Public Guardian

Are you an experienced professional who is passionate about making Vermont the best state in which to grow old or to live with a disability - with dignity, respect, and independence? The Office of Public Guardian (OPG) is looking for an independent, enthusiastic, and organized person to protect and monitor the legal and human rights of individuals under court-ordered guardianship. The Public Guardian position covers a caseload of individuals with developmental disabilities and age-related cognitive impairments who reside in Lamoille, Washington, Caledonia, and Orleans counties and require assistance with critical decision making in a number of life domains (such as medical, residential, legal, contractual, and financial). Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or age-related cognitive impairments is essential. Bachelor's degree in the broad field of human services is preferred.

The successful applicant will have strong emotional self-regulation, communication, and interpersonal skills. The selected candidate will be based out of the Hyde Park regional office and will be required to travel frequently in Lamoille, Washington, Caledonia, and Orleans 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.

This position, Public Guardian (Job Requisition #51408), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Maryann.Wilson@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Duties are performed in an assigned region and require considerable field work, including visits to client residences, service providers, educational facilities, places of employment, etc., for which private means of transportation must be available. Difficult interactions and confrontations with judges, lawyers, health care providers, family members, neighborhood residents, employers, bank officials, law enforcement officers, investigators and clients themselves may involve high levels of emotion, anger and frustration, and demand excellent interpersonal skills. Direct contact with individuals posing threats may be required and creates the potential danger for physical assault and injury. Some work outside of normal office hours is required, including emergency calls during evenings and weekends.

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.

Bachelor's degree of higher

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.