Probate Investigator

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual merit increases

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision

CalPERS pension plan and retirement

Life insurance

Paid holidays and generous leave

Job summary

The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside is seeking a Probate Investigator to conduct investigations into conservatorship and guardianship matters. This role involves fieldwork, home visits, and interviews with family members, professionals, and attorneys to develop evidence-based findings for judicial review.

You will review medical, financial, legal, and court records, perform background checks, and ensure reports are accurate, clear, and objective for court use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, social science, behavioral science, liberal arts, or nursing from an accredited institution.
• Continuing education requirements must be met annually per CA Rule of Court 10.478.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations and assessments involving guardianship petitions.
• Interview prospective conservatees, family members, attorneys, medical professionals, and other parties.
• Visit homes and facilities to assess living conditions and gather information.
• Review medical, financial, legal, and court records as part of investigations.
• Conduct criminal background checks on prospective conservators and guardians.
• Evaluate the continued need for conservatorships and review reports from conservators.
• Interpret Probate Law and court procedures; apply policies and laws.
• Prepare clear, objective investigative reports for judicial review.
• Communicate with distressed individuals with professionalism, tact, and boundaries.

Skills

Interviewing

Field investigations

Written communication

Independent judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in science/social science/behavioral science/liberal arts/nursing

Job description

The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside is seeking a skilled and compassionate Probate Investigator to conduct investigations involving conservatorship and guardianship matters.

This is not a desk-only investigative role. You'll meet with individuals in their homes and other community settings, interview family members and professionals, review legal, financial, and medical information, and provide the Court with clear, objective findings that help judicial officers make important decisions. You will independently conduct detailed investigations to evaluate circumstances surrounding conservatorship and guardianship cases. Your work will require a unique combination of investigative skill, sound judgment, empathy, attention to detail, and strong written communication.

Your investigative reports become evidence and are relied upon by judicial officers when making guardianship and conservatorship determinations, making the quality and objectivity of your work essential.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct field investigations and assessments involving guardianship and conservatorship petitions.
• Interview prospective conservatees, family members, attorneys, medical and psychiatric professionals, government agencies, and other involved parties.
• Visit homes and other locations to assess living conditions and gather relevant information.
• Review medical, financial, legal, and court records as part of your investigation.
• Conduct criminal background checks on prospective conservators and guardians.
• Evaluate the continued need for conservatorships and review reports submitted by conservators.
• Interpret and apply Probate Law, Rules of Court, policies, procedures, and other legal requirements.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive, and objective investigative reports for judicial review and consideration.
• Communicate with individuals who may be confused, distressed, or experiencing challenging circumstances while maintaining professionalism, tact, and appropriate boundaries.

The position requires significant fieldwork throughout Riverside County, with approximately 50% travel, and regular visits to homes and other facilities to conduct interviews and assess living conditions.

Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a curious and thorough investigator, thoughtful interviewer, and strong writer who can gather information from multiple sources and turn complex facts into clear, well-supported findings.

You’ll be successful in this role if you can remain objective when circumstances are complicated, exercise sound independent judgment, communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, maintain confidentiality, and approach sensitive situations with tact and discretion.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in a science, social science, behavioral science, liberal arts, or nursing from an accredited educational institution.
• Additional Continuing Education: Requirements must be met annuallypursuant to the criteria outlined in the California Rule of Court 10.478.
• Experience: Two years of employment experience performing casework or investigations in a legal, financial, law enforcement, or social services setting.
• A valid California Driver License is required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Riverside is the fourth largest county in California and the 10th largest in the United States. There are fourteen court facilities spanning 7,300 square miles that serves Riverside's 2.4 million residents. The courts and its employees hold a unique role in the public sector. The mission of the Riverside Superior Court is, "...in a fair, accessible, effective, and efficient manner, resolve disputes arising under the law and interpret and apply the law consistently, impartially, and independently to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of California and of the United States."

Benefits

• Annual merit increases for satisfactory job performance
• A robust benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
• A pension plan provided by the California Public Employer's Retirement System also known as CalPERS. You will contribute between 7% and 8% of your biweekly pay, depending on your membership status
• Optional deferred compensation programs
• Generous leave accruals
• Fourteen (14) paid holidays
• Bereavement leave
• Tuition discounts
• Qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) Certification