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Definition Under general supervision, conducts professional investigations matters regarding persons and issues related to pending matters before the Probate Court. Prepares comprehensive reports and makes recommendations to the Court.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the experienced working level in probate investigation work. Duties are performed with substantial independence based on established policies, procedures and standards. Probate Investigators make regular contact with internal and external parties to furnish or obtain information. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve objectives can result in serious delays and considerable expenditure of resources, and the possibility of serious effects on individuals who are the subjects of Court decisions. Probate Investigators do not typically lead or supervise the work of others.
(Note: The following duties are performed by most incumbents, but other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.)
Conduct comprehensive field investigations and assessments with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, often in difficult or strained circumstances of guardianship/conservatorship petitions by locating and interviewing involved parties, relatives, friends, attorneys, medical and psychiatric staff, various County departments and State agencies, and other concerned parties; obtain statements, affidavits, and other evidence bearing on the matter; organizes evidence and prepares detailed reports and recommendations; evaluate suitability of proposed guardian/conservator and prepares written reports of findings and recommendations for judicial review as required under the Probate Code; confer with judge and may be present during judicial interviews of minors in guardianship petitions; coordinate and mediate issues with concerned parties to resolve disputes prior to trial; prepare status reports as ordered by the Court; assess and evaluate termination and resignation petitions as ordered by the Court to determine if the guardian/conservator is acting in the best interest of the ward/conservatee; attend Court to distribute reports, explain and mediate the issues, and provide general assistance; testify in contested cases on investigative findings and recommendations; provide general information to the public, outside agencies, and other concerned parties.
Education: 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.
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Experience: Two (2) years of employment experience performing casework or investigations in a legal, financial, law enforcement, or social services setting.
Knowledge Of
Welfare and Institutions and Probate Codes sections pertaining to conservatorship and guardianship; principles of individual and group behavior; interviewing, mediation, and counseling techniques; report writing and recordkeeping techniques; investigative methods and procedures; basic computer applications related to work.
Ability To
Understand, interpret, and apply relevant codes, policies, and procedures related to conservatorships and guardianships; obtain evidence and recognize relevant and significant facts; evaluate potential issues relating to care, custody, and control of the elderly or incapacitated persons or minor children; communicate complex information, both orally and in writing, in a manner that is understandable to others; write clear and accurate correspondence and reports; perform basic arithmetical calculations; deal effectively with citizens and public officials in circumstances requiring tact and good judgment; analyze situations and determine effective courses of action; establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, often in difficult or strained circumstances.
Possession of a valid California Drivers License.
Must be able to pass a criminal history information background check.
