WSUB GUARDIANSHIP REPRESENTATIVE 17710

Position Overview

We are looking for hard working individuals who are committed to serving the disabled citizens of Illinois.  The ideal candidate will be involved in assessing adult individuals with disabilities in their day to day management of personal affairs.  Additional responsibilities include offering advice and information on guardianship services to the public, providing referrals, and answering complaints and questions regarding rights and violations of service providers.  

Job Responsibilities

1.  Serves as representative from the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, Office of the State Guardian.   Manages an assigned caseload of court-referred developmentally disabled, mentally ill, aged ward adults.  Conducts initial assessment to determine the type of care and treatment that best suits the wards' interests.   Provides consent for medical, surgical, hospitalization, and other activities/services for assigned wards.

2.  Visits, assesses, and counsels wards at scheduled intervals ( at least quarterly) and travels to conduct visits.  Determines ward's needs and develops solutions.  Reviews wards' case records to ensure medical information, social histories, financial means and entitlements, and biographical information are current.  Completes annual reports.  Maintains current electronic case management notes and prepares relevant correspondence to document case management activities.

3.  Assists with the preparation of public benefits applications for wards.  Prepares reports and other court documents for use in court at the discretion of the Office of State Guardian Attorney.   Appears in circuit court and testifies on behalf of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission in probate or mental health proceedings.

4.  Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1.  Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in a related social science field.

2.  Requires two (2) years professional service in a social services area.

Preferred Qualifications

1.  Prefers at least (2) two years of professional experience working with people with disabilities.

2.  Prefers direct experience working with at least 1 (one) disability population in a professional, volunteer, and/or personal capacity.

3.  Prefers more than (1) one year experience in performing field work.

4.  Prefers knowledge and experience with advocacy work.

5.  Prefers (2) two years of experience maintaing good functional relationships with voluntary or professional organizations, county and city governmental agencies, and/or Department of Human Services.

6.  Prefers intermediate knowledge of computer including use of Microsoft Office and database programs for ease and ability to take case notes and other relevant communications via a computer. 

7.  Prefers 1-2 years of experience with preparation of public benefits for wards. 

8.  Prefers elementary knowledge of federal and state disability laws and procedures.

Employment Conditions

1.  Requires successful completion of background check and fingerprinting.

2.  Requires ability to travel in performance of duties.

3.  Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, nonscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.

4.  Must successfully complete the National Guardianship Foundation Course and exam and receive certification within 12 months of employment.