Public Fiduciary

La Paz County•La Paz County, AZ

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the County Administrator, the Public Fiduciary acts as a court-appointed guardian, conservator, and/or personal representative when no qualified and willing person or corporation is available. The position administers the County’s Public Fiduciary functions under Arizona Revised Statutes, including guardianships, conservatorships, decedents’ estates, and the Indigent Burial Program. The office also helps the community obtain resources that support the least restrictive impact on vulnerable adults and provides triage, relative searches, and advocacy with medical and legal communities. The Public Fiduciary plans, organizes, and directs the office and indigent burial program; manages wards’ legal, financial, medical, and domestic matters; and serves as personal representative of estates as required. The position prepares court documents and accountings, consults with attorneys and care providers, attends hearings, investigates referrals and alternatives to guardianship, manages accounts and payments, handles property and investments, and coordinates funeral arrangements when necessary. It also participates in relevant local and statewide organizations and educates the community about the Public Fiduciary’s role. This is a full-time, non-exempt, onsite position located in Parker, Arizona. La Paz County offers a salary of $65,000–$75,000 annually and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

Currently hold an Arizona fiduciary license in good standing with the Arizona Supreme Court.
Have one year of work experience within the previous ten years specifically related to one or a combination of fiduciary relationships involving guardianship, conservatorship, or personal representatives.
Knowledge of statutes, laws, legal procedures, and professional standards and codes of conduct relating to guardianships, conservatorships, and decedents’ estates.
Knowledge of accounting practices and procedures applicable to fiduciary relationships.
Knowledge of the social, health, and legal needs of elderly, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill persons.
Knowledge of community resources, social-service agencies, and eligibility requirements for medical, financial, and social-service programs.
Knowledge of property and income management, real-estate transactions, administration, supervision, human relations, conflict resolution, and communication with a diverse client population.
Ability to analyze information and make prudent decisions affecting wards’ financial, physical, social, and psychological well-being.
Ability to carry out responsibilities in compliance with statutes, court orders, professional standards, ethics, and Board of Supervisors policies.
Ability to work effectively with the County Attorney’s Office and manage complex interpersonal relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to be deployed to remote areas of the County and work in adverse conditions for extended periods.
Ability to periodically or routinely lift up to 25 pounds and carry items up to 20 feet; bend or stoop repeatedly or continually; walk over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; and stand for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Must be licensed by the Arizona Supreme Court as a Licensed Fiduciary at the time of hire.
Remain a Licensed Fiduciary in good standing with the Licensing Division of the Supreme Court.
Ensure the Public Fiduciary’s Office remains licensed and complies with licensing requirements and the Fiduciary Code of Conduct under the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration, Part 7, Chapter 2, Section 7-202.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct the Public Fiduciary’s Office and the County’s indigent burial program.
Manage and administer wards’ legal, financial, medical, and domestic matters, and serve as personal representative of decedents’ estates in accordance with statutory requirements.
Prepare and file legal pleadings, annual accountings, and other documents required by courts or case administration.
Consult with assigned or contracted attorneys and wards’ attorneys; attend court hearings.
Investigate referrals and explore alternatives to guardianship.
Sign checks, authorize payments from wards’ accounts, examine and approve service-provider billings, and open and maintain guardianship or estate accounts.
Sign hospital admission and treatment-consent forms; consult with physicians, psychiatrists, social workers, and nursing and group-home staff.
Arrange appraisal and sale of real and personal property; collect and store personal property until disposition; and invest funds when appropriate.
Make funeral arrangements when court-appointed wards die.
Participate in local and statewide organizations related to fiduciary matters, aging, disability, and mental health.
Establish, maintain, and provide ongoing community education regarding the role of the Public Fiduciary.
Prepare and oversee the department budget.
Evaluate programs and services and suggest improvements or appropriate alternatives.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, County and community agencies, courts, and the public.