Chief Deputy Public Administrator (#RM0245)
$44.47-$54.05 Hourly / $7,707.69-$9,368.75 Monthly / $92,492.33-$112,425.01 Yearly

Under direction, performs management and supervisory work in planning, directing and overseeing the daily operations of the Public Administrator’s Office; participates in the most complex estate administration cases by performing highly skilled investigative and case management work; may act for the Public Administrator on matters pertaining to the Public Administrator’s Office; and does related or other duties as assigned in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is a single position class in the Public Administrator’s Office, a major division within the Office of the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator. The incumbent supervises staff in the performance of various duties related to estate administration in accordance with established probate laws. The incumbent also has broad responsibility for managing the daily operations of the office and may participate in casework activities, particularly those cases that are especially complex or difficult. 
This class differs from that of Deputy Public Administrator in that incumbents of the latter class perform skilled technical, investigative and case management work and do not have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the department.

• Plans, organizes, prioritizes and directs the work of department staff; selects, trains, assigns, directs, and evaluates subordinate personnel; analyzes staffing and work flow and adjusts procedures as needed to maximize resource utilization; may act for the Public Administrator on matters pertaining to the Public Administrator’s Office; may have signature authority on various documents such as deeds, contracts, and court documents.
• Supervises and participates in various casework activities related to estate administration; assures that casework is completed as required and that deadlines and legal time limits are met.
• Directs, reviews, approves and supervises the accounting and distribution of estate funds and assets; assures appropriate payment of estate liabilities such as bills, funeral expenses or taxes; monitors appropriateness of accounting methods; establishes sound internal controls for handling money and valuables; establishes clear audit trails.
• Participates in the planning, development and implementation of department policies and procedures; helps develop automated and other systems to promote efficiency of effort and accuracy of information; develops short and long range goals and objectives as assigned; interprets policies, regulations and laws for subordinate staff and assures their compliance with same; participates in the preparation and monitoring of the Department budget.
• Supervises and participates in estate investigations, especially the most complex and/or difficult cases; assures that all appropriate and legally required steps are taken to locate heirs and assets; supervises and participates in the inventory and appraisal of estate assets, the storage of transportable personal property, the management of real property, and the disposal and disbursement of personal and real property.
• Liaisons with Court staff, attorneys, public and private agencies and individuals concerning estate administration; may interview and advise heirs; works to resolve estate administration conflicts to the satisfaction of heirs where possible and the Courts as required; appears in Probate Court on behalf of the Public Administrator to report and account for estates assigned.
• Prepares case documentation, correspondence and reports; prepares legal documents, forms and related paperwork as necessary; maintains case logs and activity updates; oversees the safekeeping of case records and files.
• Schedules and leads staff meetings; may participate in conferences, seminars or special training programs; completes special projects as assigned
  

Principles and practices of public administration, management and supervision; probate laws affecting administration of estates, regulations and procedures; general principles, practices and methods of estate administration, including investigative, financial management and case management procedures; general record keeping principles and practices; general and estate-related tax laws; court procedures associated with public administrator work; business laws relating to property ownership, court orders and commercial transactions; landlord and tenant law; general accounting principles and practices; general principles of human behavior.

Supervise subordinate staff; read, understand, interpret and apply complex laws, regulations and other job-related materials; analyze and evaluate personal, legal and financial information; interpret rules and regulations including the California Probate Code and Welfare and Institution Codes as they relate to the administration of estates by the Public Administrator; establish and maintain accurate financial and casework records; draw logical conclusions and make appropriate decisions under pressure; elicit personal, financial and other information from a variety of sources; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and representatives of other agencies, organizations and professions; communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.

Mobility-Frequent operation of keyboards, sitting, walking; occasional standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting climbing stairs and driving may be required; Lifting-Frequently 5 lbs. or less; occasionally 5-30 lbs.; Vision-Frequent use of good overall corrected vision; frequent reading and close-up work; Dexterity-Frequent writing and repetitive motion; occasional holding, reaching and grasping; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing and talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent public contact, decision making, concentration, and exposure to grief/death; may require occasional overtime, weekend or evening work; Special Conditions-May involve working in unpleasant physical environments where death has occurred.