Public Guardian

State of Vermont•Saint Albans, VT

18h•Hybrid

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. This position is located at the St. Albans OPG regional office. It covers a caseload of individuals with developmental disabilities or age-related cognitive impairments primarily 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. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or age-related cognitive impairments is essential. The successful applicant will have strong emotional self-regulation, communication, and interpersonal skills. The selected candidate will be required to travel frequently in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties and may be required to travel to other parts of the State as well. Some work outside of normal office hours is required, including emergency calls during evenings and weekends.

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.
Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or age-related cognitive impairments is essential.
Strong emotional self-regulation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Must have private means of transportation available for field work.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree of higher

Responsibilities

Protect and monitor the legal and human rights of individuals under court-ordered guardianship.
Provide assistance and judgment for critical decision making in life domains such as medical, residential, legal, contractual decisions, and financial.
Travel frequently within Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties, and potentially to other parts of the State.
Perform some work outside of normal office hours, including emergency calls during evenings and weekends.
Conduct field work, including visits to client residences, service providers, educational facilities, and places of employment.
Engage in difficult interactions and confrontations with judges, lawyers, health care providers, family members, neighborhood residents, employers, bank officials, law enforcement officers, investigators, and clients.
Potentially face direct contact with individuals posing threats, creating the potential danger for physical assault and injury.