City and County of San Francisco

Estate Investigator (#4230)

$41.78-$50.80 Hourly / $7,241.00-$8,805.00 Monthly / $86,892.00-$105,664.00 Yearly


Definition

Under general supervision, performs responsible investigative work in connection with the locating, inventory and preservation of assets of estates coming under the jurisdiction of the public administrator; and performs related duties as required. Requires responsibility for carrying out, explaining and enforcing policies and procedures of the public administrator's office relative to estate matters; personal contacts with friends and relatives of the deceased, business and professional people, government officials and the general public; preparing important legal and financial records concerning the collection and disposition of property; handling property and large sums of money.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

  1. Collects keys to premises and safe deposit boxes, personal papers and valuables of deceased persons; Collects pertinent background information from the coroner, hospitals, and institutions; packs and takes into custody personal effects such as clothing or other personal properties; maintains storage rooms and records showing property on hand and final disposition of same; assists in the sale of articles to be liquidated from estates.
  2. Assists in all investigations of premises and effects of deceased persons; locates wills, burial instructions, evidence of safe deposit boxes and other valuables and evidence of assets and takes into custody automobiles, trucks and motorcycles and delivers same to public administrator's garage.
  3. Investigates complaints regarding real property being held by the public administrator and claims by parties alleging to have left properties in custody with deceased; obtains affidavits from claimants and delivers property to claimants as directed.
  4. Makes safe deposit box searches and assists in compiling inventories of contents.
  5. Processes and enters all claims against estates.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Requires knowledge of legal documents, titles to property, both real and personal; office and court procedures; processes involved in the administration of estates ‘ including real estate practices, banking and other financial procedures.

Ability or Skill to: Requires ability to: deal courteously and effectively with others in handling difficult personal situations; perform investigations; administer the estates of deceased persons; prepare reports.

Minimum Qualifications

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:
Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:
One (1) year of professional experience in: Probate, Financial/ Fiduciary Services, Social Work, Case Management or investigations related to one of the above areas.

License and Certification:
Possession of a valid California Driver License

Substitution:
Possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, public administration or business administration may substitute for the required education and experience.

Notes

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

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PROMOTIVE LINES

To: 4231 Senior Estate Investigator

ORIGINATION DATE:

1/12/1961

AMENDED DATE:

12/12/18

REASON FOR AMENDMENT:

To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

Business unit(s):

COMMN

 

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CLASS: 4230; EST: 1/12/1961; REV: 12/12/2018;