Trust Director

Job Description

Job Description

The purpose of the Trust Director position is to oversee the administration, compliance, and operations of the pooled trust program held by The Arc New Mexico on behalf of beneficiaries with disabilities. This position is responsible for the collective management and distribution of trust assets, ensuring compliance with governing trust agreements, SSI and Medicaid requirements, fiduciary obligations, and applicable laws and regulations. The Trust Director also leads community outreach and education efforts regarding special needs trusts and trust services.

Performance Measures: A successful Trust Director will produce positive outcomes in the following areas: maintain objectivity while exercising discretionary authority; ensure trust distributions enhance the quality of life of beneficiaries while protecting benefit eligibility; maintain accurate and compliant trust operations and reporting; ensure audit readiness and regulatory compliance; and provide effective leadership, outreach, and program oversight.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (IN PRIORITY ORDER)

Trust Administration & Beneficiary Services:

·    Oversee pooled trust fund distributions and maintenance of trust account files

·    Administer trust assets in accordance with governing trust agreements, fiduciary obligations, applicable laws, and beneficiary best interests

·    Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SSI, Medicaid, and special needs trust regulations

·    Ensure discretionary trust spending supports beneficiary quality of life while protecting public benefit eligibility

·    Respond to beneficiary needs related to goods and services not otherwise covered through SSI, Medicaid, or other support systems

·    Maintain communication with beneficiaries, families, guardians, conservators, attorneys, providers, and other interested parties regarding trust activity and beneficiary needs

·    Work closely with attorneys, guardians, conservators, financial institutions, auditors, and investment representatives regarding trust administration matters

Financial Oversight & Compliance:

·     Ensure trust operations comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and governing agreements

·     Maintain accurate trust records, account balances, reconciliations, and required reporting documentation

·     Oversee trust account processing, reporting, and annual fee generation for pooled trust accounts

·     Ensure required tax filings, reporting obligations, and compliance documentation are completed accurately and timely

·     Support and coordinate internal and external audits, monitoring reviews, and regulatory inquiries

·     Identify operational, compliance, or fiduciary risks and implement corrective actions as needed

Systems & Operational Management:

·       Oversee approved trust management software systems

·       Utilize accounting, reporting, and trust management tools to improve efficiency and accuracy of trust operations

·       Develop and improve operational procedures, workflows, and documentation standards related to trust administration

·       Ensure continuity and integrity of trust operations and records management

Leadership, Outreach & Program Development:

·  Provide statewide outreach and education regarding special needs trusts and trust services to beneficiaries, families, community agencies, providers, and the public

·  Serve as Trust Committee team lead and present atypical or high-risk issues for committee and/or legal review as appropriate

·  Participate as active member of remainder fund committee

·  Active member of Leadership Team; participate in agency problem solving, policy development, and organizational decision-making

·  Promote continuous improvement of trust services, beneficiary support, and operational effectiveness

Supervisory Duties:

·  Supervise Trust Administrative Coordinator(s): assign duties, provide training, guidance, and support

·  Monitor staff performance and ensure adherence to trust policies, procedures, and compliance standards

·  Assign temporary responsibilities to appropriate staff members when out of office to ensure continuity of trust oversight

Other Duties as Assigned and that meet the minimum qualifications of this position.

EDUCATION & RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

Education Level/ Years of Related Work Experience:

(minimum & preferred educational requirements necessary to perform this job successfully)

Minimum: of bachelor’s degree required with minimum of 3-5 years of finance or accounting experience. 

Preferred: Legal and trust operations experience.

Skills and Knowledge

Required

Preferred

Proficiency in technical areas such as Microsoft Office; including Word, Outlook, Access and Excel.

X

Excellent oral communication skills reflecting solid customer service both in-person and via the telephone;

X

Ability to relate well in cross-cultural environments;

X

Ability to effectively collaborate with staff;

X

Ability to use time effectively;

X

Ability to focus on details;

X

Ability to adapt to shifting priorities

x

Ability to position and promote opportunities

X

Ability and willingness to travel locally to meet agency needs

X

Bilingual, English, and Spanish

X

WORK ENVIRONMENT

(Describe any specific workplace conditions and/or physical abilities that are related to and/or required by this job)

Routine office environment.  Regular work week with occasional early evening or weekend hours.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

(Describe any specific conditions for employment relative to this position)

Must be able to pass comprehensive background check.

Must have car, valid driver’s license, and meet the required automobile insurance minimums for the State of New Mexico.

The Arc New Mexico promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Arc New Mexico provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, marital status, and sexual orientation), genetic information, veteran status, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Equipment Used:

PC and standard office equipment, including utility dolly

Physical Requirements:

Position is primarily an office setting, requiring long periods of sitting at a desk and computer.  The position requires the ability to lift 20 pounds unassisted, 40 pounds with assistance.  Frequent visits to training and enrollment sites may require driving in inclement weather or in the evening after sunset. 

Job Responsibilities

The previous statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties & responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. The Arc New Mexico may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Full benefit package includes but not limited to health, dental, vision, IRA, PTO, 14 federal holidays and more.