The County of Kings is seeking a qualified and dedicated professional to provide leadership and oversight for the Public Guardian and Veterans Services Office. This position is responsible for administering programs that protect and support vulnerable residents and veterans, developing and implementing departmental policies and goals, and fostering effective collaboration with County departments, outside agencies, and the community. This is an exciting opportunity to combine leadership, compassion, and innovation to make a lasting impact in Kings County.

MANAGEMENT LEVEL I BENEFITS

EMPLOYMENT AT WILL

The Public Guardian/Veterans Service Officer, a department head, is an “at-will” position, which is not included in the County’s classified service and is exempt from merit system status. As such, the incumbent is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the County Administrative Officer. As an at-will employee, the incumbent may be terminated with or without cause or notice at any time by the County Administrative Officer as the appointing authority.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Public Guardian and Veterans Services Offices programs, services, and activities including public guardian, conservator, and representative payee programs and veterans’ services and benefit programs.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine County needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
• Conducts the full range of case management duties on the most complex and/or highly sensitive guardianship or conservatorship cases.
• Reviews staff work to ensure that individual cases are handled in the least restrictive way and that legal mandates are met.
• Prepares court documents and testifies in court regarding the recommendation to be appointed guardian or conservator; works with County Counsel on other legal matters.
• Supervises the counseling and assisting of veterans and their dependents in submitting claims under state and federal programs and establishes procedures for referring veterans' claims to state and federal government agencies.
• Prepares, reviews, approves and submits semi-annual subvention funding documentation to California Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with veterans' groups and community organizations to further the veterans' service program and addresses groups regarding veterans' services.
• Represents the department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public guardianship and veterans’ services.
• Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the County Administrator.
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Please note: Work experience for the last 15 years must be included in the work history portion of your application. It is also important that your application show all the relevant education and experience that you possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. A resume may be attached, but is not a substitute for completing the application and supplemental questions. Failure to submit a completed application may eliminate you from the recruitment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in psychology, social services, public administration, business administration, or a related field.

• Three (3) years of responsible business management or public service management experience involving extensive public contact.

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.

• Must possess proof of service in a branch of the United States military forces and receipt of an honorable discharge or certificate of satisfactory service.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within the first 18 months of employment, accreditation with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).
• Possession of, or ability to obtain certification with California Public Administrators, Public Guardians, Public Conservators Association (CAPAPGPC).

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint including a credit check; must be willing to work occasional irregular hours including evenings, nights, and weekends.