Public Guardian

State of Vermont; St. Albans (VT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage (80% state paid)

Holidays and leave

FMLI

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Wellness program

Public service loan forgiveness

Job summary

The Office of Public Guardian in Vermont seeks an independent, organized professional to protect the legal and human rights of individuals under court-ordered guardianship. This role is centered in the St.

Albans regional office and covers multiple counties with a focus on developmental disabilities and age-related cognitive impairments. The successful candidate will travel across counties, engage with judges, lawyers, providers and families, and handle urgent after-hours calls.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent with relevant social work focus.
• Experience with aging and/or disability services and case management.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders in high-stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Protect and monitor the legal and human rights of individuals under guardianship.
• Travel within counties to support clients and coordinate care.

Skills

Case management

Emotional self-regulation

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Master's degree in social work

Gerontology/aging

Disabilities

Psychology

Job description

Overview

The Office of Public Guardian seeks an independent, enthusiastic and organized person to protect and monitor the legal and human rights of individuals under court-ordered guardianship. This position is located at the St. Albans OPG regional office. It covers a caseload of individuals with developmental disabilities or age-related cognitive impairments primarily in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties who require assistance and judgment for critical decision making in a number of life domains (such as medical, residential, legal, contractual decisions, and financial). At times, there is a high level of stress associated with this position.

Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or age-related cognitive impairments is essential. The successful applicant will have strong emotional self-regulation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

The selected candidate will be required to travel frequently in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties and may be required to travel to other parts of the State as well. Some work outside of normal office hours is required, including emergency calls during evenings and weekends.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Guardian (Job Requisition #55562), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Environmental Factors

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.