Public guardianship secretary, head of unit

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I work as a Public Guardianship Secretary and Head of Unit. A guardianship secretary works as a public guardian’s partner. In my work, I manage independently daily matters related to my clients’ assets and finances, such as financial monitoring, payment of invoices and bookkeeping. A client refers to a person for whom a guardian has been appointed because they are unable to manage their affairs themselves. The decision to appoint a public guardian is made either by a District Court or the guardianship authority, which is the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

As the Head of Unit, I am the immediate supervisor of the agency's guardianship secretaries. In addition to substance-related work, my tasks as the Head of Unit include planning, developing and guiding the secretaries’ work and providing induction training.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

I came to the guardianship office to complete an internship that was part of my studies, after which I was given an opportunity to continue working here.

Describe your typical working day or week.

My typical working day includes payment of invoices, posting of account transactions and checking and applying for benefits. One hour every day is set aside for answering clients' calls. As a guardianship secretary, I may attend a meeting between the guardian and their client at the beginning of the guardianship relationship.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

Our office operates on temporary premises for the time being, but next year our new facilities in Pori courthouse will be complete. I usually work three days in the office and two days remotely. My working hours are flexible.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

Understanding and managing complex issues is important in a guardianship secretary’s work. Initiative, self-management and an ability to tolerate pressure are essential. I interact with clients and partners on a daily basis, which is why interaction skills are required in this occupation. Computers are needed to carry out most of the work, and consequently a guardian must know how to use different information systems.

What is the best thing about your profession?

Work in public guardianship services is meaningful and versatile. Each day is different, and I like working with clients.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

The large workload is a challenge. You are always in the middle of some task, and your desk is never empty. Changing legislation also increases the workload sometimes.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a public guardianship secretary?

The work is versatile and has societal significance. Working for the central government has its own advantages, including relatively good job security.

How do you see the future of your profession?

The number of clients has so far increased annually, which means that there will probably be plenty of work to do in the future, too.