GUARDIAN

Job Location: Eagleville Location - Eagleville, PA

Description Title: Guardian Caseworker-Exempt Staff

Job Description: Under the direction of the Director of The Arc Alliance Guardianship Services. The Guardian performs a variety of functions and activities in a social service context. This position requires the desire to advocate, a high level of organization, the ability to multi-task, and the willingness to take initiative. A Guardian has specified duties such as asserting the rights and interests of the incapacitated person by respecting the wishes and preferences of the incapacitated person as much as possible.

Requirements: Must be willing to obtain guardianship certification within 1yr of hire or currently hold a valid certification. Maintain Guardianship Certification and continuing education credits. Must be able to work independently and a part of a team, have strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet required deadlines. A college degree is preferred. Experience/knowledge with a variety of Human/Social Services agencies and systems; Pennsylvania’s MH/ID service systems; current welfare, social security and other benefits systems is a plus. Must have experience with client care in a variety of settings. Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs is required. Current FBI, Criminal History and Child Abuse clearances will be required to at time of hire. Employee must be willing to update clearances as per regulations. The employee must be legally authorized to drive a motor vehicle in the State of Pennsylvania. They must have a valid Drivers License and must have current automobile insurance. A 3-year driver record check is required at time of hire and it must be updated annually. Recommended automobile coverage with the following limits, $100,000/$300,000 for liability and $100,000 for property damage. The employee must be able and willing to drive throughout the counties that we provide services (travel 25-50%).

Job Duties: Conduct in person visits to clients (frequently based on living situation); Guiding, problem solving and coordinating personal safety; Ensure appropriate and timely medical and mental health services are being received and maintained; Attend medical appointments, as needed. Ensure that each ward has an up to date needs assessment; Ensure that each ward has current goals and objectives; Maintain appropriate insurance coverage for each ward and identify any additional insurance needs; Monitor the wards living situation to ensure it is safe and and identify need for additional supports and services/ identify services, supports and resources to help meet those needs; Make informed decisions on behalf of each ward with consideration given to the wards preferences, including but not limited to medical treatment, living accommodations, lifestyle issues and funeral arrangements; Participate in client meetings to coordinate ongoing care/support (ISP, care conferences, discharge planning, etc); Helps coordinate and disseminate information to others involved in the wards care; Maintain communication and a positive relationship with the wards support team; Maintain working relationships with courts, legal community, services providers, nursing and personal care facilities, medical practices and rehabilitation facilities; Ensure that each wards personal and medical history files are current and complete; Solicit guidance, opinion and direction from other individuals who have personal and/or professional knowledge of the wards needs; Maintain a written record of contacts, occurrences and all decisions to include the factors considered in making the decision; Perform duties and discharge obligations in accordance with state and federal law; Ensure that the requirements specified in each guardianship court order are followed; Ensure that required Guardianship reports are submitted to the court in a timely manner; Seek court approval relating to legal matters and situations involving real property, extreme medical treatment, etc., and issues specified identified in state and/or federal statutes; Work Closely with the Guardian of the Estate to establish safeguards to protect each wards assets, ensure that each wards expenses are paid in a timely manner and arrangements are made to address those costs for which there may be no funding. Makes effective use of their energies, resources and talents in promoting the objectives, values and vision of the organization; Works with supervisor in establishing and implementing agency priorities, goals and strategies; Helps facilitate and foster effective and supportive relationships between individuals receiving services and The Arc Alliance and its affiliated agencies.

Physical Requirements: Frequent communications, verbal and written; using math/calculators; frequent sitting, standing; visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess Other All other duties as assignedQualifications