POSITION DESCRIPTION
Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia
POSITION TITLE:
DIVISION:
(e.g., Division, Region, Department)
UNIT:
(e.g., Branch, Area, District)
APPROVED CLASSIFICATION
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE:
SUPERVISOR’S CLASSIFICATION:
Investigator
POSITION
NUMBER(S):
Field Services
Client Finance and Administrative
Services
AON 18
Manager, Field Services
Business Leadership
LOCATION:
00014519, 00014252
00099273, 0009657
00099274, 00009689
00101116, 00101117
Vancouver, Kelowna
and Victoria
CLASS CODE
POSITION
NUMBER
PHONE NUMBER:
00100403
604-660-5099
PROGRAM
The Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia is a corporation sole, created under the Public Guardian and
Trustee Act which operates independently under provincial legislation to protect the legal and financial interests of minors;
manage the legal, financial, health and personal care interests of adults under mental disability; and administer the
estates of deceased and missing persons. As a result of obligations created by statute, the Public Guardian and Trustee
exercises quasi-judicial authority in specified situations. In addition, the Public Guardian and Trustee is called upon to
provide independent comments to the Court when the legal or financial interests of minors, adults under mental disability
or estates are at risk. The Public Guardian and Trustee is independent of government in its case-related decision making
responsibilities.
The Public Guardian and Trustee strives to promote family involvement in securing appropriate protection for individuals
or their estates. The Public Guardian and Trustee must observe prudent business practices, is bound by fiduciary
principles and is ultimately accountable to the Court. The Services of the Public Guardian and Trustee extend to clients
resident throughout the province and, less frequently, in other provinces and countries throughout the world.
The Client Finance and Administrative Services Division is accountable for ensuring the Public Guardian and Trustee is
able to achieve its legislated mandate and corporate business priorities in a self-sufficient and financially sustained
manner and for the provision of a full range of comprehensive financial, budgeting, investment, information technology,
client asset management, human resources, and corporate administrative services. Field Services is accountable for the
delivery of investigative and warehousing services on behalf of the staff of the Operating Divisions ensuring clients’ assets
are secured and disposed of as directed by the Operating Division Representative (ODR)
Reviewed: December 2011
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PURPOSE OF POSITION
Reporting to the Manager, Field Services, the Investigator is responsible for securing the assets of the Public Guardian
and Trustee clients. Key duties are to:
1.
Protect Public Guardian and Trustee clients’ financial, legal and personal interests by investigating, assessing
and securing client’s premises, assets, and effects in communities throughout the Province.
2.
Appraise and administer/or make recommendations with respect to the storage and disposition of client assets
and effects in a manner that respects the wishes of the client and family and maximizes the return for the client.
3.
Communicate with clients, clients’ families and/or friends of clients, general public, police, and other interested
parties/stakeholders as required, in a reasonable and informed manner the role of the Public Guardian and
Trustee, its authorities, the role of the Investigator and the necessity for actions by the Investigator.
4.
Ensure Public Guardian and Trustee’s authority is obtained to secure client assets and effects and prepares
reports detailing the particulars of each investigation.
NATURE OF WORK AND POSITION LINKS:
Reviewed: December 2011
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1.
(55%) Protects Public Guardian and Trustee clients’ financial, legal and personal interests by
determining and implementing a plan to secure and investigate client’s premises and effects in
communities throughout the Province by:
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2.
Reviewing the circumstances of new cases and determining the best course of action in
securing a client’s assets based on factors such as risk, timing, value, state of the client, family
preferences, and attitudes toward the Public Guardian and Trustee and other extenuating
circumstances, to maximize protection to the client and minimize the disturbance to the client’s
effects;
Reviewing and assessing all assigned Work Orders(WO) for investigations, determining issues
or obstacles and planning appropriate course of action including methods and strategies to
conduct the investigation.
Participating in team meetings and case conferences to assist in the decision making and
problem solving for effective management of client affairs;
Evaluating health risks associated with conducting the investigation and implementing safety
precautions to address potential hazards (i.e. hantavirus, vermin, bodily fluids, insect
infestations;
Maintaining close communication with operating divisional representation and/or Field ServicesWarehouse and/or clients as required to address changed circumstances and client needs;
Where indicated, arranging for additional contractors and for attendance by local police
authorities;
Gaining entry to premises and quickly assessing the work required to secure and search the
premises and search and take inventory of effects, estimating the time and resources required
to complete the work;
Conducting systematic searches in accordance with Policy/Procedure and reference manuals
for valuables, memorabilia, crucial legal and financial documents and other property/assets of
the client;
Photographing and/or videotaping premises, effects, real property, vehicles and other
goods/assets to substantiate condition and for reporting and also to aid in calculating value;
Searching for documentation, reviewing and scrutinizing documentation, and interviewing those
close to the client such as family, friends, lawyers, hospital staff and personnel from financial
institutions to locate other assets and to obtain pertinent information related to administering
the client or Estate affairs;
Attending and executing assigned WO for entry and listing and removing contents of client
safety deposit boxes;
Removing, securing, and recording client’s assets from facilities such as police stations,
hospitals and long term care homes;
Determining the most suitable and cost effective method for securing, transporting and/or
disposing of effects to protect client assets, including the safe and legal custody and
transportation of firearms and including and advising/communicating with Manager, Field
Services – Warehouse accordingly;
Identifying and personally removing portable valuables, business papers, cash and other
financial documents for secure storage and processing;
Preparing inventories of all assets and effects, including estimated values, in accordance with
existing Policy/Procedures and Reference Manual;
Completing clear, concise and detailed investigation reports summarizing investigation findings
and noting recommendations for further action as required.
As required, hiring and supervising the work of contractors retained to protect and repair client
assets and holdings and personally performing some maintenance and repair activities.
Reviewing and approving contractor submitted invoices.
(20%) Appraises and assigns value to clients’ effects, makes recommendations to the Case
Manager and the Warehouse Supervisor on the storage and disposition of client effects in a manner
that respects the wishes of client and family and maximizes the return for the client by:
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Through discussions with operating divisional representatives, client, family , friends, social
worker, etc., identifying assets and personal effects which are important to the client or
mentioned as specific bequests in their will and thus should be retained;
 Estimating the value of effects using developed knowledge, reference evaluation books and
keeping2011
up to date with common prices or recommending the hiring of a professional Page
appraiser;
Reviewed: December
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3.
(10%) Communicates in a reasonable and informed manner the role of the Public Guardian and
Trustee, its authorities, the role of the Investigator and the necessity for actions by the
Investigator by:
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4.
Calming clients and other parties who are unexpectedly encountered at residences and making
reasonable arrangements to complete investigations respecting the rights and feelings of those
involved;
Mediating unexpected disputes between clients, family members, care givers and others during
routine investigations;
Requesting unauthorized people at residences to leave, calling in reinforcements including the
police if necessary and removing belongings if required;
Explaining the Public Guardian and Trustee and Investigator responsibilities to community
workers such as the police and social and health care workers;
Speaking to staff of institutions such as banks, hospitals and members of the public about the
Public Guardian and Trustee’s roles and responsibilities.
(10%) Ensures Public Guardian and Trustee legal authority is obtained to secure client effects and
prepares reports detailing the particulars of each investigation by:
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5.
Arranging for the care of pets and farm animals.
Reviewing assigned investigation files to ensure the appropriate authorities have been obtained
before proceeding and obtaining required authorities when they are missing;
Composing detailed reports on each investigation to enable the assigned operating divisional
representative to quickly assume responsibility for the client’s affairs;
Completing detailed reports on the condition and value of client property;
Completing a detailed Real Property Report for all client owned real property, vacant or
occupied at initial investigation for ODR and property manager to ensure accurate information
for insurance and future inspections and appraisals by property manager.
Completing an insurance inspection report for all client owned vacant property, and ensuring
the insurance inspections are carried out as per policy until such time as the property is
released to the property manager.
Making recommendations for adequate property insurance on client assets and property and
ensure reports are completed which reflect the condition of self owned premises.
(5%) Performs other related duties.
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SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES / DELIVERABLES
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
This position is responsible for securing the assets of the Public Guardian and Trustee clients.
DIRECT SUPERVISION (i.e., responsibility for signing the employee appraisal form)
Role
# of Regular FTE’s
# of Auxiliary FTE’s
Directly supervises staff
Supervises staff through subordinate supervisors
Reviewed: December 2011
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PROJECT /TEAM LEADERSHIP OR TRAINING (Check the appropriate boxes)
# of FTE’s
Role
# of FTE’s
Role
Supervises students or volunteers
Provides formal training to other staff
Lead project teams
Assigns, monitors and examines the work of staff
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SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
 Security clearance checks are a condition of employment in this position. Please refer to PGT documents, Policy
#0404 and Procedures #0404 for a complete list of the mandatory security checks required. must be bondable
 Must maintain a valid BC Driver’s License, with a satisfactory driving abstract
 Must have a Restricted and Non-Restricted Possession-Acquisition License (or obtain one within six
months of acceptance of position as Field Services Investigator)
 Must have a vehicle licensed for work related activities
 Must be able to use Microsoft Office and similar software applications.
TOOLS / EQUIPMENT
 Must be able to use respiratory mask breathing apparatuses and pass a fit test for the apparatuses
 Must be able to wear protective suits and boots
WORKING CONDITIONS
 Must be able to travel for work purposes throughout the Province
 Sometimes requires flexibility in working hours
 Must be able to work in conditions that may be outdoors, dirty, messy, have infestations of insects or
pests, contain strong smells, and are unpleasant
 Frequent lifting of heavy items (up to 40lbs or more)
WORK EXAMPLES
 Transportation arrangements must meet operational requirements of the Provincial government and Public Guardian
and Trustee.
 Travel is a requirement with use of own vehicle on expenses
COMMENTS
PREPARED BY
NAME:
DATE:
EXCLUDED MANAGER AUTHORIZATION
I confirm that:
1. the accountabilities / deliverables were assigned to this position effective:
2. the information in this position description reflects the actual work performed.
3. a copy has / will be provided to the incumbent(s).
NAME:
Reviewed: December 2011
SIGNATURE:
DATE:
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ORGANIZATION CHART
Reviewed: December 2011
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STAFFING CRITERIA
Education and/or Occupational Certification
Three years related experience or an equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training. Education and
training to include investigative report writing, search and investigative procedures and law.
Experience and/or Achievements
Related experience includes experience where the focus of the work is investigation, such as child welfare investigator,
corrections, police work, coroner, private investigator, security officer, child welfare social work, including specific
experience in:
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computer systems and office software;
conflict resolution;
report writing;
supervising or directing the work of others, such as contractors;
Knowledge
 good knowledge of the Public Guardian and Trustee, including its goals and philosophy
 working knowledge of the various federal and provincial statutes which directly or indirectly affect the operations of
the Public Guardian and Trustee (e.g. Patients Property Act, Estate Administration Act)
 good knowledge of the approximate value of various assets
 good knowledge of legal and financial documents to recognize stocks, bonds, investments, wills, certificates of
indefeasible title, birth & death certificates, etc.
 working knowledge of house construction
 good knowledge of the safe handling of firearms
Skills and Abilities
 demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people and to exercise tact and discretion
 ability to set priorities and work independently
 ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
 ability to deal effectively with potentially hostile, frustrated or angry individuals
 ability to use standard and specialized computer applications to enter and retrieve data, access information, produces
and edit reports and correspondence.
 Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals or groups at various levels
within PGT and outside of the organization in order to carry out effective investigations.
 ability to work as a part of a regional team
 ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
 ability to manage one’s own workload effectively and independently achieving results within acceptable time frames.
 physical strength (lifting up to 40lbs or more on occasions) and stamina. Also must possess an ability to withstand
unpleasant, unhygienic and hazardous conditions
 ability to be flexible, innovative and resourceful
 ability to communicate in potentially sensitive client situations
 ability to lift 40 pounds regularly
COMPETENCIES
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Integrity
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Results Orientation
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Service Orientation
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Organizational Commitment
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Initiative
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Planning, Organizing, Coordinating
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Problem Solving/Judgment
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Improving Operations
Reviewed: December 2011
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Teamwork & Cooperation
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Listening, Understanding and Responding
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Flexibility
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Conflict Management
Reviewed: December 2011
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