DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC GUARDIANSHIP AND UNLICENSED FACILITIES REGISTRY - 72955

Executive Service

This position is designed as Hybrid (In office and Remote).

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging/about-us/work-with-us/featured/director-of-public-guardianship-and-unlicensed-facilities-registry.html

Background Check:

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Who we are and what we do:

The Department of Disability and Aging supports people to live the lives they envision for themselves by ensuring people can exercise rights, engage with the community and experience optimal health. At DDA, we are responsible for administration and oversight of services and supports for more than 1.5 million older adults and Tennesseans with disabilities.

Job Overview:

The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) is seeking a Director of Public Guardianship and Unlicensed Facilities Registry. The Unlicensed Facility / Public Guardianship Program Director provides dual-role leadership within the Department of Disability and Aging. Fifty percent of this position is dedicated to directing and overseeing the daily operations of the Unlicensed Facilities Registry, ensuring compliance with state regulations, policies, and standards. The remaining fifty percent serves as the agencies Public Guardianship Program Liaison, coordinating support for district Public Guardians, advocating for the rights of individuals under public guardianship, and serving as a key point of contact for district Public Guardians across the state.

Key Responsibilities:

Unlicensed Facility Responsibilities

• Coordinate with internal and external partners, including state agencies, community organizations, and service providers.
• Serve as the primary contact in relation to unlicensed facilities.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation as required by the agency.
• Educate providers on topics related to elder justice, licensure options for homes in Tennessee, and advocacy for safe housing for older adults.
• Check emails and voicemail daily to ensure the timely processing of reports made about unlicensed facilities.
• Collaborate with legal department to ensure statutory requirements are met and referrals are processed timely.
• Represent DDA at Elder Justice and Public Guardianship Conferences.
• Oversee quarterly Strikeforce meetings including prep and follow-up work.
• Maintain list of potential unlicensed facilities under investigation by licensing agencies.
• Ensure up-to-date information is on DDAs website regarding UFR.

Public Guardianship Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison for the state's Public Guardianship Program to the district Public Guardians.
• Advocate for the needs, rights, and well-being of individuals under public guardianship in Tennessee.
• Coordinate with courts, attorneys, healthcare providers, and community organizations regarding guardianship cases.
• Ensure compliance with guardianship-related statutes, court orders, and agency policies.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case files, reports, and communication logs.
• Assist Deputy Director in creating and implementing a comprehensive training plan for district Public Guardians.
• Educate external partners about guardianship roles, responsibilities, and best practices.
• Collaborate with legal to support the Area Agencies on Aging and Disability during guardianship hearings, case reviews, and interagency meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in gerontology, gerontological services, human services administration, psychology, public health administration, sociology, or social work.

OR

Three (3) years of professional experience in administering, planning, evaluating, or assessing human service, mental health, or gerontological programs.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.