This position is located in Santa Maria

The Court Investigator is a rewarding careermaking an impact on peoples lives monitoring probate conservatorships, probate guardianships, petitions to terminate parental rights, and certain adoption proceedings. This individual will work both in an office and conduct field interviews. If you have casework experience or investigations experience in legal, financial, law enforcement, or social services setting this is the position for you.

ADDITIONAL MONETARY/BENEFIT VALUE:
In addition to the base wage listed, employees in this classification receive:

The Court pays 100% of employee health premium
100% of the health premium for Employee + Dependent
100% of the health premium for Employee + Family
14 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
Paid Vacation and Paid Sick Time
The Court pays 100% of employee dental premium
Biweekly Court contribution up to $58.78 towards the cost of the dental premium for dependents
Biweekly Court contribution of approximately 32.47% of gross wages towards employee's mandatory retirement account. SBCERS Plan 8.
Additionally, employees from current public employers (federal, state and/or local government) may qualify for:

Additionally, employees from current public employers (federal, state and/or local government) may qualify for:

Retirement reciprocity
Time and service credit towards vacation accrual rate

If you forget your password, have application login problems, or get an error message during the application process, please call the NeoGov helpline at 1-855-524-5627 for assistance.

Under direction, conduct investigations for probate conservatorships and probate guardianships, petitions to terminate parental rights, and certain adoption proceedings; prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations; consult with judicial officers, attorneys, and other involved parties; attend hearings as necessary and complete other duties as required.

Review case information regarding probate conservatorships, probate guardianships, petitions to terminate parental rights, and certain adoption proceedings, including pleadings, questionnaires, minute orders and other supporting documents.
Prepare memos and special reports to court; prepare recommendations and present them in written and verbal form; inform concerned parties of laws, regulations, and procedures of the court; explain scope of services and legal rights to conservatees.
Monitor established conservatorship and guardianship cases, conduct reviews and prepare reports at necessary intervals.
Conduct field and office visits to interview individuals and assess health status and living conditions.
Review financial and medical records; arrange for interviews for parties outside the area.
Review financial accounts filed by guardians and conservators to ensure that the estate is being properly managed, investments are in compliance with the law, and the amount is accurate. Notify the court of discrepancies and make surcharge recommendations as necessary.
Gather information from various agencies during investigations including, but not limited to, employers, schools, Adult Protective Services, Child Welfare Services, law enforcement, physicians, care providers, Public Guardian and other professionals.
Review filings in other court departments for any protective/restraining orders or other safety issues for any relevant party. Review custody/visitation orders in family law cases and notify the probate judge in guardianship matters when appropriate.
Provide information on the nature of probate conservatorship and probate guardianship proceedings to families, parties and attorneys.
Monitor changes to conservatorship law, recommend policy, rules and procedural changes required for compliance and institute such modifications after approval.
Review changes in legislation and case law, and implement changes in local procedures.
Maintain and update the mandated "Resource Directory" and the self-represented information packets.
Testify in court.
Other duties as assigned.

1. A 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; AND
2. A minimum of two years' employment experience performing casework or investigations in
a legal, financial, law enforcement or social services setting.

Knowledge of: legal terminology, documents and procedures related to case evaluation and processing; laws, legal/judicial procedure and local rules; child abuse/abandonment issues, dependent adult/elder abuse, drug/alcohol issues and reporting responsibilities; medical/psychiatric terms and conditions; assessment and analytical skills; interviewing and investigation techniques; basic accounting and auditing skills.

Skill in: the use of computer keyboards and peripheral equipment, established skill with word processing and spreadsheet software such as Word and Excel.

Ability to: interact effectively with individuals with diverse backgrounds; explain legal rights and court procedures; determine acceptability of legal documents for filing, examine and determine if the contents of probate files are consistent with statutory procedural requirements; identify need for judicial action and substantiate cause of action.

Additional Requirement: A valid California Driver License is required, or the ability to easily travel to/from various locations throughout the County with little notice.

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara

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Court Investigator