Conservatorship Officer

County of Yolo; Woodland (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telecommuting after training

Job summary

County of Yolo is seeking a Conservatorship Officer within the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). The role involves investigating medical, psychological, financial, and social records to determine conservatorship necessity and to arrange community services for conservatees.

Ideal candidates will have experience with mentally ill or cognitively impaired individuals, strong analytical ability, and clear written/verbal communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in psychology, sociology, social welfare, social work, or behavioral sciences.
• 1 year of paid professional experience in a public or private agency preferred; 2 years of related experience may substitute education.

Responsibilities

• Investigates backgrounds of clients to determine conservatorship/guardianship needs.
• Reviews records and analyzes to determine disability or incapacity.
• Interprets Welfare and Institution and Probate Codes; prepares court reports and recommendations.
• Testifies in court; explains conservatorship to clients and families.
• Works with community services to arrange for client support and housing.

Skills

Case reviews

Critical analysis

Written communication

Verbal communication

Time management

Independent judgment

Compassion

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field

Job description

The County of Yolo is recruiting to fill one (1) regular, full-time position in the class of Conservatorship Officer at the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list that will be utilized to fill this vacancy as well as future positions within the County as they arise. This position requires a work schedule of Monday-Friday 8am-5pm with mandatory rotational afterhours standby duty. Upon approval telecommuting is available after initial training period for a maximum of up to two (2) days per week.

The Yolo County Public Guardian program operates within the Health and Human Services Agency, Social Services Branch. The Public Guardian serves as the court-appointed conservator for Yolo County residents who lack the capacity to manage their own affairs and who have no one else willing and able to act in that role.

Under direction, a Conservatorship Officer investigates medical, psychological, financial, and social records and history of individuals referred for conservatorship to determine whether the individual is gravely disabled or substantially unable to provide for their own personal care, shelter, and financial needs, and makes recommendations to the court on the appropriateness of conservatorship; plans and monitors the personal and financial affairs of conservatees, and arranges for delivery of community support services for conservatees.

The ideal candidate will:

• have experience working with people with serve mental illnesses and/or cognitive impairments;
• have experience with case reviews, including applying government codes;
• have experience performing critical analysis;
• have comprehension of medical and psychiatric records;
• be well organized and able to balance multiple deadlines;
• have clear and concise written and verbal communication;
• have excellent time management;
• be able to exercise independent judgment AND;
• have compassion and desire to help others.

Definition

Under direction, investigates the medical, psychological, financial and social backgrounds of individuals referred for conservatorship to determine and recommend to the court on the appropriateness of conservatorship; plans and monitors the personal and financial affairs of such persons; arranges for delivery of community support services for mentally impaired or physically disabled wards; and carries out related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This classification is located in the Public Guardian's Office. It differs from the next lower classification of Guardian Technician, the bridge class between non-technical, paraprofessional clerical classes and professional classes, by maintaining specific caseloads for L.P.S. and Probate conservatorships, exercising independent judgment, using critical analysis skills, interpreting and applying applicable Government Code Sections, making decisions in controversial and/or emotional situations which could have significant impacts on conservatees and the County, and routinely testifies in court as required.

The following duties are typical of those performed by the incumbent in this classification; however, other duties may also be required:

• Investigates the financial, medical, psychological, vocational and social backgrounds of clients by interviewing proposed conservatees or wards, their relatives, friends, and appropriate public and private agencies.
• Researches records for pertinent clinical history, diagnosis and prognosis;
• Analyzes compiled information to determine whether the person is disabled or substantially unable to provide for their own personal care, shelter and financial needs;
• Interprets and applies the Welfare and Institution and Probate Codes;
• Prepares reports and recommendations regarding establishment of conservatorship or guardianship, the powers and duties of proposed conservator, or suitable alternatives;
• Testifies in court as required;
• Explains conservatorship to proposed conservatees and wards, their families, and other involved persons or agencies;
• Serves as clients' rights advocate;
• Works with community health, welfare and other agencies to arrange for a delivery of services to clients;
• Develops, plans, and monitors financial resources of clients;
• Arranges and/or provides for physical support for clients such as housing and transportation;
• Arranges for payment of expenses deemed necessary for adequate living arrangements. When appropriate, manages conservatees real and personal property including but not limited to receipt, inventory, purchases, transportation and disposition.
• Maintains contact with conservatees to monitor situation, identify problems, and provide for needed social services;
• Reports to PublicGuardian or his/her designee medical, social and financial status of conservatees;
• Provides guidance to conservatees as appropriate;
• Evaluates reported or suspected problems with conservatees;
• Recommends and initiates detention and hospitalization of conservatees when deemed necessary;
• Participates in case conferences with Mental Health clinicians;
• Reviews each case and determines need for continuation of conservatorship and submits necessary documents for renewal;
• Maintains necessary case records and files;
• Does other related duties as required.

Experience

One (1) year of paid professional experience in a public or private agency, which would demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities listed below, preferred. A total of two years of related job experience dealing with individuals with psychological, social problems, medical or mental illnesses may be substituted for a total of two years of the required education.

Education

Bachelor's Degree (4-yr. degree) from a college or university with a major or emphasis in psychology, sociology, social welfare, social work or behavioral sciences

License

Positions in this classification require incumbents to possess and maintain a valid California driver's license, Class C or higher, to carry out job related duties. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical or mental disability may request a reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge of

Welfare and Institution Codes pertaining to persons with mental or emotional disorders; provisions of the Probate Code related to conservatorship; typical community health, welfare and legal support services and programs; social and psychological problems peculiar to emotionally disturbed and mentally ill persons as well as the severely physically disabled; principles and techniques of providing guidance; methods and techniques of interviewing and investigation; and basic accounting and budgeting skills.

Ability to

Gather, assemble, analyze and evaluate social, medical and legal information; Organize and present factual information in oral and written form; understand, interpret and apply laws and regulations; define alternatives and make appropriate recommendations; deal effectively with persons of varying cultural and social backgrounds as well as aged, disabled, and mentally ill persons; establish rapport and gain the trust of clients; work independently, exercise good judgment and honesty.

Application Process

It is highly recommended that you print this job bulletin for future reference.

Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the closing date. Application information must be current, concise, and related to the requirements in this job announcement. A resume should be included with your application; however, it will not substitute for the information requested on the application. In addition to a completed application, applicants are required to submit a completed supplemental questionnaire, and verification of education for this position. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.

Additional documents may be submitted to the Yolo County Human Resources Office in any one or more of the following ways:

• As an attachment to the online application
• By e-mail to [e-mail]
• By hand-delivery to 625 Court Street, Room 101, Woodland, CA 95695. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All required documents must be received by the Human Resources Office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Human Resources is not responsible for the untimely delivery of materials sent via U.S./specialized mail, or County interoffice mail.

Selection Procedure

The following is a tentative schedule of events that will occur as part of the selection process. The selection process steps, and all listed dates, may change with or without notice.

• Screen for Minimum Qualifications week of 11/16/2026
• Screen for Best Qualified week of 11/23/2026
• Department Selection Interviews 12/17/2026 and 12/18/2026
• In person second interviews week of 12/282026
• Reference Checks
• Conditional Job Offer, pending:
  • Pre-Employment Exams
    • Drug & Alcohol Screen
    • Department of Justice LiveScan
  • Proof of Vaccination or Exemption
• Confirmed Job Offer
• Estimated Start Date: January/February 2027

Verification of Education

Acceptable forms of educational documentation are official or unofficial transcripts that list the student's name, institution name, field of study and date the degree was awarded.

For recent graduates who have not received proof of their degree yet, a letter from the registrar's office stating that all requirements for graduation have been met and listing the field of study will be sufficient proof of graduation.

Do not send originals; copies of the required documents are acceptable. Any submitted documents will not be returned.

All foreign transcripts or diplomas must be in English. If the institution does not provide these documents in English, the applicant will need to provide a translation which has been done by a professional agency. The County of Yolo will accept education as equivalent to U.S. accreditation from Institutions that are listed as members of the International Association of Universities. You may check for your school by visiting the IAU web site (http://www.iau-aiu.net/content/institutions).

Applicants who possess a degree or completed coursework that is not from an accredited college or university, must submit one of the following:

1. A written statement from a U.S. accredited university or college that states that the applicant is qualified for entrance to a program of graduate studies for which a degree in a related field is required.
2. An evaluation of the applicant's degree and coursework equivalency by a private organization that provides foreign credential evaluation services. The evaluation must include a comparison of comparable U.S. courses for content, credit and grade.

Note: Foreign language documents must include a precise word-for-word English translation of all foreign language documents. It is the responsibility of each applicant to prove to the satisfaction of the County that the applicant meets the specific requirements listed on the job announcement for each specific examination. The following is a list of private organizations that provide foreign credential evaluation services. Fees range from $50 to $400 per document; processing times vary from 5-20 business days. For further information, please contact the organization(s). The County of Yolo does not endorse these business entities; this list has been developed for informational purposes only.

• EDUCATIONAL RECORDS EVALUATION SERVICE
  601 University Ave., Suite 127
  Sacramento, CA 95825
  [phone]
  www.eres.com
• FOREIGN EDUCATION DOCUMENT SERVICE
  P.O. Box 151739
  San Diego, CA 92175
  [phone]
  www.documentservice.org
• CENTER FOR APPLIED RESEARCH, EVALUATION & EDUCATION, INC.
  P.O. Box 18358 Anaheim, CA 92817
  [phone]
  www.iescaree.com
• GLOBAL SERVICES ASSOCIATES, INC.
  409 North Pacific Coast Highway, # 393
  Redondo Beach, CA 90277
  [phone]
  www.globaleval.org
• INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH FOUNDATION CREDENTIALS EVALUATION SERVICE
  P.O. Box 3665
  Culver City, CA 90231-3665
  [phone]
  www.ierf.org

Verification of Certification

Acceptable forms of certification and/or formal training documentation are certificates that list the applicant's name, institution name, course title and date the certificate was awarded. If applicable, the verifying documentation should include a certification/license number as well as an expiration date.

Screening for Best Qualified

The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate’s experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification. If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely. Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question. Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated to determine those applicants that are best qualified.

Contact Information

For questions about the position or about employment with the County, please contact Human Resources by e-mail at [e-mail] or by phone at [phone].

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the County of Yolo to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. The County will comply with all of its obligations under State and Federal laws regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations to applicants. Reasonable testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities or who are unable to attend a scheduled test due to religious reasons in accordance with the Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please call the County of Yolo Human Resources Office at [phone] at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled test date to request accommodation. Documentation from a medical doctor, rehabilitation counselor, or other qualified professional will be required.