Court Investigator - Bilingual - Visalia

The primary role of the Court Investigator is to investigate and prepare written reports and recommendations to the Court regarding probate guardianships, conservatorships, free from parental custody and control, and stepparent adoptions as required by California Family Code, California Probate Code and California Rules of Court. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
• Position reports to the Director of Family Court and Special Services, Family Court Services Coordinator, or higher-level manager(Essential duties may vary from position to position within this classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the Court to be appropriate under applicable law.) 

1. Conduct investigations in conservatorship, relative guardianship, freedom from parental custody and control, stepparent adoption, pre-age marriage, and emancipation matters by gathering, assessing and evaluating information regarding living and housing arrangements, care plans, and other information concerning the personal health and safety of adults and minor children, through interviews, home visits and other sanctioned investigative methods
2. Prepare written investigative reports with recommendations to the court based on the results of investigations utilizing computerized word processing programs and other manual methods
3. Review conservatorship accountings and provide a written report with recommendations to the court regarding compliance and deficiencies.
4. Appear in court to provide sworn testimony as to details and findings of investigations conducted and concluded
5. Conduct orientation and training for conservators and guardians; providing applicants and appointees with information on regulatory, statutory, and procedural requirements as provided by probate and family code; 
6. Assist in making presentations to community organizations to promote outreach services and educate the community on issues of conservatorship and guardianship; 7. Travel frequently for purposes of training, conducting presentations, and investigations utilizing an automobile. The majority of travel will be within Tulare County; 
8. Attend staff and other work-related meetings, workshops, seminars, and other continuing education opportunities as requested and required;
9. Serve as a representative of the court, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the court community and with the public; 
10. Assist with investigation and oversight of other family court matters as needed and requested
11. Perform other duties as assignedEducation and Experience:  The combination of education and experience listed as follows are the qualifications per California Rule of Court 10.777:

• Education: Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or counseling or related behavioral sciences in areas of families or interpersonal relationships.
• Experience: Two years training and experience that provides knowledge of institutions and practices in the area of court investigation.

Knowledge of: 
• The California Court system 
• Interviewing and assessing techniques for evaluation of dependent adults under conservatorship and minor children under guardianship 
• Principles and techniques of writing concise, accurate reports that serve as part of court proceedings 
• Documentation, assessment, evaluation and recommendation report components; 
• Community resources for referral of clients 
• Adult and family psychology 
• Cross-cultural issues 
• Statues and procedures used in Probate and Family Court 
• Procedures used in California and local rules of the court 
• Interpersonal and public presentation communication skills 

Skill/Ability to: 
• Follow procedures and rules of the court 
• Obtain and interpret information from various sources to reach appropriate decisions 
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing 
• Use good judgment and work cooperatively with people of various backgrounds; work with the characteristics and health care needs of elderly, chronically ill, or developmentally disabled adults 
• Effectively use relevant computer applications and computer software 
• Prepare typed reports in a clear, precise and timely manner 
• Work independently with limited supervision 
• Prioritize work to meet required deadlines
 • Work with outside agencies to coordinate services to dependent adults 
• Multitask effectively and maintain a high level of adaptability in frequently changing work environmentWORKING CONDITIONS: The demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met or are encountered by an employee while successfully performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly Required: 
• Sit at a desk and/or in front of a computer video display terminal 
• Twist and bend neck 
• Repetitive hand movement while performing computer data entry as well as writing 
• Drive to various locations in and out of Tulare County in the course of conducting investigations using Court vehicle or own vehicle 
• Walk and stand while investigating conservatorships and guardianships 
• Work non-traditional hours and longer hours to accommodate interviewees 
• Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 25 lbs 
• Kneel, crouch or stoop and bend at waist in the course of conducting investigations 
• Tolerate mild exposure to dust, extreme heat and cold, and to people with various illnesses 
• Traverse on uneven ground 
• Reach above shoulder height 
• Tolerate a mild noise level