Child Support Officer

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Child Support Supervisor, the Child Support Officer is responsible for gathering, examining, and compiling information to adjudicate paternity, establish support, modify or enforce court orders pertaining to Child Support, spousal maintenance, medical support and child care issues. The Child Support Officer works closely and in conjunction with the County Attorney's Office in initiating appropriate legal actions, legal documents, and to negotiate voluntary settlements of Child Support; monitors cases for compliance with court orders; resolves and reconciles accounts; and maintains case records, documentation and files.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interviews clients, responds to walk-ins and phone inquiries, collects DNA specimens, compiles, assembles, utilizes resources, and examines data to establish, modify and/or enforce orders pertaining to Child Support, spousal maintenance, medical support and child care issues.
• Identifies, researches, selects and initiates appropriate legal actions and the preparation of legal documents through and for review by the County Attorney's Office (i.e. paternity, modification of payments, contempt actions, etc.)
• Negotiates settlements of Child Support issues between parties and explains all available options and laws applicable in pre-court, pre-hearing or pre-legal actions and situations.
• Prepares testimony, case documents and prepares financial calculations and Exhibits for court. Attends and testifies in court.
• Monitors cases for compliance with court orders and by administrative enforcement tools set forth by Federal/State laws and County policies to enforce court actions (i.e. tax intercepts, driver license suspension, income withholding, credit bureau reporting, FIDM, Recreational License Suspension, etc.).
• Resolves, updates and reconciles accounts using departmental software/programs to reflect changes in law, policy changes, court orders, discrepancies, and/or other issues.
• Update and maintains case documentation and records. Responds to written and oral inquires. Makes referrals to child protection, fraud unit, job services, legal aide or other community agencies or County units as appropriate.
• Makes arrangements for scheduled hearings, maintains and tracks the court calendar and coordinates scheduling issues with Court Administration.
• Performs other comparable duties of a like or similar nature as assigned.
• Trains and mentors new staff as requested.
• Collects, analyzes and investigates the identity, location of absent parents and financial status of parties in a case. Makes telephone and written inquires to individuals and other agencies and reviews relevant case files.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of Child Support, financial work, or related experience

SCORED EXAMINATION PROCESS

All applications will be screened for minimum qualifications, scored and ranked. The highest ranked candidates meeting minimum qualifications will be recommended for the scored oral examinations (interviews). Final selection for the position will include successful completion of oral interview(s), reference checks, and background investigation.