Guardian [Continuous Posting]

The Colorado Office of Public Guardianship

Position: Guardian

Agency: Colorado Office of Public Guardianship

Status: Full-Time

FLSA: Exempt

Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado (Hybrid)
Reports to: Senior Guardian

Salary: $74,255.64 annually ($6,187.97 monthly)

Important: This posting will be used to establish a continuous talent pool to fill positions as the agency expands statewide.

Current Open Territories

OPG is recruiting for Guardian positions across the following regions as the agency expands statewide:

• Northwest Region - 1st, 5th, 8th, 9th, 14th, 20th, and 21st Judicial Districts
• Northeast Region - 2nd, 13th, 17th, 18th, and 19th Judicial Districts
• Southwest Region - 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th, and 22nd Judicial Districts
• Southeast Region - 3rd, 4th, 10th, 15th, 16th, and 23rd Judicial Districts

Applicants may be considered for one or more regions based on interest, qualifications, and agency needs. Available territories may change as positions are filled and the agency continues its statewide expansion.

The Agency: The Colorado Office of Public Guardianship

The Colorado Office of Public Guardianship provides public guardianship services to eligible indigent and incapacitated adult individuals who have no responsible family members or friends who are available and appropriate to serve as guardian; lack adequate resources to compensate a private guardian and pay the costs associated with an appointment proceeding; and are not subject to a petition for appointment of guardian filed by a county adult protective services unit or otherwise authorized by C.R.S. § 26-3.1-104. The duties and services of the Colorado Office of Public Guardianship (OPG) is codified in the Office of Public Guardianship Act, C.R.S. §§ 13-94-101 – 13-94-111 (2017, 2019).

Mission Statement:
The mission of the Colorado OPG is to provide guardianship services for indigent and incapacitated adults when other guardianship possibilities are exhausted. If Colorado adults lack willing and appropriate family or friends, resources to compensate a private guardian, and access to public service organizations that offer guardianship, the Colorado OPG provides guardianship services to secure the health and safety of these individuals while safeguarding their individual rights and preserving their independence wherever possible.

The office’s effectiveness depends heavily on independence, professionalism, collaboration, and public trust.

Colorado Office of Public Guardianship Agency Website

Why This Role? 

This is an opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact in the lives of adults who need support navigating important personal, medical, financial, and legal decisions.

As a Guardian with the Colorado Office of Public Guardianship, you will serve individuals who may not have family members or other appropriate supports available to assist them. The work requires sound judgment, compassion, accountability, and the ability to build trusted relationships while advocating for each individual’s needs, preferences, and well-being.

OPG is continuing to expand its statewide reach, making this an exciting time to join the agency. Guardians will have the opportunity to contribute to a growing public-service program, work collaboratively with community partners, and help strengthen access to guardianship services across Colorado.

This role may be a strong fit for someone who values meaningful work, professional autonomy, thoughtful decision-making, and the opportunity to serve individuals and communities throughout the state.

Guardian - Official Job Description

Position Overview

The Guardian will provide direct public guardianship services to indigent and incapacitated adults, ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of individuals while promoting independence and person-centered decision-making. This role is responsible for managing an assigned caseload, making informed decisions on behalf of clients in accordance with applicable statutes and ethical standards, and coordinating services and supports to meet client needs. The Guardian works collaboratively with courts, service providers, and community partners to ensure appropriate care and compliance with guardianship requirements.

Key responsibilities: 

• Conduct interviews and provide case management to a caseload of clients.
• Develop and maintain Individualized Guardianship Case Coordination to ensure care and treatment best suited to the clients' interests and following person-centered planning.
• Investigate the financial, psychological, family, and social histories of clients to inform decision-making.
• Make recommendations and take appropriate action, in accordance with informed consent, regarding medical, legal, and social decisions.
• Conduct regular client visits, including home and facility visits and inspections, in accordance with program requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive annual personal and financial court reports; maintain accurate and complete client records; attend court hearings as appropriate; and collect required data and statistics.
• Assist in obtaining, maintaining, and expediting benefits to eligible clients.
• Research and coordinate services, support, and housing options to meet client needs.
• Perform limited estate and financial management responsibilities to support client well-being and property oversight
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards, policies, procedures, and ethical requirements
• Maintain strict client confidentiality of client information.
• Escalate complex, high-risk, or non-routine cases to the Senior Guardian or agency leadership as appropriate.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

Experience only 

Six (6) years of directly related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. At least two (2) years of experience in a discipline related to the provision of guardianship services, which includes medical decision-making for others in areas such as legal, counseling, healthcare, probation and parole, public administration, or services for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or behavioral challenges.

OR

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, gerontology, a related behavioral science, healthcare, or client support services field, and two (2) years of relevant experience as described above.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Working knowledge of community systems and services for vulnerable populations.
• Experience navigating public benefits, housing, and service coordination.
• Familiarity with court processes or guardianship proceedings.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of the Colorado guardianship and probate statutes.
• Ability to interpret financial and legal documents. Ability to coordinate guardianship case management efforts with other public and/or non-profit agencies involved in client cases.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate reports and maintain detailed records.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities. The Guardian may provide guidance or support to volunteers, interns, or other team members as assigned.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position based in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Periodic statewide travel is required.

The role requires resilience, professionalism, and the ability to respond thoughtfully to urgent or sensitive matters while maintaining focus on client needs, case responsibilities, and agency priorities.

Agency Values

OPG’s work is guided by the following principles:

• Dignity: At-risk adults are treated with individual dignity and respect.
• Self-determination: The concerns and decisions of at-risk adults are, to the greatest extent possible, considered with the assistance to regain or develop capacities and participate in supported decision-making and person-centered planning.
• Access and Quality: At-risk adults should receive timely access to appropriate services, consistent with best practice, to ensure personal safety and well-being.
• Collaboration: The Colorado OPG actively seeks collaborative relationships with governmental and community stakeholders to maximize resources and support continuous improvement of policies and processes.
• Accountability and Transparency: Outcomes of the Colorado OPG are defined, documented, and made available to the Colorado General Assembly and the public, as required by statute, accurately and on a timely basis.
  

Benefits and Equal Opportunity

The position includes a comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, paid leave and holidays, retirement through Colorado PERA, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Click here for more information regarding employee benefits: State of Colorado Employee Benefits

The Colorado Office of Public Guardianship is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to full inclusion and reasonable accommodations.

Conditions of Employment:

• This is a national recruitment open to applicants residing in the United States.
  • The selected candidate must reside in Colorado within 30 days of employment. Relocation assistance or reimbursement is not provided for this position. 
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Employment is also contingent upon successful completion of the required Colorado Adult Protective Services (CAPS) background check.

Application Deadline: Continuous posting. This posting will be used to fill multiple positions as the agency expands statewide.