Court Investigator

Under the direction of the Probate and Family Court Services Manager, the Court Investigator investigates existing and proposed conservatorships of adults and guardianships of minors, prepares recommendations to the court; functions as court officer for Superior Court; and performs related duties as required.  As directed by Penal Code Section 11165.7 the individual holding this position is a mandated reporter.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Employees in this class are responsible for investigating the appropriateness of conservatorships and guardianships of adults and minors to ensure the well being of the proposed conservatee or ward.  This position is responsible for research, review, and summary of applicable cases and statutes, and for the preparation of written summaries of the research. 

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Interviews proposed conservatees and wards in all petitions filed to establish and/or terminate all conservatorships and guardianships; evaluates medical, financial, and other information; evaluates personal, educational, and social needs; determines the need and level of need for conservatorship or guardianship.

Investigates the suitability of the proposed conservator or guardian; determines if an estate is properly managed and in compliance with applicable codes; determines if conservator/guardian is acting properly with person and estate of the conservatee or ward; reports findings to the Court and makes recommendations.

Conducts biennial reviews of existing conservatorships; reviews guardianships when warranted by circumstances; recommends continuance or termination or appointment of new conservator/guardian.

Conducts Certification Hearings at the Mental Health Clinic Inpatient Facility and interviews and reviews chart to determine if involuntary treatment is legally sound; assures that patient’s legal rights are observed; upholds or denies the certification for involuntary psychiatric treatment.

May evaluate juveniles applying for marriage licenses.

Serves as Court Officer; attends Superior Court Probate calendars to respond to inquiries by the Court regarding a particular case; testifies when called as a witness in contested hearings.
 

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in a science, a social science, a behavioral science, liberal arts, or nursing from an accredited educational institution.
 

Experience

A minimum of two (2) years’ employment experience performing casework or investigations in a legal, financial, law enforcement, or social services setting.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws or regulations for probate, mental health, and related areas;
• Basic principles of accounting;
• Principles and techniques of interviewing and investigation;
• Basic operation of the Superior Court and proper Court conduct and decorum;
• Basic problems of the elderly and mentally disabled;
• Principles of family dynamics and child development.

Ability to:

• Research and analyze information and formulate sound conclusions and recommendations;
• Understand and deal effectively with persons, clients, interested parties, and professionals contacted in the course of work;
• Prepare meaningful recommendations and write accurate reports; 
• Interview and communicate effectively with a variety of people including elderly, children, and individuals who have a limited mental capacity;
• Understand and apply provisions of the Welfare and Institutions, Probate, and other state codes that deal with guardianships and conservatorships;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION INFORMATION

Carefully complete your application and supplemental questionnaire and submit by the application deadline.  A cover letter and resume are not accepted as a replacement for your application.

• Complete all requested information fully. Incomplete applications will not be processed and your application will be rejected if you write statements such as "See/Refer to Resume" or "See Attached."
• It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. If you held multiple positions with the same employer, please list each job title and duties separately. Explain gaps between any employment periods by way of a separate attachment to the application.
• Minimum requirements must be met at the time of filing.
• The work experience portion of your application profile should account for all employment within the last 10 years, including your current or most recent position. Include U.S. Military Service, self-employment, and relevant unpaid volunteer work.

Incomplete application materials, false statements, omission of a material fact, or partial information will result in disqualification.
 
The Court reserves the right to modify the selection/examination process at its discretion.  

If you submit multiple applications, ONLY your most recent application and attachments will be considered.
 
All correspondence regarding the selection process is sent via email.  You are responsible for checking your email account on a regular basis to find out the status of your application. 

A qualifications appraisal committee will review applications and requested materials, and only the best-qualified candidates will be invited to interview for this position. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process.  

Travel expenses to appear for an interview will not be reimbursed.

Shasta County Superior Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities by informing Human Resources in writing or by telephone at the time of application.