Senior Deputy Public Guardian

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.

• 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.

Salary : $72,530 - $97,781