Public Guardian - Temporary

State of Vermont • Saint Albans, VT

11d • Onsite

About The Position

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 part-time temporary guardian position through March 31, 2027.

Requirements

• 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.
• Knowledge of the needs of individuals with disabilities, and services and opportunities for meeting those needs.
• Ability to work well with diverse teams.
• Ability to learn a variety of computer applications.
• Must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.
• Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Strong problem solving skills
• Emotional self-regulation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High tolerance for conflict

Responsibilities

• Protect and monitor the legal and human rights of individuals under court-ordered guardianship.
• Provide assistance and judgment for critical decision making in medical, residential, legal, contractual decisions, and financial domains.
• Be available for emergency response at night and on the weekends.
• Conduct field work, including visits to client residences, service providers, educational facilities, places of employment, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED