Volunteer Guardian - be an advocate!

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A Volunteer Guardian serves as the legally appointed guardian of the person for someone with a developmental disability. The Volunteer Guardian acts in the best interest of the person as an advocate and substitute decision-maker in the care and management of medical and personal affairs. Activities related to management of the guardianship include: six visits per year and phone contact with their ward during the months they don’t visit; contact/intervention with service providers and family members, as appropriate, and decision-making including appropriate living arrangements, medical care, and pre-need funeral arrangements.

• During COVID-19, meetings may be conducted virtually. However, volunteers must reside in the Cleveland Area as in person visits will be conducted when health/safety guidance permits.
• Visit wards at least six times per year. Conduct other activities for the ward as needed.
• Have telephone or Zoom contact with the facility or provider (day or residential) to discuss ward’s well-being on those months you don’t make a visit.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports concerning activities with or on behalf of ward as required by Probate Court, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and/or other service provider (i.e. Medicaid redetermination). We will help you with this.
• Submit to Cuyahoga DD semi-annual reports of time spent carrying out the responsibilities of the volunteer guardian position (using online reporting).
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the mission of the program/agency.
• Participation in continuing education/training is encouraged and may be required.
• Individuals 21 years of age and older must complete volunteer application, including references, interview with staff, and fingerprint/background check and be formally accepted into the Cuyahoga DD volunteer program.
• Complete initial six-hour training program as required by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
• Be familiar (through training) with guardianship standards of practice and ethics, and act in accordance with them.
• During COVID-19, meetings may be conducted virtually.