Job Description

Conducts court investigations of privately filed and/or community initiated guardianships.

Management Scope: Assists Supervisor/Probate Court Investigator in developing training and educational material as well as supervision of graduate level interns as needed.
1. Annually reviews guardianship applications and documents and investigates guardianships to ensure compliance with all aspects of the law and local rules following guardian appointment. Coordinates activities with and notifies the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, other involved agencies, and of problems requiring correction.

2. Investigates the circumstances alleged in privately filed applications and community initiated guardianships. Assesses the environment in which a proposed ward will reside and determines if less restrictive alternatives are available. Obtains medical evidence for cases found to have substantial evidence of incapacity.

3. Generates and files reports regarding findings of investigations.

4. Coordinates with Probate Attorney in the gathering of information and identification of witnesses in the prosecution of community initiated guardianship cases.

5. Assists in the development/implementation of department procedures.

6. Represents the department at meetings, conferences and/or other public events as requested by manager. Testifies at hearings, trials and legislative meetings, as requested by manager. Participates in training workshops.

7. Performs other duties as assigned. Education, Experience and Training:

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work Independently licensed as a LMSW or LCSW.

Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Must be licensed in Social Work by the State of Texas (LMSW or equivalent) and in good standing. Must have the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Requires Texas Driver’s License with good driving record and valid insurance on vehicle. Must have experience working with people of diverse ages, races, religious preference, alternative lifestyles, and legal status, various medical, mental, and physical incapacities, as well as economic and multicultural populations. Must have ability to work under time constraints, emergency situations, and frequent change of tasks, irregular work schedule, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and tedious or exacting work. Must be able to conduct oneself in a professional manner and appearance. Must be able to conduct home visits for evaluations and determinations of capacity. Effective people skills in difficult and contentious situations, knowledge of safety procedures, and specialized knowledge of mental and medical diagnosis needed. Must be able to make multiple decisions in each case based on statutes and relevant information. Determine the existence of workable unutilized statutory less restrictive alternatives for on-going guardianship. Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments, collateral professionals and general public. Requires working knowledge of Texas Probate Code as well as related codes as they apply to guardianship. Knowledge of investigative techniques, resources, and research skills. Ability to manage program, establish goals and objectives, devise solutions to administrative problems and complex case management issues, develop and evaluate administrative policies, procedures and prepare forensic reports. Knowledge of and ability to maintain electronic communication systems for online supervision and field instructions. Skilled in review of casework reports, and editing information to determine relevance to the case. Professional knowledge of MS Word, excel spreadsheets, and general data entry.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

Must have ability to tolerate extreme home conditions and exposure to communicable diseases. Must be able to work around pets, pollen, dust, grime, and general hoarding conditions. Must have ability to climb stairs and ramps, sit, stand, walk, bend, stop, climb, lift, reach, have fine dexterity, crawl, see, hear, talk, push, and pull. Must have ability to tolerate fluctuating temperatures, fire hazards, communicable diseases, physical danger and/or abuse. Ability to withstand prolonged standing, walking, sitting and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs., unassisted. Ability to travel to various work site locations. Mandatory pre-employment and periodic drug/alcohol testing. Must be able to carry loads of multiple files (upwards of 20 pounds), Mandatory drug test.