Guardianship Representative

The Guardianship Representative (GOP - Guardian of Person) is responsible for providing informed substitute decision-making on behalf of the wards on their caseload as it relates to their medical care, placement and social support services. The representative advocates for the needs, desires and rights of each ward ensuring the greatest level of independence, while balancing the personal choices and best interest of the individuals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES (FUNCTIONS) include the following:

• Safeguards the health as well as the physical, mental, and financial well-being of wards by making informed, appropriate, and sound decisions regarding their care.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with service providers, social service agencies, funding sources, family members, court employees, etc. by ensuring timely responses to inquiries while overseeing the care and safety of the wards.
• Coordinates service authorizations with the ongoing care manager, monitors the appropriateness and thoroughness of wards support services, and provides consents for the provision of services.
• Participates in and provides direction for planning activities related to ward care, which includes advocating for services, meeting the ward's best interest, taking into consideration the safety and personal preferences.
• Acts as liaison with family members, wards, and other agencies in difficult situations by communicating and mediating differing perspectives as it relates to the wards' care and services.
• Responses to emergency situations requiring decisions related to care, necessary notifications and final arrangements.
• Conducts routine visits to monitor the ward's care and functioning in their residences, day programs, or other settings, which includes addressing discovered issues promptly and proactively.
• Maintains timely, ongoing case notes for individuals that are being supported, as well as maintaining updated demographics.
• Completes required legal documentation per State and county policies, which includes informing relevant individuals of status changes, and attending and testifying at court hearings.
• Maintains on-going communication with supervisor, Guardianship staff, and primary and acute care systems as it relates to wards and their circumstances.
• Completes statutorily required continuing education credits (minimum of 10 hours per year).
• Participates in assigned meetings, professional development, and training as required.

*NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES*

• Acts as backup for Guardianship Representatives in their absence or as needed.
• Assists with filing and file management
• Performs other duties (or functions) as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social welfare, or human service field required, OR an associate's degree in a human service field OR equivalent experience.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Experience completing complex paperwork and documentation in a timely manner preferred.
• Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Telecommuting may be allowed for employees in this position.
• Travel between multiple sites is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must have proof of insurance AND meet the requirements of the Employee Driving Policy.
• A Criminal Background Check must meet the requirements of the State of WI licensure for day programming.
• A Credit Check is required for this position.

Specialized Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

EQUIPMENT USED/MACHINERY REQUIRED TO OPERATE:

Includes, but is not limited to:

• Telephone
• Computer
• Copy Machine
• Fax Machine
• Operate a motor vehicle safely
• Durable Medical Equipment (as required)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: