or are cognitively impaired. For a variety of reasons, family members are unable to assist them. The Public Guardian/Conservator conducts the official County investigation into conservatorship matters and acts as the legally appointed Guardian or Conservator for persons who meet the legal criteria. This role also offers significant professional growth opportunities. Additional duties may include taking referrals for severe abuse or neglect investigations in the Adult Protective Services unit.

Under general direction and supervision, this flexibly staffed class investigates the medical, psychological, financial and social backgrounds of individuals referred for conservatorship to determine and recommend to the court regarding appropriateness of conservatorship; plans and monitors the personal and financial affairs of such persons; arranges for delivery of community support services for elderly, mentally impaired or physically disabled clients; assesses risk and provides case management for conservatees to assure their safety in the least restrictive environment; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Deputy Public Guardian I
This is an entry level position in the Deputy Public Guardian series. An incumbent learns to perform a variety of conservatorship specific duties related to case management and service provision and perform other duties as assigned. An incumbent is expected to develop knowledge regarding the provision of Deputy Public Guardian services, develop comprehensive care plans, and have knowledge about the principles of, community resources for, and the social aspects of behavioral health (mental health and/or substance use disorder) services. An incumbent is expected to further develop the principles and practices of case management, rehabilitation methodologies, and the scope of activities of public and private health and social services agencies. An incumbent may become eligible for promotion to the Deputy Public Guardian II level upon demonstration of progressively responsible job assignments and performance, independence of action, sound decision making and attainment of required minimum qualifications.

Deputy Public Guardian II
This is a journey level position in the Deputy Public Guardian series. An incumbent is expected to perform a variety of conservatorship specific duties related to case management and service provision and perform other duties as assigned. An incumbent is expected to have considerable knowledge regarding the provision of Deputy Public Guardian services, develop comprehensive care plans, and have knowledge about the principles of, community resources for, and the social aspects of behavioral health (mental health and/or substance use disorder) services. An incumbent is expected to know the principles and practices of case management, rehabilitation methodologies, and the scope of activities of public and private health and social services agencies.
Example of Duties

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.
  • Analyzes compiled information to determine whether the person is disabled or substantially unable to provide for their own personal care, shelter and financial needs; investigates and assesses the financial, medical, psychological, vocational and social background of persons placed under the jurisdiction of the Public Guardian.
  • Explains conservatorship to proposed conservatees and wards, their families, and other involved persons or agencies, including legal representatives, physicians, health care providers and mental health professionals.
  • Develops comprehensive care plans for the conservatees which address the conservatees' assessed needs and level of functioning, reviewing such plans on an on-going basis and modifying as appropriate.
  • Petitions for appointment, annual reappointment and termination of Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) conservatorships and Probate Code Petitions based on declarations of mental health and/or other medical professionals accepted by the court/law; causes preparation of and reviews court pleadings, inventory and appraisals, periodic and final accountings, court confirmation of sales, and petitions for special instructions; interprets and applies the Welfare and Institution and Probate Codes.
  • Determines whether guardianship or conservatorship is appropriate under the applicable laws or any suitable alternatives. Prepares reports, testifies and makes recommendations to the court regarding guardianship or conservatorship referrals.
  • Researches records for pertinent clinical history, diagnosis and prognosis; consults with physicians, community social services or health care services to arrange for placement of conservatees in the most appropriate and least restrictive facility; authorizes treatment and personally coordinates the placement of conservatees in care facilities; coordinates and/or visits these facilities in person, telephone, and/or video conferencing to monitor the conservatee and their current needs, to evaluate their ongoing suitability as a residence for conservatees; and arranges for transportation to court hearings when required.
  • Serves as clients' rights advocate; works with community health, social services and other agencies to arrange for a delivery of services to clients; applies for all public and private financial benefits and assistance to which conservatees are eligible, such as Social Security, Veteran's and retirement benefits or social services program assistance.
  • Locates, inventories and directs the marshalling of all assets, including Social Security benefits, Veterans' benefits, other income, and personal and real property; oversees appraisal of estate, including maintaining records of assets and debits for the estate; and protects the estate against loss and/or waste; collects debts due to conservatees; reviews claims against conservatee's assets; arranges for the storing of personal property and assists in disposing of real and personal property through sale, public auction or disbursement to relatives, as appropriate and provides for payment of expenses from assets and other sources of assistance.
  • Collaborates with Adult Protective Services, the local law enforcement, etc. in preparing and invoking a Certificate of Authority to Take Possession or Control of Property (Probate Code Section 2900-2903) for the purpose of protecting the assets of an elder or dependent adult domiciled in Calaveras County from loss, injury, waste, or misappropriation by another party.
  • Analyzes and makes recommendations to management concerning procedural changes such as for new or revised work related policies, procedures, and standards; serves on policy, technical, personnel, and customer group committees.
  • Prepares and maintains comprehensive, accurate and timely case reports, records, and correspondence, including petitions, court reports and chronological activity records.
  • Complies with all County equipment and safety policies and procedures, and California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CalOSHA) rules and regulations.
  • Drives a County or personal motor vehicle to attend court sessions and meetings, interview persons and visit case sites; may be designated to represent the County as the Public Guardian in meetings with other county or community agencies where assigned program is at issue.
  • Applies for and acts as Representative Payee for conservatees.
  • Consults with County Counsel to interpret sections of State and Federal regulations, Welfare and Institution and Probate Codes pertaining to Public Guardian program matters.
  • Assists counsel of record on behalf of wards and conservatees in all criminal and civil hearings outside of conservatorship or guardianship.
  • Notifies relatives of the death of conservatees, makes funeral arrangements and arranges for disposal of assets of deceased wards and conservatees as directed by the Probate Code.
  • Develops policies and procedures in the areas of Guardianship, Conservatorship, LPS, and Estate Administration and revise as necessary with changes in local and State laws and regulations.
  • Performs other duties as required.
Deputy Public Guardian II
  • In addition to above: The Deputy Public Guardian performs the aforementioned duties at a journey level. The Deputy Public Guardian II may be assigned more complex and difficult cases with limited supervision and direction.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:
Community resources related to behavioral health, guardianship and/or related issues, and a general understanding of principles and practices of case management, social aspects of mental illness, emotional and behavioral disorders, addiction and substance abuse; scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies.

Ability to:

Apply the principles of current behavioral health treatment practices, agency policies and procedures; establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of persons contacted in the course of the work; write clear, accurate and concise notes and reports; maintain an objective and empathetic understanding of mental illness, emotional and behavioral disorders, addiction, substance abuse, and related problems. Interpret and appropriately apply county, agency, and departmental policies, procedures, and rules.

Education, Training, and Experience:

Deputy Public Guardian I

Graduation from high school and six years of experience working directly with consumers in a public behavioral health, social services, or similar setting.

-Or-

An Associate's Degree in Human Services, or a related field, and three years of experience working directly with consumers in a public behavioral health, social services, or similar setting.

-Or-

Completion of a Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work, chemical dependency, or a related field and one year of experience working directly with consumers in a public behavioral health, social services, or similar setting.

Deputy Public Guardian II

Graduation from high school and eight years of experience working directly with consumers in a public behavioral health, social services, or similar setting.

-Or-

An Associate's Degree in Human Services, or a related field, and five years of experience working directly with consumers in a public behavioral health, social services, or similar setting.

-Or-

Completion of a Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work, chemical dependency, or a related field and three years of experience working directly with consumers in a public behavioral health, social services, or similar setting.

-Or-

Master's, Doctoral, or other like advanced degree in psychology, social work, chemical dependency, or a related field and one year experience working directly with consumers in a public behavioral health, social services, or similar setting.
Special Requirements

  • Possession of an appropriate and valid California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Must obtain certification issued by the California State Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians and Public Conservators (PA/PG/PC) within four (4) years of appointment under the standards and certification requirements set forth by the PA/PG/PC and maintain certification while employed in the Public Guardian/Conservator Office or subject to dismissal; must provide proof of re-certification within 10 calendar days prior to expiration.
  • Must take the certificate of appointment and oath to act as a "Deputy Public Guardian."
  • Consents to act as conservator, of person and estate of the proposed conservatee ordered by the Superior Court Judge.

Service Employees International Union Local 1021

For available Health/Dental/Vision insurance please visit the County Please note that Extra-hire positions that are benefitted, are only offered our CORE medical plan and are not offered dental or vision.

NEW* Assist-To-Own program to help Couny employees purchase a home.
Program Highlights:
  • Down Payment Assistance, up to 5.5% of the Total Mortgage Loan.
  • Available with purchase of a primary residence.
  • Variety of Mortgage Loan options (FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Mortgage Loans).
  • No first-time homebuyer requirement to qualify.
  • Flexible guidelines: Minimum FICO 640; Maximum DTI 50%.
  • Flexible income limits, up to moderate income levels; no income limits for FHA and VA.
For more information, vists
Boot Allowance: $150 or $175 per year and is distributed once a year, in the first full pay period in the month of December. Qualifying Classifications: Registered EH Specialists, EH Techs, OSS Engineers, Fleet Manager, Junior Engineer, Mechanic series, Sheriff's Mechanic, Public Works Inspector, Road Maintenance Worker series, Integrated Waste Worker series, AG Techs, and AG Biologists, and Recycling Program Coordinator I/II, Permit Tech I/II, Engineering Tech I/II assigned to the Rock Creek Landfill facility, and Air Pollution Control Tech.

Uniform Allowance: $600 per calendar year split into monthly payments. Payments will be made monthly on the second pay check. Qualifying classifications: Custodian series, facility maintenance worker series, facilities maintenance engineer.

Extra-Hire:
Extra-hire employees are not eligible for step advances, vacation, seniority rights, holiday pay or other certain employee benefits. They are entitled to 24 hours of sick leave per year and eligilbe for the county's CORE Medical plan but not eligible for dental or vision insurance.

Vacation days:

0 - 3 complete years = 80 hours per year.

After 6 months you can take your first week.

3 - 10 complete years = 120 hours per year

10 years+ = 160 per year
Holidays: 14 paid holidays per year.
Life Insurance through ReliaStar: $50,000.00 County paid. After 65 years of age, pays out 65%, after 70 years of age ReliaStar pays out 32.5%.

Sick Leave: 12 days annual sick leave accrual with unlimited accumulation.

Sick leave is accrued at 3.69 hours for each full 80 hours of payroll period.

60 hours of sick leave can be used for immediate family, parent spouse, child or sibling.

Merit: After successfully completing twenty-six (26) pay periods, a 3.5% merit increase may be granted. Merit increases may be granted annually thereafter to the top step.
Probation Period: New employees remain in a probationary status for 26 pay periods..

Longevity Incentives @ 2.5% for each of the following:
  • 5.5 years (if hired before March 28, 2005)
  • 6 years
  • 10 years
  • 15 years
  • 20 years
  • 25 years

Bi-Lingual pay: $75 per month for specific approved job classifications.
Flexible Spending: Pre-Tax Medical Reimbursement - Max contribution of $2,500 annually

Flexible Spending: Pre-Tax Dependent Care Account - Max contribution of $5,000 annually
Section 125 Plan: Additional insurance is available through the Section 125 plan and may be purchased from a representative during open enrollment or by appointment when they are on-site.
AFLAC

Heart & Stroke Insurance

Cancer Insurance

Accident Insurance

Universal Life Insurance

Short Term Disability Insurance

?LEGALSHIELD

CALPERS RETIREMENT INFORMATION:

CalPERS:
CLASSIC MEMBERS: 2% at 55
PEPRA MEMBERS: 2% at 62

Extra-Hire's will be enrolled into Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) unless you are already a member of CalPERS.
Additional Retirement Plan:

The County offers a 457 Government plan. Employees can contribute u to this deferred compensation plan (Pre or Post Tax options). The County utilizes VALIC.
Participating employees will receive a County paid match of up to $50 a month.

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