Senior Deputy Public Guardian

Full Job Description

Riverside University Health System’s Behavioral Health Department is seeking a Senior Deputy Public Guardian to join our team! This position is located in Riverside, CA and has a 9/80 work schedule from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

In this role, the Senior Deputy Public Guardian will be responsible for investigating the financial resources, living conditions, and support networks of individuals referred to the Public Guardian in order to determine eligibility for conservatorship.

The position also involves managing, protecting, and selling assets as directed; applying for services on behalf of clients; coordinating transportation; and making court appearances as required by the court.

Under direction, performs the more complex and sensitive conservatorship and guardianship investigations and case management assignments; manages conservatees;’ personal and financial affairs, including real and personal property; performs other related work duties as required.

The Senior Deputy Public Guardian is the advanced journey level classification in the Deputy Public Guardian series and reports to an appropriate supervisory or manager level position.

The Senior Deputy Public Guardian is distinguished from the Deputy Public Guardian in that the former is responsible for managing the most complex conservatorship and guardianship cases, including those involving high-value estates, multiple properties, businesses, or extensive medical and psychiatric needs, and by providing lead guidance and training to Deputy Public Guardians.

Meet the Team!
Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health is a leading provider of mental health and substance use services in Riverside County. With a dedicated team of professionals, including psychiatrists, clinicians, peer specialists, and paraprofessionals, RUHS-BH serves over 45,000 individuals annually.

We are committed to delivering culturally competent, evidence-based care across all ages. Our programs, including Mental Health Services, Substance Use Services, and the Public Guardian’s Office, address the diverse needs of our community.

At RUHS Behavioral Health, you’ll join a compassionate, innovative team where your skills make a real difference. We offer opportunities for growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

If you’re passionate about advancing your career while improving mental health in Riverside County, RUHS Behavioral Health is the place for you!

For more information, please visit www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health

Requirements

• Manage a reduced case load of the more complex conservatorship cases, including mismanaged or high-value estates, multiple income sources and unusual financial or medical circumstances.

• Manage real and personal property including security, storage, maintenance, insurance, and disposition of property;.

• Perform initial and periodic inspections of real property to determine, document, and report the property’s condition;.

• Develop property profiles and conduct title searches; obtain appraisals for insurance, valuation and court purposes;.

• Arrange for and maintain fire, liability, mortgage, and vandalism insurance; arrange for the sale of real and personal property through local real estate broker listings, auctions or other; approved methods.

• Prepare and post legal notices and advertisements; explain sale conditions, bidding processes, and payment; requirements to prospective buyers.

• Determine whether vacant property should be rented or leased and appropriate rent to be charged; ensure properties are cleaned and repaired before renting; establish rental terms and arrange for deposits and initial rent payments;.

• Evaluate the real property of new conservatees cases and reviews existing rental or lease agreements

• Monitor the contracted property management services to ensure that property is properly maintained, rented and protected; advise department staff of recommended actions

• File small claims actions and presents cases on behalf of the conservatee; testifyies in court regarding the Public Guardian Office’s actions involving real property; appears in court for the confirmation of real property sales and other complex conservatorship matters.

• Provide lead direction, training and case guidance to Deputy Public Guardians; review casework for accuracy, compliance with court standards and adherence to legal requirements.

• Prepare financial accountings, detailed case reports and other documentation for submission to the courts; testify regarding recommendations and case status.

• Coordinate with County Counsel, private attorneys, financial institutions, and service providers in the resolution of complex conservatorship matters.

• Maintain accurate case files, financial records and reports in accordance with legal and professional standards; perform timely documentation of case notes and organize and maintain legal documentation and financial records.

• Provide transportation for conservatees to court hearings, placements or other appointments when no other transportation options are available.

Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, with an emphasis in behavioral science, public or business administration, finance, accounting, social services, human services, or related field. (Case management experience in a health, human services or related field may substitute for the required education on the basis of one year of full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of the required education.)

Senior Deputy Public Guardians are required to register for membership in the California State Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators (CA PAPGPC). CA PAPGPC members who are responsible for the operational oversight of cases must be certified, and accordingly, Senior Deputy Public Guardians shall comply with the continuing education requirements that are established by the CA PAPGPC, pursuant to Probate Code Sections 2923 and 1456.20.

Experience: One year of managing the financial and social affairs of persons placed under guardianship or conservatorship by the court or administering the estate of decedents. This experience must have included: detailed investigations into estates of conservatees or of the deceased in order to discover and protect assets and assisting in the disposal of estate, real and personal property, either through sales, public auction or disbursement to heirs.

Knowledge of: The Public Guardian/Conservator’s functions and related laws, regulations and codes; practices and methods used in financial and estate investigations to determine and manage assets, including real and personal property; principles and practices of real property management, including title vesting, financing, sales, deeds, contracts, and appraisal techniques; procedures for the sale or transfer of vehicles, mobile homes and other personal property; escrow and title processes; banking, investment and other financial procedures.

Ability to: Manage and protect the assets of conservatees; interpret and apply laws and regulations related to Public Guardian and Conservator’s work; establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental agencies and other entities providing supportive services to wards and conservatees; monitor and evaluate contracts for professional services; interview effectively; maintain accurate financial and casework records; make effective presentations in court; apply landlord/tenant laws; work closely with elderly, disabled and disoriented persons.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
License/ or Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is required and must be maintained throughout employment. County vehicles may be available but are not guaranteed. Employees may be required to use their own vehicle for field travel. Mileage reimbursement is available when using a personal vehicle for County business.

Must have and maintain valid Certification as a Public Guardian by the California State Association of Public Administrator, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators (CAPAPGPC). Certification must be obtained within 4 years of hire per Section 2923 of the California Probate Code.

Additional Information

Questions: For further information regarding this posting, contact the recruiter:
Edgar Manzo at:
emcardenas@Rivco.org
(951) 955 0951