Guardianship Specialist

REAL Services, Inc.; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

REAL Services, Inc. in Indiana seeks two Guardianship Specialists to provide direct guardianship services, ensure client well-being, and advocate for clients’ personal, medical, and financial needs with compassion and professionalism.

You will manage case notes, legal documents, coordination with families, service providers, and community partners while supporting program operations and volunteer engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Gerontology, Psychology, Social Work or related field, or relevant work experience.
• Experience in direct care, advocacy or community service.
• Must become a National Certified Guardian within 6 months of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive client case management including assessments, visitation, care coordination, and service planning.
• Prepare and maintain legal, financial, and program documentation; communicate with families and partner agencies.
• Support program marketing, office administration, and recruitment/training of volunteers.
• Assist with after-hours coverage and maintain confidential records.
• Collaborate with Guardianship Volunteer Advocates, APS, and courts to ensure coordinated care.
• Contribute to program development and community outreach to promote Guardian Partner program.

Skills

Legal procedures

Basic computer skills

Attention to detail

Elder care

Communication

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Sociology, Gerontology, Psychology, Social Work or related field

Experience in direct care, advocacy or community service

National Certified Guardian within 6 months

Job description

Description

2 Guardianship Specialist positions open

JOB SUMMARY

This full-time, at-will position is responsible for providing direct guardianship services to clients, ensuring their personal, medical, and financial needs are met with compassion and professionalism. The incumbent acts as an advocate for clients, facilitating care coordination, managing legal and financial matters, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and program policies. The role also supports program operations through documentation, reporting, volunteer engagement, and collaboration with community partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Conduct regular client visits to monitor well-being, ensure appropriate care, and address personal and health-related needs. Advocate for clients and assist clients in transitioning between living arrangements or care settings to ensure continuity of care.

2. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case notes, client records, and legal documentation in accordance with agency standards and regulatory requirements. Prepare and submit reports and other required documentation promptly to ensure compliance with internal and external timelines. Participate in client assessments and referral processes to determine eligibility and service needs.

3. Prepare and oversee legal documents related to guardianship and client affairs. Assist with liquidation, management, and disposition of clients’ assets and belongings. Coordinate financial matters.

4. Maintain regular communication with family members, service providers, care teams, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated and comprehensive client support.

5. Contribute to program development, marketing, and community outreach to promote Guardian Partner program and expand service awareness.

6. Assist in maintaining efficient office workflow, including off-hours phone coverage.

7. Support the recruitment, training and retention of volunteers to strengthen the guardianship program’s capacity and outreach. Provide mentorship and guidance to volunteers.

8. Other duties as may be assigned and/or requested from time to time in fulfillment of the agency’s mission

RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent provides comprehensive client case management, including assessments, visitation, care coordination, and service planning. They prepare and maintain legal, financial, and program documentation in an accurate and timely manner, while maintaining ongoing communication with families, service providers, and partner agencies. Additional responsibilities include supporting program marketing efforts, assisting with office administration, providing after-hours coverage, and participating in recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from an accredited four-year college or university in Sociology, Gerontology, Psychology, Social Work, or related field, or relevant work experience.
• Experience in direct care, advocacy or community service.
• Must become a National Certified Guardian within 6 months of hire date.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Working knowledge of legal procedures
• Knowledge of basic computer applications
• Organized with exemplary attention to detail
• Familiarity with elder care
• Ability to relate well to others
• Excellent communication skills (both verbally and in writing)
• Comfortable with public speaking

DIFFICULTY OF WORK

Work requires sound professional judgement, discretion, and the ability to manage complex and sensitive client situations involving legal, financial, and emotional factors. The position demands strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities under strict deadlines and regulatory requirements. The incumbent must be capable of working independently and collaboratively while navigating emotionally challenging circumstances with empathy and professionalism.

PERSONAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• With Guardianship Volunteer Advocates, Guardianship Advisory Council and REAL Services staff
• With Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Court System
• With nursing facilities and other service and health care providers
• With client’s family, friends, and other interested parties
• With banks, attorneys, trust departments and other program partners

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually seated, standing, or walking at will in a typical office setting. Very limited physical effort required. Frequent travel required in the service area.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Successful candidate must submit to a pre-employment drug screening, limited criminal history check, driver check and National Sex Offender Registry check, SAM and OIG exclusion screenings. Must pass and maintain compliance with the agency’s background check policy.
• Proof of educational credentials is required at employment.
• Valid driver's license and a dependable vehicle required.
• Must meet the Agency’s required car insurance coverage level at employment and maintain it throughout the duration of employment (Liability Coverage: $100,000/$300,000/$100,000).
• Password protected internet access of good quality to perform the essential duties.
• This position has a 90-day probationary period.