Deputy Public Guardian I/II

Deputy Public Guardian I/II

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Kings County Government Center, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA

Job Type

Full-time permanent

Job Number

2026-039

Department

Public Guardian/Veterans Services

Division

Public Guardian/Veterans Svc

Opening Date

10/06/2026

Closing Date

10/16/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The Kings County Public Guardian/Veterans Services Office is currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of:

Deputy Public Guardian I/II

Level I: $53,830.40 - $65,665.60 Annually

Level II: $59,446.40 - $72,571.20 Annually

We are seeking compassionate, detail-oriented professionals to join our team as Deputy Public Guardians. In this role, you will review prospective clients to determine eligibility for conservatorship or guardianship and manage a caseload involving both personal and financial affairs in accordance with laws and regulations. Duties include assessing client needs, ensuring responsible case management, and supporting the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals in our community.

This position offers opportunities for professional growth within the Deputy Public Guardian series, allowing individuals to develop their skills and advance to more complex responsibilities as experience is gained.

If you are motivated by meaningful work that supports some of Kings County's most vulnerable residents, we encourage you to apply today and join our dedicated team!

To discover what makes Kings County a great place to live and work, click here to watch a short video.

Please click here to watch a short video showcasing the exceptional benefits available to our employees.

DUTY SAMPLE

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) position.

• Conducts intake/assessments for individuals to determine need for a guardian or conservator; areas of review include financial, medical, social, and psychological criteria; discusses case with physicians, behavioral health workers, probation, and other social services agencies.
• Interviews clients, families, friends, and/or neighbors to gather information; explains complex legal policies, conservatorship, financial arrangements and answers questions from clients and family members; compiles information and evidence to support the need for conservatorship and submits to County Counsel to petition for conservatorship.
• When appointed as conservator or guardian, interviews client and relatives to determine nature and location of all client assets and debts; secures assets and determines a plan to manage them on behalf of the client.
• Ensures that clients receive the correct level of care for their needs; assesses gaps in care and coordinates services to fill these gaps; communicates with medical health providers to ensure proper care.
• When acting as conservator for a client with mental disorder, discusses the client with behavioral health professionals to determine the prognosis for release; assists clients in location of housing or other placement; monitors funds for client; follows actions of client to see that they are meeting their obligations, and taking medication as directed; may recommend and assist in returning the client to a locked facility.
• Performs fiscal management and Representative Payee services for assigned clients; obtains and researches any planning and financial documents; budgets the client's income; ensures that funds are available for rent/care and client personal needs; pays bills; works with financial institutions to marshal client assets and obtain funds; arranges for storage and/or disposition of property; processes all legal documents and procedures on behalf of clients; upon case closure, ensures the proper distribution of estate assets.
• Coordinates with attorneys to represent conservatees at judicial, administrative hearings or other legal proceedings; testifies at court hearings and jury trials.
• Assists clients in pursuing other community base resources and/or financial benefits to which they may be entitled; acts as an advocate for clients with Social Security, Medi-Cal, Veterans Service, State Disability, and other agencies; represents clients in dealing with federal, state, and local agencies and financial institutions.
• Prepares documentation outlining client interactions and communications, including services provided and service plans; prepares reports and makes recommendations for the Court, Social Security and other agencies.
• Transports or assists in the transportation of clients.
• Provides training to less experienced staff and volunteers as assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Minimum requirements must be met by the closing date

Please note: Work experience for the last 15 years must be included in the work history portion of your application. It is also important that your application show all the relevant education and experience that you possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. A resume may be attached, but is not a substitute for completing the application and supplemental questions. Failure to submit a completed application may eliminate you from the recruitment.

Some knowledge and abilities may be performed by positions at the entry (I) level in a learning capacity.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Deputy Public Guardian I/II: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in psychology, social services, public administration, business administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Deputy Public Guardian I: One (1) year of experience performing professional tasks in a Public Guardian or social services or related program.
• Deputy Public Guardian II: Two (2) years of experience in social services or related program equivalent to the County's class of Deputy Public Guardian I.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid California drivers license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.

Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain certification with California Public Administrators, Public Guardians, Public Conservators Association (CAPAPGPC).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check, including a credit check; must be willing to work occasional irregular hours including evenings, nights, and weekends, including on-call rotation.

For a complete description of duties and qualifications, view the detailed job specifications:

Deputy Public Guardian I

Deputy Public Guardian II

SELECTION PROCESS: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the selection process may include the following:

(1) Screening committee (pass/fail) and/or

(2) Written examination(pass/fail) and/or

(3) Oral examination (100%) This may include a written practical component (100%) to determine placement on the eligible list.

Note: Those applicants who are among the top 40 written test scores will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.

VETERANS PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Veterans Preference Application

You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date

.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Final Date to Apply: October 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Subject Matter Expert Review: Week of October 19, 2026

Human Resources Interview: Week of November 9 & 10, 2026

Department Interview: TBD

Please click here to view the current General Unit MOU.

Retirement Benefits: Eligible employees are enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System, known as CalPERS. The County contracts with the CalPERS for this benefit in the miscellaneous or safety plans as appropriate. The County has reciprocity with other qualifying public retirement systems in California.

Effective January 1, 2013, all new members to CalPERS, or existing members with more than a 6 month break in service from a qualifying previous public employer, will be enrolled in one of the following CalPERS retirement plans (with three year average final compensation) based on their classification:

Miscellaneous - 2% at 62

Safety - 2.7% at 57

If a new employee is currently a member of a qualifying California public retirement plan without a break in service of no more than 6 months (documentation will be required), or ever worked for Kings County previously, they may qualify instead for either of these plans (with single highest year final compensation) in effect prior to January 1, 2013:

Miscellaneous - 2% at 55

Safety - 3% at 55

The new formulas will not apply to existing County employees hired prior to 12/31/12 who promote or transfer to a different position, or into a position covered by a different PERS plan (e.g. move from a position covered by the Miscellaneous Plan to one covered by the Safety Plan).

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health, and chiropractic care for employees and their eligible dependents is available. The portion of the monthly cost that the employees are responsible for depends on their bargaining unit. The County offers a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The County has an Employee Health Center available to Kings County employees and their dependents enrolled in the County health plan.

Deferred Compensation: Participation is voluntary. One plan with several investment options is available. For more information on the eligibility of a contribution match, please refer to the applicable MOU.

Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and day after, Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; and half-day New Years Eve. Holiday credit may vary for law enforcement, fire, and other employees required to work on a holiday. Refer to the MOU for information on the paid holiday closure.

Vacation: Eligible employees earn from two to four weeks of paid vacation per year, depending on their length of service and bargaining unit agreements.

Sick Leave: Sick Leave is accrued for each hour worked. Accrual rates vary depending on date of hire and bargaining unit agreements. The accumulation of sick leave starts from your first day of employment and sick leave may be requested subsequent to the time it is earned.

Retiree Health Insurance: Upon retirement from the County, and depending on bargaining unit agreements, a percentage of accrued sick leave may be converted to be used to pay for retiree health insurance benefits for eligible employee and spouse.

Education Reimbursement Program: Full-time, permanent employees are eligible to receive up to $500 for units earned toward an associates degree, or up to $1,500 for units toward a bachelors or masters degree. Permanent employees who work at least half-time are eligible. Extra help employees are not eligible. Courses must be to increase their knowledge or ability to perform their present job or to prepare for a higher level job with the County. This program is subject to annual funding.

Flexible Benefits Program: Optional program allows employees to pay for certain qualified benefits with pre-tax salary (such as child care expenses, unreimbursed medical costs, or health insurance premiums).

Specialty Pays: See MOU for information.

Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision or procedure described herein may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

01

The application and supplemental questionnaire must be completed fully. The following supplemental questions are used to help determine qualifications and eligibility to continue in the recruitment process. All education and experience used to answer the supplemental questions must be included on the education and work history portion of your application. Incomplete applications or supplemental questionnaires cannot be revised after submission and may be grounds for rejection. Responses such as "see resume" or "see application" or brief general statements will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications may be rejected. By clicking "I Accept" below, I certify that I understand and will follow the application instructions.

• I Accept

02

Do you possess an equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in psychology, social services, public administration, business administration, or a related field? NOTE: You may be required to provide the department with an official copy at the department interview. For information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.

• Yes
• No

03

Please provide the levels of completed education you possess. BE SPECIFIC Please be sure to include the following information: 1) College or University attended. 2) Major or area of study. 3) Degree received. 4) Number of semester units completed. Type "N/A" if you do not possess any units from an accredited college or university.

04

Please indicate below which best describes the number of years of experience:

• One (1) year of experience performing professional tasks in a Public Guardian.
• One (1) year of experience performing professional tasks in a social services or related program.
• Two (2) years of experience in social services or related program equivalent to the County's class of Deputy Public Guardian I.
• No, I do not meet this requirement.

05

Please describe your indicated experience. Please note all employer information provided must match what is listed in your work experience. BE SPECIFIC. Your response MUST Include the following information: 1) Name of your employer. 2) Position title. 3) Dates you were employed. 4) Relevant duties. If no applicable experience, type "N/A".

06

Please describe your experience conducting client assessments or interviews to determine financial, medical, social, or psychological needs. Please note all employer information provided must match what is listed in your work experience. BE SPECIFIC. Your response MUST Include the following information: 1) Name of your employer. 2) Position title. 3) Dates you were employed. 4) Relevant duties. If no applicable experience, type "N/A".

07

Please describe your experience managing or safeguarding personal or financial affairs on behalf of clients, including coordinating services, securing assets, or working with outside agencies. Please note all employer information provided must match what is listed in your work experience. BE SPECIFIC. Your response MUST Include the following information: 1) Name of your employer. 2) Position title. 3) Dates you were employed. 4) Relevant duties. If no applicable experience, type "N/A".

08

Do you possess a current, valid California Drivers License (CADL)? NOTE: Military Spouses, please attach copies of your supporting documentation. For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.

• Yes, I possess a CADL.
• No, I do not possess a CADL but I am WILLING and ABLE to obtain one prior to appointment to this position.
• No, I do not possess a CADL, but I am a military spouse with a valid drivers license issued by the state of my active-duty spouses legal residency. I understand that I will be required to submit documents to verify, including but not limited to my dependent ID, my spouses current out-of-state drivers license, or any other document necessary to verify the information.
• No, I do not possess a CADL and I am UNABLE to obtain one prior to appointment to this position.

09

This position requires the possession of, or ability to obtain certification with California Public Administrators, Public Guardians, Public Conservators Association (CAPAPGPC).

• I have read and understand the above requirement.

10

This position requires the ability to qualify for security clearance through a background investigation, and fingerprint check, which includes a credit check.

• I have read and understand the above requirement.

11

This position requires the ability to work occasional irregular hours including evenings, nights and weekends, including on-call rotation.

• I have read the above statement and am WILLING AND ABLE to meet this requirement.
• I have read the above statement and am UNABLE to meet this requirement.

12

This position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Yes, I am WILLING and ABLE to meet the above requirements.
• No, I am NOT ABLE to meet the above requirements.

13

Please provide any additional information relevant to your qualifications for this position that you believe should be considered when evaluating your application.

14

I understand that only a complete and accurate application will be considered. I have included all current and at least 15 years previous work history and education. I also understand that my application must show all the relevant education and experience that I possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. Additionally, I understand that the supplemental questions are considered part of my official application. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. By clicking "I Accept" below, I certify that I understand and have followed the application instructions.

• I Accept

Required Question

Employer Kings County

Address Kings County Government Center

1400 W. Lacey Blvd

Hanford, California, 93230

Phone (559) 852-2510

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingscounty