Job Description

POSITION SUMMARYIndependently performs a variety of complex clerical duties according to established policies and procedures. Under the supervision of the Public Guardian and Assistant Public Guardian, responsible for the coordination of legal, medical, financial, social and psychiatric services to guardianship clients.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Answer all phone calls, provide information or interventions, and direct to appropriate person if necessary.
• Knowledge of the principles and processes for providing exceptional customer service and the ability to communicate effectively to customers and at all times represent the Court in a positive professional manner.
• Maintain daily calendar for the office with court hearings and any necessary meetings.
• Field emergency consents for treatment and liaison with appropriate staff if needed.
• Meet with clients in the office to gather information or triage needs.
• Build and maintain all electronic files within the Case Management system when a new case is appointed to Public Guardian Office.
• Document all client information electronically.
• Collect mail daily from both the mail room and Probate Court and distribute accordingly.
• Make medical, housing and financial decisions when required, including signing consent paperwork.
• Notify Probate Court and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services of address changes.
• Tailor services based on the individual abilities/disabilities of clients.
• Advocate for individual rights.
• Collaborate and interface with the Public Guardian and treatment team to share relevant information about clients.
• Communicate with client\'s family members, public guardian and providers and maintain appropriate documentation of these communications.
• Attend supervision and trainings, staff meetings and medication reviews.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability and willingness to accept varied work assignments.
• Thorough understanding of court procedures with the ability to create, amend, execute and evaluate as necessary.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage sensitive issues independently.
• Any reasonable activity that promotes the safety, security, well-being and best interest of the client.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Guardian and direct oversight of the Assistant Public Guardian.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:N/AEXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable) required; supplemented by college coursework and/or certification in a business, legal or office administration field required; Associate\'s degree desired. Verifiable equivalent work experience may substitute for education.
• Ability to understand medical issues.
• One to three years of professional work experience in a human service setting.
• Proven customer service work experience desired.
• Ability to make decisions regarding the client\'s well-being.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgement and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County\'s mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions and to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English and understand basic math.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others.
• Ability to work with supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Ability to be flexible and demonstrate patience and respect in difficult situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with diverse populations in both oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Aptitude in performing mathematical calculations and checking figures, postings and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy and proper coding.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of the principles and processes for effective teamwork and represent the Department and the County in a positive professional manner.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required. Proficiency will be tested by a measurable skills test provided by the Human Resource Department.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Must possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
• Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Stand and walk, climb stairs.
• Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
• Generally works in a normal office environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERIt is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran. It is also the policy of St. Clair County to take affirmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or protected veteran status or other legally protected status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

St. Clair County