Job Information
Ventura County Deputy Public Administrator-Guardian-Conservator in Ventura, California
Deputy Public Administrator-Guardian-Conservator
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Deputy Public Administrator-Guardian-Conservator
Salary
$49,510.86 - $69,253.85 Annually
Location
Ventura; requires travel throughout Ventura County and California, CA
Job Type
Full-Time Regular
Job Number
0547HSA-23AA (PB)
Department
Human Services Agency
Division
Adult and Family Services
Opening Date
11/20/2023
Closing Date
12/5/2023 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
Be part of an empowered workforce that is valued by an agency committed to supporting an inclusive environment where it is safe to share ideas, where all voices are respected, and where everyone feels they belong and can reach their fullest potential.
As a Deputy Public Administrator-Guardian-Conservator, you will be part of a dedicated team who protects vulnerable adults in Ventura County by helping them manage their affairs, or ensuring the fair dissolution of their estates.
WHAT WE OFFER
The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:
A general salary increase of 4.0% effective December 24, 2023 and 3.5% effective December 22, 2024.
Merit Increases – New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase.
Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
Bilingual Incentive – Based on agency need, proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule – We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for most positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.
Vacation Accrual – New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
Annual Leave Redemption – After 14,560 hours of continuous County service an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
Sick Leave - Full time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per bi-weekly pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.
Health Plans–Full time employees are given a flexible credit allowance of up to $21,450 annually to offset the purchase of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Employee only - $497 per biweekly pay period
Employee plus one dependent - $678 per biweekly pay period
Employee plus family - $825 per biweekly pay period
Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental and vision care and/or dependent care expenses.
Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined pension plan, which has reciprocity with CalPERS.
Holidays - 12 paid days per year which, includes a scheduled floating holiday.
Additional Benefits - Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.
OUR COUNTY AND COMMUNITY
Ventura County is located on California's "Gold Coast," approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. The County includes 42 miles of coastline which is home to the following cities and points of interest: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura as well as national protected areas such as parts of the Angeles National Forest, Channel Islands National Park, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Ventura County’s beauty and weather combined with a wonderful quality of life are among the many reasons our residents choose to call Ventura County "home."
THE AGENCY
The Human Services Agency (HSA) is comprised of over 1500 staff members who serve approximately a third of Ventura County residents, all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and assist communities by bringing these values into the workforce.
To learn more about HSA, click “Who We Are (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq89F-aztw0) ” to view a short video.
THE POSITION
Under general supervision, Deputy Public Administrator-Guardian-Conservators perform social and fiscal case management for clients under conservatorships; investigates and administers estates of decedents; and administers the estates of and provides legal supervision over disabled, legally incompetent, or disoriented persons.
The Public Administrator investigates and administers the estates of persons who die with or without a will or an appropriate person willing or able to act as the administrator. The Public Administrator only becomes involved when there is no one else with higher authority to administer the decedent's estate. The Public Administrator's functions include searching for existing family members, identifying heirs, making burial arrangements, securing estate assets, and arranging for the payment of debts, sale of personal and real property, and distribution of assets.
The Public Guardian oversees the care of people who are unable to care for themselves. The Public Guardian functions as the legally-appointed guardian or conservator of persons found by the Superior Court to be unable to properly care for themselves or their finances. Once appointed by the court, the Public Guardian assumes personal and financial responsibilities for care of the conservatee and their needs and assets.
The ideal candidate will have experience in social work or case management including assessment of individual client needs, coordinating services with other professionals or agencies, and connecting clients to community-based resources. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated time management and organizational skills. In addition, successful candidates will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and possess excellent critical thinking skills, sound judgment and decision-making skills.
Deputy Public Administrator-Guardian-Conservator is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
May investigate and assess the mental functioning and the social background of persons referred for conservatorship as legally incompetent wards of the Public Guardian; determines whether guardianship or conservatorship is appropriate under the applicable laws and makes recommendations to the Court.
Arranges for the physical care and monitors custody of clients not capable of providing for their own well-being. Conducts detailed investigations into the estates of these persons to discover and protect assets including locating, and identifying wills, heirs, and/or next of kin; advises heirs concerning estate administration and resolves administration conflicts to the satisfaction of heirs and to the courts, as required.
Prepares case documentation, correspondence, financial records, reports, legal forms and related paperwork for estate files, heirs, claimants, and courts; uses email and internet; maintains case logs and computer databases; and assures safekeeping of records and files.
Handles notes, mortgages, and insurance premiums and the operations of businesses owned by the ward or conservatee.
Maintains frequent contact with the client to provide social services.
Assists in marshalling estate assets.
Protects the estates from exploitation and oversees the finances of the conservatee; develops a financial plan for the maintenance needs of conservatee; and reviews claims against assets.
Maintains case logs and computer databases; and assures safekeeping of records and files. Applies for benefits to which the ward or conservatee is entitled, such as, insurance, welfare payments, social security and veteran’s benefits.
Arranges for the physical care and monitors custody of clients not capable of providing for their own well-being.
Recovers, secures, appraises, and arranges for sale of real and personal property.
Works cooperatively with management, County Counsel, and other professionals to prepare for trials or other hearings, etc.
May testify in court; provides reports to the court on quality of care and needs of the client.
Drives clients to court hearings and other appointments; may travel to other counties, as necessary.
Conducts interviews, takes applications, and investigates requests for indigent burials; arranges for disposition of final remains.
Prepares estates for probate; verifies and appraises assets, conducts title searches, and initiates various probate and court procedures.
Performs other related duties as required.
Typical Qualifications
These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE
Possession of a bachelor's degree in a field related to human services and one (1) year experience providing direct client service in human services or other closely related experience which would provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties of the position.
Substitution: Related experience as noted above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of or the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver license.
Must be able to independently travel within Ventura County and to neighboring counties not only during normal business hours but also outside of normal business hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Must meet State mandated certification within required time per Probate Code guidelines
Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs as may be needed to move boxes, records, etc.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES AS DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
When a disaster strikes of natural or manmade origin, Ventura County employees may be called upon to provide service to the community by assisting in emergency response efforts. This may require employees to work in other locations, different hours, and out of class. At the time of hire, all County employees will be required to sign an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Disaster Service Workers and Public Employees (Sections 3102 and 3103, Government Code of California)
DESIRED
Considerable experience in social work or case management including assessment of individual client needs, coordinating services with other professionals or agencies, and connecting clients to community-based resources.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
Experience working with disabled and/or disoriented persons under stressful conditions.
Experience working with personal wills, insurance policies, deeds or contracts.
Experience using investigative skills including interviewing and fact-finding techniques.
Excellent critical thinking skills, sound judgment and decision-making skills
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
Some to working knowledge of:
Effective communication skills and techniques.
Research methods, investigative techniques, and basic interviewing principles.
Basic concepts involved in personal wills, insurance policies, and deeds or contracts.
Principles and methods used in estate and financial investigation; laws and regulations related to conservatorship and estate administration.
Banking and other financial procedures; and basic math skills.
Ability to:
Research, read and interpret laws, regulations, codes, reports, and summaries pertaining to the position.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with disabled and disoriented persons under stressful conditions.
Prepare clear and concise reports and maintain accurate financial and case work records.
Deal courteously and tactfully with distraught persons.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds in adverse situations which require sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.
Ability to learn:
How to use investigative techniques to locate assets, liabilities, relatives, and heirs.
How to interpret, explain, and apply laws and regulations related to conservatorship and estate administration, including the Probate Code, Welfare & Institutions Codes, and court procedures.
Supplemental Information:
May be exposed to hostile witnesses and hazardous situations and locations in the course of completing assignments. May be exposed to sick, disabled, hostile, uncooperative, or mentally unstable clients/relatives.
Recruitment Process
FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
To apply online, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (http://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/HR/docs/Lateral_Transfer.pdf) for additional information.
Applications must provide sufficient information under the Education/Work Experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications in order to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the application.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.
APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the examination process.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION - 100%: An un-proctored, internet-based job-related written exam will be conducted to evaluate participating candidates' knowledge of Reading Comprehension, Language Skills, Interpersonal Skills, and Math Skills for successful performance on the job. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of six (6) months. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future Regular, Temporary, Fixed-Term, Intermittent, and Extra-help vacancies. There is currently one (1) Regular vacancy.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information and driving record is required for this position.
For further information about this recruitment, please contact Patty Booker by email at patty.booker@ventura.org.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the County of Ventura to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for county employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE
Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)
(SEIU)
To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.
Benefits website (https://hr.ventura.org/benefits) or you may call (805) 654-2570.
Retirement FAQ's (https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/benefits/docs/RETIREMENT%20-%20FAQs.pdf)
Memorandum of Agreement
Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ, UPT, UWS
01
Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain prior to appointment, and maintain a valid California driver license?
Yes
No
02
Are you able and willing to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without assistance?
Yes
No
03
Are you able and willing to independently travel within Ventura County and to other neighboring counties during normal business hours and outside of normal business hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as necessary?
Yes
No
04
The incumbent may be exposed to hostile witnesses and hazardous situations and locations in the course of completing assignments. May also be exposed to sick, disabled, hostile, uncooperative, or mentally unstable clients/relatives. Are you willing and able to continue being considered for this position considering the above information?
Yes
No
05
Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.
No high school diploma or GED
High school diploma or GED
1 to less than 60 semester units of college course work
60 or more semester units of college course work, but no degree
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree or higher
06
Please indicate the major field of study for the highest level of education you indicated above.
Business
Public Administration
Sociology
Psychology
Other field of study closely related to this position
Other field of study not related to this position
None
07
If you selected "Other field of study closely related to this position" in the question above, please indicate the field of study for your highest level of educational achievement AND how it relates to this position (indicate "N/A" if not applicable).
08
Which option below best describes your full-time progressively responsible providing direct client service in human services or other closely related experience? (NOTE: Full time is considered 40 hours per week; anything less than that must be prorated.)
None
0 to less than 1 year
1 to less than 2 years
2 to less than 3 years
3 to less than 4 years
4 to less than 5 years
5 to less than 6 years
6 to less than 7 years
7 to less than 8 years
8 to less than 9 years
9 to less than 10 years
10 or more years
09
Please describe your experience providing direct client service in human services or other closely related experience. Provide enough details in your response to demonstrate your assigned duties, your role, and any Human Services Agency related programs with which you have experience. If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."
Required Question
Agency
Ventura County
Address
800 S. Victoria Avenue LOC. #1970 Ventura, California, 93009
Phone
(805) 654-5129
Website
http://hr.ventura.org
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