GUARDIANSHIP SPECIALIST

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Loudoun County Department of Family Services seeks a dedicated and experienced professional candidate for its Adult and Aging Guardianship Specialist position.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Family Services which envisions better health, safety, and well-being for all and supports individuals and families in the community to live their best lives while advocating for those most vulnerable and respecting their right to self-determination. This critical position works closely with our Adult Protective Services Unit to provide case management and guardianship reviews on residents who require a Guardian.

The position will be required to refer any concerns of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation to the Protective Services (APS) Hotline, and document them within mandated timeframes and identify and refer clients to appropriate services to prevent recurrence of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This position will be responsible for conducting self-neglect APS investigations. Staff are committed to providing assistance with empathy, compassion and confidentiality and ensure that individuals and their families are treated with dignity and respect.  Clinical supervision available to eligible candidates.

Core responsibilities include:

• Interpreting laws, policies and regulations as related to Guardianship, Adult Services and Adult Protective Services Programs.
• Conducting home visits to assess client's needs and monitor service delivery.
• Informing clients of related services programs rules/regulations, and right to participate.
• Providing intensive case management services to the Guardianship Program clients
• Providing accurate timely updated entries into required data-systems.
• Maintaining professional, confidential case records according to state regulations and agency practice.
• Completing necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements.
• Coordinating with other agencies and participating in multi-disciplinary and inter-agency teams providing services to clients.
• Reviewing and processing incoming guardianship reports, payments, applications and other related documents.
• Receiving, copying and sending checks to Finance for processing.
• Tracking and monitoring that guardian reports are received in a timely manner.
• Following-up on delinquent reports and making/conducting APS investigations as necessary.
• Reviewing and signing guardianship reports.
• Attaching and uploading Court Orders and guardian reports.
• Mailing copies of reviewed reports to the Courts of guardianship appointment, filing original documents, monthly mailings of courtesy/reminder letters to guardians.
• Coordinating with attorneys to serve as guardians.
• Terminating guardianships, forwarding guardianships to other jurisdictions in Virginia and receiving guardianships from other jurisdictions in Virginia.
• Responding to questions from residents, and community members about the guardianship program.  

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A broad knowledge of the Guardianship process, Adult Services and Adult Protective Services programs/procedures. 
• Significant experience providing case management services to incapacitated adults and/or older adults.
• Work experience in a local department of social services.
• Knowledge of social work theory, casework methods, and community organization/resources.
• Knowledge of human behavior and the behavioral sciences, particularly concerning human development, aging, family dynamics, and interpersonal relationships.
• The ability to engage clients in discussions regarding all aspects of their lives including finances, health and well-being, family and intimate relationships, sexual health, terminal illness and death.
• The ability to respond quickly in a crisis situation.
• Excellent time management skills to include demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize tasks and work flexible work hours. 
• Excellent communication skills: oral and written.
• The ability to maintain a balance of objectivity and empathy while dealing with families living in stressful or crisis situations.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.

Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field; two (2) years of related work experience in a social service or adult welfare agency or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Successful candidates must be available for duty beyond the normal workday which includes nights, weekends, and holidays, as required to perform functions of the position.
• May also be required to work and may be assigned to an alternate worksite(s) within the county to carry out duties that support operational needs.
• This position is considered essential personnel and will require report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency (e.g., weather, transportation, disaster). 

Pass pre-employment background checks to include criminal, credit, and DMV. Valid driver's license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification)