Public Guardian - Temporary

at State of Vermont in Saint Albans, Vermont, United States

Job Description

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. It covers a caseload of individuals with developmental disabilities or age-related cognitive impairments 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.

The successful applicant will have strong problem solving and emotional self-regulation skills, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a high tolerance for conflict. Applicants must have knowledge of the needs of individuals with disabilities, and services and opportunities for meeting those needs. Must be able to work well with diverse teams, learn a variety of computer applications, and be available for emergency response at night and on the weekends. Extensive travel is required.

This is a temporary positon, expected to run through March 31, 2027.  Temporary employees do not receive benefits and cannot work more than 1520 hours per year. Temporary employees may very likely work 40 hours per week but could work less. The amount of hours worked will vary depending on current need.

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.