Under the direction of the Program Manager of Client Advocacy and within federal, state and local guidelines this position provides protective services and ensures health and safety needs of a protected person protected person served through the DCMHMR guardianship program. Duties include assessing incapacity and need for guardianship services, rendering decisions related to issues concerning the person and estate of the protected person (when appropriate), and intervening in crisis situations on a 24-hour basis. The position interacts routinely with DCMHMR staff, Denton County Probate Court, service providers, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.  This position is funded by Denton County and will continue as long as the County funds the Guardianship Program.

Performs general program support services needed to assist in the administration of the Guardianship program.  Tasks include both routine and short-term projects and assignments. Specific assignments relate to service provision, as well as organization and facilitation of workflow.  Interaction supports development and maintenance of positive working relations in a team environment. Job responsibilities must be conducted in accordance with federal, state, and local rules, regulations, guidelines, principles, practices, Center policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws as applicable. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Rehabilitation Studies, Criminal Justice, or Nursing in reference to the requirements from the Texas Guardianship Certification Board.
•  Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
•   Must meet the requirements to become Provisionally Certified within the first 3 months of employment and must also be able to pass the test and become a Texas Certified Guardian within the first year of employment. 

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• To provide guardianship services in Texas, employee must meet and maintain all standards set by the Texas Guardianship Certification Board (GCB) and be certified by the GCB within the first year of employment. Certification standards include all of the following requirements:
•   Successful completion of the Texas Guardian Certification exam administered by the Texas Guardianship Certification Board (GCB); The Center will provide funding for the applicant to complete the Texas Certification process including the exam, finger printing, and other associated expenses approved by the Program Manager. Should the applicant not pass the 1st exam, it is the responsibility of the applicant to pay for subsequent exams and all cost associated with it.
•   It is the responsibility of the successful applicant to maintain credentialing, certification or licensure as required by this job description, as well as maintaining current CME/CEU's for certification purposes and attending mandatory training or other job related educational or professionally required skill's development courses.
•  Successful clearance of a criminal background check bi-annually by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI);
•  Evidence of six hours of continuing education annually to maintain certification as a Texas Certified Guardian through the Texas Guardianship Certification Board (GCB); 
•   Two years' experience in guardianship OR a four-year degree, or successful completion of a guardianship training curriculum approved by the GCB.
• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.
• Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to guardianship.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in working with the aging population as well as with persons with disabilities.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to prepare concise reports and various other documents completely and correctly.
• Ability to testify in court on behalf of agency.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and various software packages.
• Ability to travel and be on call 24 hours a day.
• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1.  Assesses the need for guardianship on new referrals and explores other options as less restrictive alternatives to guardianship.
2. Once a referral is received, within 10 business days the GS has either assisted with or conducted interviews with any individual associated with the Proposed Protected Person (ward).
3. The GS has explored all other alternatives to a guardianship and has made recommendations accordingly, the GS can document and verbalize the steps taken in completing this task to the Program Manager and the Probate Judge.
4. Assumes care, control, and protection of protected person including, arranging for shelter, basic health and safety needs, providing oversight to medical and psychiatric care, arranging for education and training, rehabilitative and social services.
5.  GS has met with the individual served to evaluate their needs at least monthly.
6. GS has followed up with care providers to ensure the identified needs are met.
7. GS has attended medical and other appointments where the care of the Protected Person is being discussed. 
8. Conducts face-to-face contact with every protected person on their caseload once a month at a minimum.
9. GS has completed at least one face to face meeting with each protected person on their case load each month. GS has completed at least one face to face meeting with each protected person on their case load each month.
10. May manage the estate of the protected person including but not limited to locating and securing real and personal property, selling real and personal property, ensuring security and maintenance of real property, establishing and managing financial accounts belonging to the protected person, applying for state and federal benefits, paying taxes, purchasing pre-need burial policies, and making funeral arrangements.
11. GS has worked with the representative payee to ensure all needs are met.
12. If GS discovers the individual has real and personal property over the amount of $2000, they have notified the Program Manager to work with the Court in ensuring all protected persons maintain their eligibility for services.
13. GS has worked to ensure each person has or is obtaining a pre-need burial policy.
14. GS should when ordered by the court:
15. Apply for state and federal benefits, paying taxes.
16. Purchasing pre-need burial policies and making funeral arrangements.
17. GS ensures the representative payee has filed appropriate taxes for the individual. GS has worked to ensure each person has or is obtaining a pre-need burial policy.
18. Notifies the Court of special issues related to the case, attends court hearings, and testifies on behalf of the protected person.
19. GS has maintained records regarding each case that the Court can utilize in any hearing.
20. GS keeps the Program Manager and the Court informed of any issues or concerns that would interest the Court. If asked to, the GS will testify on behalf of the individual or the program as appropriate
    The Guardianship Specialist performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations, including, but not limited to:
21. Preparing and delivering public awareness presentations regarding guardianship. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with Denton County MHMR's leave policy.
22. GS has hosted at least one training/educational class.
23. GS assist in trainings for the community.
24. Must be highly organized and able to respond to simultaneous crisis situations. 
25. Guardianship Specialists must be willing and able to travel and be on call 24 hours a day.
26. GS will actively participate in the on-call rotation to ensure there is always a GS available.
27. GS will respond appropriately to crisis situations and ensure the program manager is aware of all situations.
28. Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.
29. Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.
30. Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.
31. Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.