Guardianship & Client Advocacy Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

The Callaway County Public Administrator's office is accepting applications for a full-time Deputy Public Administrator / "Guardianship Client Advocacy Specialist" position. The starting salary range for this position is $39,500 - $41,000 annually (or $18.99 - $19.71 per hour), based on experience, and the position comes with a full benefits package, including free health insurance, two retirement programs, paid vacation/sick/holiday leave, free life insurance policies, and much more.

The Callaway County Public Administrator’s office provides Guardianship and Conservatorship services to Callaway County residents who are in need of a Guardian and / or Conservator. The Public Administrator’s Office serves as a Guardian and / or Conservator when appointed to serve as such by the Callaway County Probate Court.

The Callaway County Public Administrator's office is located at the Historic Courthouse, 10 East 5th Street, Fulton MO. The normal business hours for the office are Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm with weekends and holidays off. However, this position will be required to be on call for after-hour emergencies.

Callaway County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Public Administrator, this position independently performs professional guardianship, conservatorship, case management, advocacy, and fiduciary duties for incapacitated and disabled adults under the jurisdiction of the Probate Court. Newly hired employees serve an introductory/probationary period during which they receive training in guardianship, conservatorship, probate procedures, office operations, documentation requirements, public benefits, professional standards, and office policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Guardianship Case Management Activities (60%)

• Independently manage an assigned caseload of wards and protectees.

• Conduct in-person visits with clients and maintain regular contact with service providers, treatment teams, residential providers, family members, and other interested parties.

• Ensure clients reside in the most appropriate and least restrictive setting reasonably available.

• Coordinate medical, psychiatric, residential, transportation, employment, and support services for clients.

• Advocate for client rights, needs, preferences, and access to services.

• Investigate concerns regarding abuse, neglect, exploitation, placement, or services.

• Prepare and file annual status reports and other court-required reports.

Conservatorship Financial Coordination Responsibilities (20%)

• Maintain awareness of circumstances affecting a client's financial status, public benefits, housing, healthcare coverage, services, or eligibility.
• Communicate timely any information related to a client's finances, resources, benefits, or eligibility to the Financial Deputy.
• Assist in gathering documentation needed for Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, SSI, Veterans benefits, and other public assistance or programs.
• Coordinate with providers, agencies, family members, and the Financial Deputy to ensure continuity of services and benefits.

Administrative Professional Responsibilities (20%)

• Attend court hearings, meetings, training programs, and professional conferences, as assigned.
• Maintain electronic and paper case files.
• Maintain confidentiality of all clients, employees, medical, legal, financial, and other protected information.
• Follow applicable federal and state laws, court orders, county policies, office procedures, MAPA Standards of Practice, and NGA Standards of Practice.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ABILITIES:

Knowledge of Missouri Chapters 473 and 475 relating to probate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and fiduciary responsibilities; public benefits; county policies; office procedures; MAPA Standards of Practice; and NGA Standards of Practice.

Ability to communicate effectively, maintain confidentiality, establish effective working relationships, exercise sound judgment, prepare accurate reports, prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and function as part of a professional team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Equivalent work experience may be substituted for some of the college credit.
• Must posses a valid Missouri driver's license.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

This position operates in both office and field environments. The office serves clients residing throughout approximately 25 Missouri counties. Regular travel is an essential function of the position. Employees are expected to conduct in-person visits with assigned clients a minimum of two times per year and additional visits as needed based upon clients' needs, investigations, hospitalizations, placement changes, or emergencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and legally; travel throughout Missouri; sit, stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, navigate healthcare and residential environments, use computers and office equipment, and lift and carry files and office materials weighing up to ten pounds.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

IF YOU CLICK TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, YOU WILL BE EMAILED AN APPLICATION. YOU MUST COMPLETE AN APPLICATION IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION.

PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME IN ADDITION TO COMPLETING THE APPLICATION.

Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO)###Health Insurance###Life Insurance###Hands on Training###Mon-Fri Schedule###Career Growth Opportunities###Retirement Plan###Employee Assistance Program###Employee Discounts###