Guardianship Representative (Peoria)

Position Overview

In this role, the guardianship representative from the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, Office of State Guardian, plays a vital role in managing a caseload of court-referred wards, including developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and aged adults. This position involves conducting quarterly assessments to identify the care needs of each ward and developing tailored solutions to support their well-being. The representative prepares and submits public benefits applications, maintains accurate case records, and documents all case management activities. Additionally, the representative is responsible for preparing court documents and reports, as well as appearing in circuit court to testify on behalf of the Commission during probate or mental health proceedings, ensuring that the interests and rights of the wards are effectively represented and upheld.

Benefit Statement

As a State of Illinois employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:

•    Flexible work schedules in some program areas (flexible time and hybrid options)
•     Health, life, vision and dental insurance
•    12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
•     Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
•     Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement
•     Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs
•     Paid state holidays 13-14 days annually
•     3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
•     12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
•     10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
•     Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
•     Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

    For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx 

Essential Functions

• Serves as representative from the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, Office of State Guardian.
• Visits, assesses, and counsels wards at scheduled intervals (at least quarterly) and travels to conducts visits.
• Assists with the preparation of public benefits applications for wards.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in related social science field.
• Requires two (2) years professional experience in a social services area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers a 4-year college degree in related social services, human services, or a related field.
• Prefers two (2) years of direct experience working with a disability population in a professional, volunteer, and/or personal capacity.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience in performing fieldwork.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience with advocacy work.
• Prefers one year of experience with applying for and/or managing public benefits for persons with disabilities in a professional, volunteer, and/or personal capacity.
• Prefers intermediate knowledge of computers including use of Microsoft Office Suite and database programs for ease and ability to take case notes and other relevant communications via a computer.
• Prefers elementary knowledge of federal and state disability laws and procedures.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Must successfully complete the National Guardianship Foundation Course and exam and receive certification within 12 months of employment.
• Requires valid driver's license and the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.  
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry-related topics relevant to the job duties.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

​​​​​​Created in 1979, the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission protects the rights and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities. A board of 11 commissioners, who serve without compensation, govern the agency. The Commission is an executive state agency created to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. By providing legal representation, investigating complains of rights violations, and providing state guardianship for Illinois’ population with disabilities, the Commission has given a voice to those who have previously gone unheard.