About the Department

SUMMARY
This is a professional and highly responsible case management position within the Civil Division. This position works closely with the judiciary, court personnel, attorneys and community professionals. Additionally, this position works closely with Clerk of Court staff to thoroughly review guardianship cases to ensure that the wards in guardianship cases receive the care, representation and transparency of their guardians and all relevant parties. The Case Manager is responsible for monitoring guardianship cases for the completeness and timeliness of documents, accountings and compliance with the Court’s Policies and Procedures by guardians and/or attorneys as required by Florida Statute, the Rules of Civil Procedure and Florida Probate Rules. Work is performed under the supervision of the Civil/Family Division Director.
The core responsibilities for this position include: (1) Monitor and Assess Guardianship Cases; (2) Maintain Statistical Reports; (3) Establish and Maintain Professional Working Relationships; (4) Court Case Management and Attend Court Hearings; and (5) Other Duties as Assigned.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Monitor and Assess Guardianship Cases

Work with Clerk of Court staff on cases with pre-existing issues which require Court review
Monitor for timely submission of documents and accountings
Assess guardianship reports and research information when requested by the judge
Assess attorney fee petitions and forward to assigned judge with analysis.
Assess other fees and expenses charged to the ward, as well as problems noted in the annual reports of guardians and audit reports of the Clerk
Assess cases for compliance with the Guardianship Policy and Procedure Manual at the request of the judge, Civil Manager, Division Director, Clerk of Court or other interested parties
Upon request, discuss findings and analysis with the assigned judge
Interact with attorneys for Guardians and Wards in a professional manner
Refrain from giving legal advice and directives to persons who are responsible for the care and treatment of the Ward, but, instead, act in an information gathering capacity and report findings to the Court
Prepare and submit confidential reports in writing to the court with assessments and recommendations

2. Maintain Statistical Reports

Maintain accurate records of analysis conducted, cases opened and closed and appearances in court

3. Establish and Maintain Professional Working Relationships

Establish and maintain professional working relationships with court personnel, law enforcement, the Department of Children and Family Services, the legal community and other professionals within the community relevant to any particular case

4. Court Case Management and Attend Court Hearings

Assist with Case Management Conferences
Process and prepare court Orders
Prepare other Orders as determined by the Judge
Monitor Compliance with Court Orders
Respond in a timely manner to inquiries from all parties directly related to case
Attend court hearings of the Civil Magistrate and with the judiciary as needed

5. Other Duties as Assigned

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document 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.

Knowledge of:

Civil Case Management practices
Civil and Probate law as it relates to Guardianship matters
Basic structure of the Florida State Courts System
Court procedures and understanding of basic legal terminology
Computer applications, including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

Ability to:

Work independently, and exercise discretion, impartiality, objectivity, confidentiality and sound judgment in handling all matters before the Court
Provide effective, accurate, professional, polite, friendly, and prompt customer service to the public and other agency personnel, AOC employees, and the Judiciary
Communicate clearly, concisely, and logically, both orally and in writing, with the public and other governmental and private agencies
Prioritize and make efficient use of time
Prepare accurate and detailed reports in a timely manner
Maintain a courteous and professional demeanor at all times with the public and professionals
Exercise discretion and maintain confidential information
Efficiently operate a computer and utilize Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook along with various other software programs and databases
Maintain consistent and regular attendance Monday through Friday, which is required
Travel throughout county, circuit, and state as necessary for meetings, site visits, and/or training

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, pre-law or a closely related social science field preferred
Professional work experience may substitute for the recommended educational level on a year-for-year basis
Probate or guardianship experience preferred

Other Qualifications

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid Florida Driver’s License

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None

EQUIPMENT UTILIZED
Desktop/lap top computer, printer, multi-line telephone, copier, shredder, smartphone, tablet, and fax

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, Florida Statutes, Administrative Orders, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from court administration staff, supervisors, judges, attorneys, other governmental agencies, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs and apply to practical situations. Ability to calculate figure and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages. Work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this position you are regularly required to walk, talk and hear. You frequently are required to sit and reach with hands and arms, occasionally required to stand, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel inside and outside Lee County is required.

REASONING ABILITY
Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Must be able to evaluate problems, isolate key issues, research and develop alternative solutions and to present management with recommendations that include, at a minimum, the advantages, the disadvantages, and the cost and staff impact of recommendations.

Benefits

Supplemental Questions

Please type your First & Last Name below.

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions, which may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview.

By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any information you provide may be reviewed by the selection recommendation committee. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. "See Resume" or "N/A" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.

Yes, I understand and agree
No, I do not agree

Which best describes your highest level of education?

High School or GED
Vocational Certificate
Some College
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctoral Degree
None of the above

If you received a degree from an accredited college or university, please specify major and area of study.

If this question does not apply to you, please respond Does Not Apply.

How many years of case management experience do you have?

The information provided must also be reflected in your application.

Less than one year
One year to less than two years
Two to less than three years
Three years to less than four years
Four years to less than five years
Five years to less than six years
Six years to less than seven years
Seven to less than eight years
Eight or more years
No experience

If you indicated having three or more years of case management experience, please describe in detail where and how you acquired this experience.

*Additional relevant education may substitute for the recommended experience on a year-for-year basis, excluding supervisory experience.

The information provided must also be reflected in your application.

If you do not have this experience, please indicate 'Does Not Apply'.

Expanding on the above question regarding case management experience - How many years of case management experience do you have working in the area of Civil Law, and/or Guardianship?

The information provided must also be reflected in your application.

Less than one year
One year to less than two years
Two years to less than three years
Three years to less than four years
Four or more years
No experience

How did you come across this job opportunity? (e.g. GovernmentJobs.com, Indeed, Naples Daily News, News-Press, Charlotte Sun, Craig's List, DICE, social media, etc.)

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Florida State Courts, Twentieth Judicial Circuit, Administrative Office of the Courts
Address: AOC Human Resources, Rm 201, Justice Center Annex

1700 Monroe Street

Fort Myers, Florida, 33901
Phone: 239-533-1710

239-533-1705
Website: http://www.ca.cjis20.org

Program Specialist (Guardianship) - Collier County