Protective Services Worker – Public Conservator – San Francisco Human Services Agency

Job Description
Under general supervision, positions in class 2940 Protective Services Worker within the Office of the Public Conservator in the Department of Aging and Adult Services provide a broad range of clinical/advocacy services to temporary/permanent conservatees and collateral contact with a multidisciplinary team. In general, an average caseload is approximately 65 clients and can be more or less depending on case intensity and program capacity.
The target population of this office is individuals who are gravely disabled, (unable to provide for food, clothing and shelter as a result of chronic mental illness and/or chronic alcoholism), as a result of major mental illness as defined by the Diagnostic Statistical Manuel (DSM). The population also includes individuals who may have involvement with the Criminal Justice System and are being held in jail and State Hospitals or other facilities designated for those who have committed, or are alleged to have committed a crime.
The Office of Conservatorship Services has an average caseload of 700, with approximately half of these individuals placed outside of San Francisco County in either locked psychiatric facilities or residential care homes. Therefore travel is required in order to meet the needs of the conservatee and our service mandate by State and County regulations. The average number of miles driven per month is 350.
The 2940 is responsible for managing an independent caseload and is assigned mental health (LPS) conservatorship investigations as well. This involves interaction with Mental Health Court, including Public Defender and District Attorney, Department of Public Health, hospitals, jails and community agencies. In addition to assessments and making recommendations for levels of care, the conservator is also responsible for advocating these recommendations, which may at time be at conflict with the interests of other stakeholders.
Basic computer skills are required to perform charting on electronic systems (Avatar and Panoramic), emailing (the bulk of inter and intra agency communication is done through e-mail).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job class and are not intended to be an inclusive list;
may include additional duties as assigned.
Conducts investigations to determine eligibility for psychiatric care and services, including interviews and information gathered from collateral sources.
Conducts regular in-person visits in a variety of settings including jail, state hospital, inpatient acute psychiatric units, locked psychiatric treatment centers and skilled nursing facilities as well as community settings within and outside the City and County of San Francisco.
Conducts crisis interventions during business hours or after hours.
Completes time sensitive court reports and provision of expert testimony witness to the Superior Court as needed.
Evaluates and approves psychiatric treatment and medications included in clients care plans.
Continually assesses appropriateness of placements and the least restrictive level of care.
Completes various types of applications and forms related to placement, legal, financial, and medical issues.
Documents cases in a clinically significant and timely manner.
Works collaboratively with other city departments, including Public Health, Police, Jail, and City Attorney’s Office.