Fiscal Guardian Officer

Description

The Guardian Officer is responsible for managing the financial affairs of clients in accordance with Social Security Administration (SSA) accounting guidelines, state fiduciary regulations, and department policies. This role ensures the secure and organized management of client funds, including monitoring income, expenses, savings, and day-to-day allocations while maintaining strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This is an exempt, salaried position. 

Contributions: 

Financial Management & Compliance

• Manage client checking accounts, ensuring proper allocation of funds for daily living expenses.
• Track and maintain accurate records of income, expenses, and savings for each client.
• Ensure compliance with SSA guidelines and state fiduciary regulations governing benefit management.
• Assess clients’ financial status and make sound expenditure decisions in their best interest.
• Establish and manage Special Needs Trusts to preserve benefit eligibility while setting aside assets.
• Process financial transactions, including deposits, disbursements, and negotiable instruments.
• Monitor account balances and initiate fund transfers to Special Needs Trusts or burial accounts as needed to prevent benefit loss.

Benefit & Eligibility Management

• Work collaboratively with program management to secure federal, state, or personal funds that clients are entitled to receive.
• Complete documentation required to maintain benefit eligibility for ICF/ID clients and support benefit renewals for CLA clients.
• Prepare and maintain monthly client account ledgers, tracking income and disbursements.
• Process room and board contracts in compliance with policy and Pennsylvania regulations.
• Disburse funds for community residential clients based on Pennsylvania code and long-term care clients according to Department of Health and Human Services guidelines.

Client Advocacy & Financial Disposition

• Serve as an advocate for clients in financial matters and certain benefit programs when no external representative is assigned.
• Manage financial responsibilities for deceased or discharged clients, working with families, new service providers, and funeral homes to properly distribute funds.
• Report internal issues affecting the proper accounting of client funds to the supervisor, following the established chain of command.

Exceptional Benefits:

Minimum of 30 hours worked, and employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• Health (UPMC), Dental and Vision Insurances (1st of the month following 60 days from start date)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HSA)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• 403b – Traditional and Roth with Company Match 
• Tuition Reimbursement (for core positions)
• Competitive PTO Plan
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Incentive in lieu of Medical coverage

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, social work, public administration, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience in fiduciary responsibilities, financial management, or benefits coordination.
• Knowledge of SSA representative payee regulations, state fiduciary laws, and financial best practices.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently while ensuring compliance with all regulations.
• Proficiency in financial software, Microsoft Office Suite, and record-keeping systems.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills when working with clients, families, and agencies.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in fiduciary management, guardianship services, or representative payee administration.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities, seniors, or vulnerable populations.
• Background in case management, social services, or financial planning.

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Verland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.