To provide responsible administrative and technical support for program operations by coordinating, planning, administering, reviewing, and investigating cases referred for deceased persons estate administration which come under the legal jurisdiction of the Public Administrator, including locating, inventorying, and liquidating assets, making funeral arrangements, and preparing reports and probated documents.
Receives general supervision from supervisory or management staff of assigned work unit/department and may receive technical and functional supervision from professional staff.
May exercise technical and functional supervision over assigned clerical staff.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Conduct estate investigations to locate heirs, relatives, and all estate assets, including real property, personal property, wills, trusts, and financial accounts through on-site searches, correspondence, and interviews.
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Interview, advise, and confer with heirs, relatives, attorneys, title companies, banks, appraisers, accountants, and other public agencies to obtain and provide information concerning the administration and probate of estates.
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Collect monies and other estate assets, including Social Security benefits, Veterans’ benefits, and life insurance, to pay estate debts and to disburse to heirs.
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Inventory and obtain preliminary appraisals of all estate assets, facilitate securing estate assets and the storage/safekeeping of all transportable property, and management of real property.
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Perform and/or assist in the removal and storage of personal and real property; store and maintain property as appropriate in a storage facility, safe, or other appropriate manner.
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Arrange for disposition of final remains and coordinate funeral services.
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Complete mandated reports based on researching and compiling information.
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Prepare legal documents and file court papers and summaries.
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Prepare correspondence and reports; document, track, and monitor contacts and activities; establish and maintain accurate case files.
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Review and evaluate pertinent legislation, laws, codes, and administrative regulations to ensure program effectiveness and compliance with the requirements.
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May train and provide technical supervision to clerical staff.
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Work closely with outside agencies such as the Sheriff-Coroner, funeral homes, hospitals, nursing homes, attorneys, public agencies, banks, and real estate agents.
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Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
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Perform related duties as assigned.
Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature conditions and/or in the field with varying weather conditions. Duties may be performed in a decedent’s residence in close proximity to refuse, odors, and undesirable conditions.
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Three (3) years of recent work experience in probate of estates, legal guardianship, conservatorship, estate management, or social work.
Or:
Three (3) years of technical experience in estate administration or management, or related investigatory experience involving the investigation of assets in such fields as trusts, probates, insurance, or banking.
Training: Equivalent to completion of an AA degree with major coursework in business or public administration, legal assisting, social services, or a closely related field.
Required License or Certificate:
- May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
- Completion of California Association of Public Administrators/Public Guardians/Public Conservators certification is highly desirable.
- Designated positions may require eligibility for bonding as required by the State of California.