ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Guardianship Program Coordination

1. Coordinate all agency guardianship activities in compliance with Article 17-A and SCPA §1750-b.
2. Maintain accurate, current guardianship records and documentation.
3. Schedule and facilitate Guardianship Committee meetings.
4. Coordinate required reporting to The Arc NY.
5. Ensure proper interpretation and application of guardianship authority.
6. Notify appropriate parties of reportable incidents and significant events.
7. Collaborate with Finance on Guardianship Trust oversight.

B. Supported Decision-Making & Informed Consent

1. Implement and support SDM practices across service teams to maximize individual participation in decisions.
2. Coordinate and document processes supporting informed consent, SDM, and surrogate decision-making in accordance with legal and regulatory standards.
3. Assist staff, teams, and committee members in determining when guardian consent is required versus when decisions may be supported through SDM.
4. Ensure individuals are provided with accessible information regarding options, risks, benefits, and alternatives to support meaningful participation in decision-making.
5. Provide guidance to staff and leadership on SDM practices consistent with person-centered planning and least restrictive principles.
6. Mitigate risk by ensuring decision-making practices align with regulatory requirements and protect individual rights.

C. Self-Advocacy & Rights Protection

1. Integrate self-advocacy and rights-based practices into guardianship and decision-making processes.
2. Ensure all guardianship-related activities uphold individual rights, dignity, informed choice, and due process.

1. Identify, assess, and escalate potential risks to individual rights or safety, including vulnerability to exploitation or undue restriction.
2. Coordinate appropriate safeguards, assessments, and interdisciplinary responses to identified risks.
3. Support and facilitate individual participation in Life Plan meetings and other decision-making forums.

1. Support efforts to promote, educate, and train the interests of the Self Advocates. Support the development of the agency Self-Advocate movement.

D. Service Planning & Team Collaboration

1. Coordinate guardian participation in Life Plan meetings and service planning activities to ensure informed and compliant decision-making.
2. Ensure person-centered planning principles are consistently applied, including identification and mitigation of conflicts of interest.
3. Maintain working knowledge of each individual's services, supports, and expressed preferences to inform guardianship coordination.
4. Serve as a resource to staff and leadership regarding guardianship authority, consent requirements, and decision-making processes.
5. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to resolve guardianship-related issues impacting service delivery or quality of care

E. Documentation, Compliance, and Quality Support

1. Maintain accurate, timely, and audit-ready documentation related to guardianship activities.
2. Develop and maintain tracking tools, including guardianship rosters, court deadlines, consent status, key communications, project timelines, and progress updates.
3. Identify trends or systemic barriers (e.g., recurring guardianship issues or resource constraints) and recommend process improvements.
4. Participate in agency quality assurance and compliance reviews as assigned, and support corrective actions related to guardianship processes.

F. Communication and Stakeholder Coordination

1. Serve as the primary point of contact for guardianship-related matters with The Arc NY, OPWDD, Care Managers/CCOs, families, representatives, and internal departments.
2. Coordinate and manage sensitive communications related to guardianship, consent, and individual rights with professionalism and discretion.
3. Facilitate timely information sharing and follow-through on guardianship decisions and committee actions.
4. Identify, escalate, and coordinate resolution of complex guardianship, consent, or rights-related issues.

G. Additional Responsibilities

1. Complete required Arc NY Guardianship training within designated timeframes.
2. Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices related to guardianship, SDM, and advocacy.
3. Perform additional duties as assigned consistent with the scope and intent of the role.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

COMPETENCY

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Adaptability - Adapts to changing priorities, manages competing demands, and adjusts approach as needed.

Cost Consciousness - Uses organizational resources responsibly.

Customer Service - Responds to needs professionally and timely, including in sensitive or difficult situations.

Dependability - Takes responsibility for actions and completes work within expected timeframes.

Attention to Detail - Ensures accuracy and completeness of work.

Diversity & Inclusion - Demonstrates respect for individuals of diverse backgrounds and promotes an inclusive environment.

Ethics & Integrity - Maintains confidentiality, acts with integrity, and upholds organizational values.

Flexibility - Effectively manages multiple tasks and interruptions.

Initiative - Prioritizes work and seeks solutions proactively.

Interpersonal Skills - Communicates respectfully, manages emotions, and maintains effective working relationships.

Judgment - Demonstrates sound decision-making and involves appropriate stakeholders.

Oral Communication - Communicates clearly and effectively in a variety of settings.

Organizational Support - Follows policies and supports organizational goals.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes tasks, manages time effectively, and maintains organization of work.

Problem Solving - Identifies issues, analyzes information, and implements appropriate solutions.

Professionalism - Maintains a respectful, composed, and accountable approach in all interactions.

Quality - Ensures work is accurate, thorough, and meets established standards.

Safety & Security - Follows safety procedures and reports concerns appropriately.

Teamwork - Collaborates effectively and contributes to team success.

Technical Skills - Maintains required knowledge and systems proficiency, including agency software.

Written Communication - Produces clear, accurate, and professional documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

Associate or Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience in OPWDD services, care coordination, compliance, or guardianship-related work. Experience with documentation, compliance tracking, or administrative coordination required. Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to handle confidential and sensitive information, familiarity with person-centered planning and informed consent, and experience working with committees.

Reasoning Skills - Ability to apply sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and work independently across multiple settings. Ability to interpret and apply instructions in written, oral, or structured formats.

Language Skills - Ability to read and interpret OPWDD regulations and guidance, and to communicate effectively with employees, families, and stakeholders.

Mathematical Skills - Basic mathematical ability sufficient to perform routine calculations and interpret data.

Computer Skills - Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and standard office software; ability to learn and utilize agency systems, including Therap.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations - Must possess a valid NYS driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Physical Demands - Must be able to independently lift and/or transfer, push or pull up to 50 lbs. Ability to operate computer and software programs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EXPECTATIONS

This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with FLSA requirements. Work hours may vary based on operational needs, including meetings and project deadlines.

1. Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
2. Maintain acceptable attendance and punctuality in accordance with agency standards.
3. Adhere to all policies and practices in place at The Arc Otsego.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Office-based with regular presence in homes program settings; local travel required.
2. Occasional evening hours for tours and meetings.

Americans with Disabilities Act: Reasonable accommodations will be made in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADAAA of 2008.

Occupational Safety and Health Act: Exposed to human body fluids, airborne agents, household chemicals. May be exposed to contagious diseases.

This position starts at a rate of $22.00 per hour