Public Guardian's Program InternAt — Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA)

THE AGENCY
The County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family, and community health. Under the direction of the Agency Director, a new and dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) service areas – Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Public Health Services, and Specialized Medical Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.    

THE DEPARTMENT
 The Office of the Public Guardian (PG) is dedicated to the physical and financial safety of persons unable to do so on their own who are conserved when there are no viable alternatives to public conservatorship. The Superior Court determines whether a conservatorship should be established, involving a court process that includes petitioning the court and notifying the proposed conservatee and his or her family of the proceedings. A conservatorship is only established as a last resort through a formal hearing. The Court can appoint the Public Guardian as a conservator of the person only, estate only, or both.

This position will provide direct support to the Public Guardian's Program by assisting 20% of the time with coverage at the front desk, answering phones, and handling correspondence.  The remaining time will be spent documenting processes by meeting with staff members and providing the PG program a write up for each task that is documented.  These documented items will serve the program as a draft to create updated training manuals and reference guides.  

Tasks:

Reviewing existing tasks and workflows, completing detailed processing guides of how things are currently done. Shadowing with staff to observe the tasks being performed and to allow the student to ask relevant questions. Review reference material resulting from county, agency, and state or federal regulations related to each task, as needed.

Training:

The student will receive hands on training and will hold in person meetings with program staff on a daily basis to review tasks, processes, and to ensure that all relevant details are documented. The student will meet with her supervisor to ask questions about the program and to receive clear guidance and expectations. Training will consist of reviewing written materials, receiving verbal guidance, and hands on training.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to recognize ways to assist the underserved populations in Orange County by answering questions related to available resources. The student will understand the program structure and the function that support staff and program staff play in serving the populations. The student will gain knowledge and expertise on documenting complex workflows that will become an essential training tool for a program. These activities will also expand on the student's ability to work independently and as a team.