Public Guardian - Temporary

State of Vermont; St. Albans (VT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Public Guardian for the State of Vermont seeks an independent, organized professional to protect the rights of individuals under court-ordered guardianship. The role covers clients with developmental disabilities or age-related cognitive impairments across Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties and requires travel for critical decision-making support.

The successful candidate will manage emergencies, work with diverse teams, and monitor service plans, often outside normal

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work, gerontology/aging, disabilities, psychology, or related field with 1+ year of case management.
• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of case management experience in aging or disability services.
• Associate's degree with 4+ years of case management experience.
• High School diploma with 5+ years of case management experience.

Skills

Case management experience

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in social work

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

High School diploma

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. It covers a caseload of individuals with developmental disabilities or age-related cognitive impairments 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.

The successful applicant will have strong problem solving and emotional self-regulation skills, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a high tolerance for conflict. Applicants must have knowledge of the needs of individuals with disabilities, and services and opportunities for meeting those needs. Must be able to work well with diverse teams, learn a variety of computer applications, and be available for emergency response at night and on the weekends. Extensive travel is required.

This is a temporary positon, expected to run through March 31, 2027. Temporary employees do not receive benefits and cannot work more than 1520 hours per year. Temporary employees may very likely work 40 hours per week but could work less. The amount of hours worked will vary depending on current need.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Guardian - Temporary (Job Requisition #55372), is open to all State employees and external applicants. This is a temporary position. Temporary work is typically for variable hours, and is not expected to be full-time. The State does not guarantee 40 hours of work per week.

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

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.

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.

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.