Guardianship Representative

Guardianship Representative

The Arc of Bristol County provides innovative services and programs that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives. Through advocacy, community partnerships, and exceptional support, we promote growth, inclusion, and innovation for people of all abilities.

The Guardianship Representative serves as the legal guardian or guardian advocate for individuals who have been determined unable to make certain personal, medical, or financial decisions independently. The representative promotes the rights, dignity, self-determination, health, safety, and overall well-being of individuals under guardianship while ensuring compliance with court orders, guardianship statutes, agency policies, and applicable regulations. This position utilizes a person-centered approach to advocacy and decision-making and works collaboratively with individuals, families, service providers, healthcare professionals, attorneys, and courts to ensure the individual's best interests are protected.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, Nursing, Criminal Justice, or a related field required.
• Three (3) years of relevant professional experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health needs, older adults, or other vulnerable populations required.
• A combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.
• Experience in guardianship, case management, advocacy, care coordination, court-related services, or healthcare settings preferred.
• Valid driver's license, safe driving record, personal vehicle, and current motor vehicle liability insurance required
• Ability to successfully pass required criminal background checks

Job Responsibilities:

• Advocacy and Person-Centered Support
• Maintain regular contact with individuals and monitor their quality of life, health, safety, and satisfaction.
• Promote independence, self-determination, dignity, and community inclusion by ensuring individuals are involved in decision-making to the greatest extent possible and supporting individuals in exercising their rights.
• Care Coordination
• Assist in resolving issues related to housing, healthcare, benefits, employment, education, and community participation.
• Maintain effective working relationships with community agencies and stakeholders involved in the individual's care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and Individual Service Plan (ISP) development.
• Medical and Personal Decision-Making
• Provide informed consent for medical, dental, behavioral, psychiatric, and other services when authorized by court-appointed guardianship authority.
• Make decisions that uphold the individual's rights, best interests, and personal values while considering health and safety needs
• Rogers Monitoring and Court Compliance
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all court-authorized treatment plans and substituted judgment orders, including Rogers Orders, when applicable.
• Collaborate with prescribing providers, clinical teams, residential staff, and other stakeholders to ensure psychotropic medications are administered in accordance with court authorization.
• Track and maintain deadlines related to Rogers reviews, renewals, court filings, and required supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, healthcare providers, and court personnel regarding Rogers petitions, reviews, hearings, and related proceedings.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance
• Attend court hearings and legal proceedings as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with guardianship statutes, regulations, ethical standards, and agency policies.
• Maintain guardianship records in accordance with court requirements, agency standards, and regulatory expectations.
• Financial Oversight (If Applicable)
• Monitor financial resources and public benefits for individuals under guardianship.
• Coordinate with representative payees, trustees, financial managers, and family members, as appropriate.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, we invite you to apply today and join our dedicated team at The Arc of Bristol County!