Public Guardian

State of Vermont; Montpelier, Northern (VT, KY); On-site; USD 46,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

80% state medical premium

Dental plan at no cost

12 paid holidays

FMLI

Pension plan

Deferred compensation 457(b)

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible spending accounts

Low cost life insurance

Wellness program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The State of Vermont is seeking a Public Guardian to protect the legal and human rights of individuals under court-ordered guardianship. This role covers a caseload across multiple counties and requires frequent travel and occasional after-hours work.

Qualified candidates have a relevant degree and experience in aging or disability services, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding client rights and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 1+ year of professional social work or psychology experience with a focus on aging and/or disability services.
• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of professional experience in aging and/or disability services.
• Associate's degree and 4+ years of professional experience in aging and/or disability services.
• High School diploma and 5+ years of professional experience in social work or psychology with aging and/or disability services.

Responsibilities

• Duties include field work visits to client residences and service providers; travel is required.
• Interact with judges, lawyers, health care providers, family members, and others in high-stress situations with professionalism.
• Occasional work outside normal hours, including emergencies, with strict attention to safety and ethics.

Education

Master's degree in social work or closely related field

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

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Department: Disabilities Aging & Independent Living

Location: Montpelier, VT, US

Position Type: Permanent

Schedule Type: Full Time

Minimum Salary: $33.53

Maximum Salary: $52.55

Overview

The Office of Public Guardian seeks an independent, energetic and organized person to protect and monitor the legal and human rights of individuals under court-ordered guardianship. This position covers a caseload of individuals with developmental disabilities and age-related cognitive impairments who lack decision making capacity in Lamoille, Washington, Caledonia, Orange and neighboring counties. This position requires frequent travel and some work outside of normal office hours.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Guardian (Job Requisition #55799), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Duties are performed in an assigned region and require considerable field work, including visits to client residences, service providers, educational facilities, places of employment, etc., for which private means of transportation must be available. Difficult interactions and confrontations with judges, lawyers, health care providers, family members, neighborhood residents, employers, bank officials, law enforcement officers, investigators and clients themselves may involve high levels of emotion, anger and frustration, and demand excellent interpersonal skills. Direct contact with individuals posing threats may be required and creates the potential danger for physical assault and injury. Some work outside of normal office hours is required, including emergency calls during evenings and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in social work, gerontology/aging, disabilities, psychology, or closely related field AND one (1) year or more of experience at a professional level in social work or psychology with a focus on aging and/or disability services, a health care related field, or similar professional role that included case management responsibilities.

OR

Bachelor's degree AND two (2) years or more of experience at a professional level in social work or psychology with a focus on aging and/or disability services, a health care related field, or similar professional role that included case management responsibilities.

OR

Associate's degree AND four (4) years or more of experience at a professional level in social work or psychology with a focus on aging and/or disability services, a health care related field, or similar professional role that included case management responsibilities.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND five (5) year or more of experience at a professional level in social work or psychology with a focus on aging and/or disability services, a health care related field, or similar professional role that included case management responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree of higher

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.