DEPUTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR/GUARDIAN/CONSERVATOR II

Job Description:

DEPUTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR/GUARDIAN/CONSERVATOR II

Description

Position Description

An Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace

Invites your interest for the position of

Deputy Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator II

$5,536 - $7,557 monthly

Final Filing Date: March 23, 2025
Exam #: 25/34H34/02JH
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Health Department, Public Administrator/Public Guardian/Conservator Division is seeking to fill two vacant Deputy Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator II (Deputy PA/PG/PC II) positions. The Deputy Public Administrator/Guardian/ Conservator II functions as public conservator, public guardian, public administrator, and representative payee for individuals meeting criteria and as appointed by the Court. The Deputy PA/PG/PC II will perform complex case administration, full estate management and administration services involving Lanterman-Petris-Short (L.P.S.) conservatorship, Probate conservatorships, and/or Decedent Estate Administration placed under the jurisdiction of the Public Guardian Division. Typical duties for this position include conducting periodic visits to evaluate and monitor the delivery and quality of care given; conducting investigations; preparing reports and analyses to determine the legality of and need for placing individuals into public conservatorship or public guardianship. Additional duties include planning, managing, and monitoring fiscal affairs and real property, living services, psychological and medical care, protection, court proceeding, and related matters for conservatees and their estates. Please see the class specification for a full listing of the duties of this position.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process will be used to fill current and future vacancies, both regular and temporary, as they arise in the Health Department.

Examples of Duties

• Makes periodic visits to evaluate and monitor the delivery and quality of care given by treatment providers to determine special needs and performs special personal services such as obtaining clothing or other personal items, as required; Schedules, plans, prepares for, attends, and documents visits and care conferences according to department standards; prepares material for and attending client discharge and admission planning meetings; coordinates and schedules with parties such as County facilities, other Public Administrator/Guardian colleagues, and County Counsel, the transportation of clients to hospitals, court proceedings, and / or other facilities in a safe and efficient manner
• Conducts the most complicated and complex investigation and analysis of medical, psychological, financial and social backgrounds of potential and/or existing conservatees to determine need for and/or continuation of conservatorships; create and document results within prescribed timelines
• Develops case plans and monitors implementation of such
• Arranges for appropriate placement of wards and conservatees in the least restrictive and most appropriate type of residence or care facility; arranges for necessary medical and/or psychiatric treatment. Delivers documents to the County’s Mental Health Unit, County Counsel and other entities as appropriate
• Develops and monitors financial resources for treatment, care, and other expenses including arranging for purchase or disposal of personal and real property, and securing financial assistance, such as social security benefits, veteran’s benefits and public assistance; oversees client resources and approves timely purchases for personal needs as required; accurately and timely completes updates into electronic database systems
• Collects and inventories of all client assets including cash, real and personal property. Protects estates from exploitation or loss by performing record searches, locating and taking control of all assets, budgeting expenditures, managing or disposing of real property, and safeguarding or disposing of personal property’ facilitates and coordinates with vendors for real property services such as lawn maintenance; plumbing; and other services as necessary for safeguarding, preserving and sustaining the client’s estate and real property, as required. Ensure proper property storage in the Division’s property room and/or safe
• Establishes and maintains accurate financial and casework records and files for renewal cases, as well as for court approval of accounting as required by applicable laws
• Completes thorough searches and complicated research on next-of-kin; compiles, creates, and maintains complex data on family tree; creates correspondence; conduct interviews and estate investigations to locate and identify relatives and beneficiaries, wills, pre-need funeral arrangements, and all estate assets including real and personal property
• Marshals estate assets, including the collection of bank accounts and contents of safe deposit boxes, securing personal property and transferring stocks and bonds to the estate
• Manages real property including insurance on property, maintenance and security, collection of rents as required, payment of property taxes, collection of notes and payment of mortgages; may contact vendors, schedule meetings, and/or may list items on GovDeals and other websites
• Reviews the validity of claims and other liabilities against the estate, authorizes timely expenditures and payment of claims and bills; manages Rep-Payee caseload with support from administrative / clerical staff, as required
• Prepares and assists staff in preparing accurate and timely reports on accounting of assets, timely payment of fees and disbursements of estate assets
• Maintains accurate files and financial records on behalf of the estate; accurately updates electronic case management databases and systems as required; correctly and timely upload documents to the Division’s case management database to ensure efficient and effective services; add and update notes timely
• Interviews, advises, and confers, with heirs, relatives, attorneys, title companies, banks, appraisers, accountants, and other public agencies, County Counsel’s office, and others concerning the complex administration and probate of estates
• Testifies in court regarding the probate of wills and other matters regarding estate administration; may represent the estate in small claims court as required by County Counsel
• Provides legal supervision over conservatees in accordance with the Probate Code and Welfare and Institutions Code
• Confers with other divisions and departments regarding special problems encountered and furnishes information as required
• Prepares personal, fiduciary, and estate tax returns including “e-filing” documents with the County Courts and County Recorder within the specified deadlines, as required
• Provides additional services as changing laws may specify or require
• Attends court hearings, including court and jury trials, and testifies regarding recommendations on guardianship or conservatorship as required by County Counsel
• Assists in pre-trial preparation and during probate trials and LPA conservatorship trials, as needed and required by County Counsel
• Makes funeral arrangements and arranges for disposal of assets of deceased clients as directed by Probate Code according to department standards
• Makes funeral arrangements according to burial instructions, provisions of a will, or department or court policy; notifies relatives and other interested parties
• Assists counsel of record on behalf of clients in all criminal and civil hearings, as required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Techniques of interviewing individuals to obtain information and investigative data
• Principles, policies, and procedures used in conducting comprehensive assessments of mentally and functionally disabled persons, the elderly and their families
• Principles, policies, and procedures used in developing and maintaining care plans for mentally and functionally disabled persons and the elderly
• Regulations governing Federal assistance, Social Security benefits, Veterans Administration benefits, and other programs
• Cultural competence and humility; aspects of multi-cultural and ethnic diversity
• Community health, social support systems, and other resources available to clients
• Fundamental principles and practices of accounting as it relates to the administration of estates
• Principles and practices of customer services and public relations
• Fundamental recordkeeping, bookkeeping, basic math, English, and grammar

Working knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques used in estate and financial investigation to determine client assets, including real property, stocks, bonds, and bank deposits
• Functions and procedures of the Court system
• Welfare and Institutions Code, LPS Probate Code and other applicable laws and regulations relating to person and estate management

Skills and Ability to:

• Recognize the care of client/estate is a prime responsibility and always strive to provide quality services consistent with available resources and applicable laws
• Provide services with respect for the dignity and uniqueness of the client/estate unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, race, age, sex, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual identify or orientation, personal attributes, the nature of the mental or medical problems, or any other protected category
• Act as an advocate in safeguarding the client/estate’s rights
• Safeguard the client/estate’s right to privacy by judiciously protecting confidential information
• Gather, assemble, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence; draw logical conclusions and make sound recommendations
• Administer estates and safekeep assets and personal effects; uphold fiduciary responsibility
• Learn to interpret and apply complex laws, codes and other regulations and reference manuals such as they relate to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• Maintain an attitude of fairness, honesty, and impartiality in all professional activities and relationships
• Manifest personal integrity and assume responsibility and accountability for sound individual judgments and actions and eliminate any possibility of conflict of interest
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparation of clear, concise and comprehensive reports, documentation and other related information
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and files. Organize and maintain accurate accounting, inventory, appraisal and other detailed business records
• Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Deal courteously, tactfully, and effectively with the public, colleagues, clients, especially in situations where relations may be strained
• Accept supervision and adjust to immediate and significant changes in established procedures, laws and regulations as related to duties; and attend and perform duties on a regular, reliable and consistent basis
• Adhere to professional guidelines and support services to promote quality programs

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: Deputy Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator II

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

• Education:Possession of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, counseling, social work, health care, law finance, public administration, or a closely related field

OR

• Experience: Four years of experience in counseling, social work, social welfare, human services, public administration, business administration, law, or health care; which included two years of experience performing duties which involved the following: property inventory, property inspection or investigations to locate financial resources

OR

• Four years progressively responsible experience performing duties which involved fiduciary trust or property management and processing of probate documents, including one year of experience in extensive public contact

OR

• One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the classification of Deputy Public Administrator/Conservator/Guardian I in Monterey County

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

• Possess and maintain a valid Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record or be able to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Must successfully complete a background check.
• Work in adverse conditions at locations that may be filled with rodents, fleas, spiders, and human and animal feces for extended periods of time to properly inventory belongings and assets
• Be available to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays and report to work after hours during times of emergency

BENEFITS:

Monterey County offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Bargaining Unit J Benefits Summary Sheet . This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES:

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty

or

Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours,

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:

Monterey County Health Department

Attn: Human Resources Division

1270 Natividad Road

Salinas, CA 93906.

Phone: (831) 755-4749 Fax: (831) 796-8530

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application

• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered; Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Jeremy Hathaway, Human Resources Analyst I, at (831) 755-4749 or hathawayj@countyofmonterey.gov.

http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/human-resources/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summary-sheet

Closing Date/Time: 3/23/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$5,535.92 - $7,556.99 Monthly