Guardian Case Manager

Harris County•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Project/Program Manager, the Guardian Case Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating case management services in legal, medical, financial, social, and psychiatric matters. They serve as the appointed Guardian for incapacitated adults with varying disabilities and challenging life circumstances who have been declared wards of Harris County.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a Social Science arena, e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or closely related field.
One (1) year of case management experience in a Social Service setting working with adults with varying degrees of disabilities and challenging life circumstances, such as Adult Protective Services, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, hospital, nursing home, or social work.
Training and experience using a personal computer with a variety of software such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Case Management Software.
Reliable transportation with a valid Texas driver’s license and auto liability insurance.
Must pass the Judicial Branch Certification Commission's criminal history check to be certified as a Guardian Case Manager and obtain a Provisional Guardianship Certification within two (2) months of hire.
Successfully complete the Texas Guardianship Certification Exam through the Texas Judicial Branch Certification Commission within two (2) years of employment (Texas Government Code Chapter 155).
Knowledge of county, state, and federal laws, the Texas Estates Code, statutes, rules, and standards governing guardianship.
Knowledge of community resources.
Understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques of case management and administration, as well as case management documentation and record keeping.
Empathy, value, and success in dealing with various types of physical and mental disabilities, distinct cultural histories, and the unique needs of people from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Must have excellent casework and documentation skills.
Must be self-disciplined, dependable, and capable of working independently while managing multiple projects, tasks, and demands.
Maintains the highest standards of ethical behavior, exercising honesty, integrity, respect, confidentiality, and fairness in the execution of their official responsibilities.
Develops and maintains effective relationships with residential facilities, caregivers, family members, benefit carriers, government officials and departments, community partners and resources, and the public.
Handles sensitive interpersonal situations with calmness and tactfulness.
Communicates detailed and often sensitive information effectively, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and manages the Initial Ward Care Plan for all new guardianship cases which is tailored to meet the ward's individual needs and level of functioning for shelter, clothing, food, medical, social, educational, legal and psychiatric care.
Establishes and monitors living arrangements that are in the best interest of the ward.
Coordinates and consents to medical and psychiatric treatment of the wards.
Prepares and maintains comprehensive, accurate, and timely case documentation including petitions, court reports, correspondence, and case notes.
Applies for all public and private financial and medical benefits.
Fulfills the financial powers and duties of a Guardian.
Completes and updates Ward Care Plans, Residential Facility Agreements, Annual Reports, Annual Inventories and other documents accurately and timely.
Provides on-going case management to ensure the well-being of wards assigned including conducting monthly visits and inspections of wards' residences.
Upon the ward's death, ensures that all funeral arrangements are made, all documents related to the death of a ward are completed and filed appropriately, known family members and all parties involved in the funeral process are notified, attend funeral services, and ensures that the deceased ward is buried or cremated as timely as possible.