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Job Description
Under general supervision, performs social and fiscal case management for clients under the conservatorship; and administers the estates of and provides legal supervision over disabled, legally incompetent, or disoriented persons. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in human services, public health, mental health, or a related field, and experience providing direct services to vulnerable populations. They will demonstrate strong case management, investigative, and organizational skills, with the ability to assess complex personal, social, and financial situations. The successful candidate will be proficient in preparing court-related documentation, managing detailed records, coordinating services and benefits, and safeguarding the wellbeing and assets of conservatees. Strong communication skills, sound judgment, computer proficiency, and the ability to obtain required professional certification are essential.
EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE
Incumbents may be eligible for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon organizational need and certification of skill.
DEPARTMENT/AGENCY
Health Care Agency - Ventura County Behavioral Health Deputy Public Guardian-Conservator is represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OPENING DATE
7/1/26
CLOSING DATE:
7/16/26 at 5:00 p.m. Duties may include but are not limited to the following: Investigates and assesses the mental functioning and social background of persons referred for conservatorship as legally incompetent wards of the Public Guardian; determines whether guardianship or conservatorship is appropriate under the applicable laws and makes recommendations to the Court; Coordinates physical care and monitors custody of clients not capable of providing for their own wellbeing; Manages notes, mortgages, insurance premiums, and the operations of businesses owned by the ward or conservatee; Applies for benefits to which the ward or conservatee is entitled, such as insurance, welfare payments, social security, and veteran's benefits; Protects the estates from exploitation and oversees the finances of the conservatee; develops a financial plan for the maintenance needs; and reviews claims against assets; Prepares case documentation, correspondence, financial records, reports, legal forms, and related paperwork for courts and conservatorship cases; uses email and internet; maintains computer databases and assures safekeeping of electronic records and files; Conducts detailed investigations into the estates of these persons to discover and protect assets including locating and identifying wills, heirs, and/or next of kin; Verifies assets and submits to third-party for appraisal; Recovers, secures, appraises, and arranges for sale of real and personal property; Conducts title searches and verifies vesting titles in grand deeds; Maintains frequent contact with clients to provide social services; Assists in marshalling estate assets; Works cooperatively with management, County Counsel, and other professionals to prepare for trials and other hearings; May testify in court, provides reports to the court on quality of care and needs of the client; Assists with transportation for clients to court hearings and other appointments; often travel to other counties including overnight stays as necessary; and Performs other related duties as required. These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list. EDUCATION, TRAINING, and
EXPERIENCE
Possession of a bachelor's degree in a field related to human services, public health, mental health and one (1) year experience providing direct client service in human services, public health and mental health or other closely related experience.
Substitution:
Related experience as noted above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. as may be needed to move boxes, records, etc. Must be able to obtain and maintain certification requirements established by the California State Association of the Public Administrators, Public Guardians and Public Conservators within 18 months of employment. Must be computer proficient. DESIRED Bilingual (English/Spanish) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and
ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Effective communication skills and techniques Research methods, investigative techniques, and basic interviewing principles Basic concepts involved in personal wills, insurance policies, and deeds or contracts Principles and methods used in estate and financial investigation Laws and regulations related to conservatorship;, banking and other financial procedures Intermediate math skills Working ability to: Read and interpret laws, regulations, codes, reports, and summaries pertaining to the position Establish and maintain effective working relationships with disabled and disoriented persons under stressful conditions Prepare clear and concise reports and maintain accurate financial and electronic case work records Deal courteously and tactfully with distraught persons Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds in adverse situations which require sensitivity tact, and diplomacy drive a vehicle safety Ability to learn: How to use investigative techniques to locate assets, liabilities, relatives, and heirs Interpret, explain, and apply laws and regulations related to conservatorship, including the Probate Code, Welfare & Institutions Codes, and court procedures
Supplemental Information:
May be exposed to hostile witnesses and hazardous situations and locations while completing assignments. May be exposed to sick, disabled, hostile, uncooperative, or mentally unstable clients/relatives.
FINAL FILING DATE
: Applications must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026. To apply online, please refer to our website at www.ventura.org/jobs. A paper application can be obtained by calling (805) 654-5129. Our address is County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
NOTE :
If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information. Note to
Applicants:
It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.
LATERAL TRANSFER OPTION
: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
- qualifying All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.
APPLICATION SCREENING
- qualifying All applications will be reviewed to determine whether or not the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the recruitment process.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION - 100
% : An un-proctored, on-line, internet-based job-related written examination will be conducted to test applicants' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to Reading Comprehension, Language Skills, Interpersonal Skills, and Math Skills. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list. Applicants successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, and driving record may be required for this position. For further information about this recruitment, please contact Nathan Wood by e-mail at nathan.wood@venturacounty.gov or by telephone at (805) 677-5232.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
