Oregon Public Guardian (OPG) Volunteer Application

The Oregon Public Guardian Program (OPG) serves as court-appointed, surrogate decision makers for adults incapable of making some or most of the decisions necessary for their basic care and safety. The Oregon Public Guardian is the guardian of last resort and only serves when there is no less restrictive option available for addressing a serious safety risk and no appropriate alternative guardian is available.

OPG follows nationally recognized guardianship standards. All OPG professional staff are National Certified Guardians by the Center for Guardianship Certification(CGC). OPG follows the National Guardianship Association (NGA) model practice standards and ethical principles.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Oregon Public Guardian Program. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Applications are being accepted for the following Oregon areas: Albany, Clackamas County, Curry County, Eugene/Springfield, Hermiston, Hood River, Klamath Falls, Medford, Milton-Freewater, Portland, Redmond, Roseburg, Salem/Keizer, and Sutherlin.

Note: There are several volunteer opportunities in this agency with different applications. If you are interested in applying for Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) program (advocates for elderly or disabled residents in assisted living and residential care facilities, nursing facilities, and adult foster homes) or the Residential Facilities Ombudsman (RFO) program (focused on improving the lives of persons who experience Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities or Mental Health conditions), please go to oltco.org and choose the application you are most interested in.

As a representative of the Oregon Public Guardian program, you will be a public official as defined by ORS 244.020(15). As a public official you must avoid conflict of interest or the appearance of conflict of interest and cannot benefit financially from your affiliation with the Oregon Public Guardian program. If a conflict develops after your appointment as a volunteer, you must notify the office immediately.

Consent to Reference and Criminal History Check

The check will assist the Office of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator in making an informed decision about candidate qualifications. In assessing the pertinences of a conviction record, the agency will consider such factors as the nature of the crime, when and where it occurred, and the duties of the position for which application is made. The checks will be completed prior to the start of training.

I authorize the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator to conduct a criminal history check and I agree to provide the office with the information necessary to complete the criminal record check.

I understand that any oral or written statement made during this process that is false, fraudulent, or misleading that is contained in this form or made in the course of any related application process, whether made by me or others at my request, will result in rejection of my application, denial of appointment to a volunteer position or dismissal if discovered after appointment.

AGREEMENT 

I understand that as a Pro Bono Public Guardian or volunteer of the Office of the Oregon Public Guardian Program, I will be working with or exposed to confidential and protected information. I agree to abide by all program policies, National Guardian Association (NGA), federal law and state law related to confidentiality and protected information such as the Oregon Revised Statute governing the Oregon Public Guardian program which states:

ORS 125.685 (3)(d)

… Shall maintain the confidentiality of clients and of written information and materials relating to clients.

NGA Standard 11 ‐ Confidentiality

I. The guardian shall keep the affairs of the person under guardianship confidential.

II. The guardian shall respect the person's privacy and dignity, especially when the disclosure of information is necessary.

III. Disclosure of information shall be limited to what is necessary and relevant to the issue being addressed.

IV. The guardian may disclose or assist the person in communicating sensitive information to the person's family and friends, as defined by the person, unless it will substantially harm the person.

V. The guardian may refuse to disclose sensitive information about the person where disclosure would be detrimental to the well‐being of the person or would subject the person's estate to undue risk. Such a refusal to disclose information must be reported to the court.

The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator program retains the right to not approve an applicant for participation in the program or associated training sessions.