Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most? We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team as Guardian Case Manager for persons adjudicated incompetent by the court. This isn't just a job—it's a chance to be a hero for those who require guidance and support.
As a Guardian Case Manager, you will have the unique opportunity to oversee the care of our valued clients and work closely with their dedicated caregivers. You'll embark on a fulfilling journey that involves advocating and assessing medical and mental health needs, attending crucial meetings, and advocating for their needs and best interests across all aspects of their lives.
Joining us means becoming an advocate and champion for those who often go unheard. You'll be at the forefront of creating positive change and ensuring that our clients receive the quality care they deserve.
About JFCS Guardianship Services
When an adult in our community is unable to care for themselves due to chronic mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or severe trauma, they may be placed in the care of JFCS Guardianship Services. Our team at JFCS provides guardianship to some of the most vulnerable members of our community, ensuring that they are safe and well cared for. JFCS Guardianship Services works holistically with all other departments in the agency to ensure that people who are struggling get the range of assistance they need.
Position Summary:
The Guardian Case Manager will provide guardianship services for persons adjudicated incompetent by the court. Guardians oversee client care, work with their caregivers on their behalf, attend meetings regarding their care and well-being, and advocate for the clients needs and best interests in all aspects of their lives. This position operates from the employee's home office with travel throughout western PA.
Why you should apply:
Guardianship is a legal designation that protects vulnerable individuals who lack the ability and who do not have family structures that allow them to function independently as an adult. JFCS Guardians become like family for their clients. We make decisions about their health, the care they receive, as well as the sweet things, like ensuring they receive regular visits and gifts at special times in their lives. Our clients benefit from the insight, protection and boundaries that our staff set with them. Our staff know that without our help, many of our clients would be homeless or become victims of trafficking or abuse.
What we offer:
- The chance to make a real difference in people's lives,
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing you to develop invaluable skills
- Collaboration with a supportive team of like-minded individuals who share your passion
About JFCS:
In today’s world, it is important that your life’s work brings you value and purpose. By joining the team at JFCS, you will experience hands-on opportunities that directly help people in the Greater Pittsburgh region through life’s changes and challenges.
Proudly voted by JFCS employees as one of Pittsburgh’s best places to work for +10 years, our care and commitment to our employees and our clients is our top priority. We are looking for new employees who share our commitment to providing critical, high quality services to the community.
Benefits:
- Collaborative work environment and diverse staff
- 37.5 hours work week with flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
- Hybrid work model (part of the week in office, part remote)
- Sick Time = 12 days a year
- Vacation Time = starts at 2 weeks the first year and then increases with longevity up to 4 weeks total
- Additional paid time off for all employees = most federal holidays, 3-5 floating holidays (to be used at employee’s discretion), and a number of Jewish holidays
- Comprehensive health insurance - medical, dental and vision
- Short and long term disability, life insurance and a 401k package for which JFCS contributes 4% of salary after the first year of service
- Annual longevity bonuses after the first year of service
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field.
- Experience working with clients with significant mental health challenges or intellectual disabilities.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with caregivers and stakeholders.
- Advocacy skills to ensure clients' needs and best interests are prioritized. Experience working with the legal system is a plus.
- Competent with spreadsheets, basic database entry, and other computer skills.
- Good decision-making, organizational abilities, a kind heart and firm boundaries are essential along with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Driver’s license and dependable car required.
- Sensitivity to the special needs, including cultural backgrounds, of the client population.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
- Capable of working in a fast-paced environment and multi-tasking.
- Required to pass criminal background checks every six months per court mandate.
Ideal Candidates will have:
- Strong social work or nursing background and experience
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Ability to operate independently and with other team members.
- Competent with spreadsheets, basic database entry, and other computer skills.
All candidates will need to produce an updated Criminal Background Check at the time of the interview.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monthly visits/interactions with Client(s).
- Attendance at all Client Care Conferences.
- Coordinating care with nursing homes, home health agencies, or care providers.
- Coordinating visits and interacting with Primary Care Physicians/Providers.
- Reviewing Medications.
- Communicating with Family and/or relatives.
- Making funeral arrangements with Funeral Homes and Cemeteries.
- Arranging for clothing and personal items purchases.
- Documentation of all visits/communications/care conferences, etc.
- Completing Annual Guardian Reports
- Evaluate and monitor client's well being in their home or other settings particularly with regard to safety and providing for the least restrictive settings.
- Participate in care planning conferences regarding the residential, health or educational programs of the client.
- Regularly examine all services, charts, notes, logs, evaluations regarding the client at the place of residence and any program site.
- Document activities in guardianship records; prepare correspondence on behalf of client as needed. Complete daily activity logs.
- Participate in staff development in order to better meet the needs of the client population including their cultural needs and to continue professional development as discussed in supervision.
- Complete annual required reports to Orphan’s Court.
- Function as the legal advocate for the client making all decisions for them in all major decisions regarding their person.
- Provide case management services that may include such face to face services as disbursing cash allowances to clients, arranging for or providing transportation services, and purchasing personal items.
- Attendance at departmental and agency wide staff meetings and in-service training.
- On Call Duties as assigned.
- Assume other duties as required.