Friend of the Court Domestic Investigator

Berrien County Trial Court Job Description

Title: Friend of the Court Domestic Investigator

Department:Friend of the Court

General Summary:

• Conducts investigations, prepares reports and makes recommendations regarding child custody, support and wellbeing. Investigations may include review of documentation, interviews, home visits and communication with related professionals. Reviews cases to determine child support arrearages; assists in collecting child support payments. Develops and manages parenting time schedules. Assists in resolving disputes between litigants regarding domestic relations issues. Prepares and maintains files, records and reports. Prepares case-related correspondence. Attends and testifies at Court hearings. Prepares, approves and enforces Court orders. Initiates Court proceedings to resolve disagreements between parties. Investigates complaints regarding the welfare and well-being of dependent minor children and directs parties to proper resources or authorities. Regularly confers with parties and attorneys regarding domestic relations cases. Assists walk-in clients and receives phone inquiries. Explains Friend of the Court policies and procedures. Attends professional development training. This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related field with previous social work or related experience preferred;

OR

High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of four years of full-time experience in direct human service counseling and/or investigative duties with a criminal justice agency.

Necessary Skills:

Must possess an ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. Proficiency in writing, interpersonal, and communication skills. Efficiently manage time, prioritization and productivity. Exhibit sound judgment and ability to work as part of a team. Competency with computers, computer programs and Microsoft Office products.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Familiarity with Michigan Court Rules, Michigan statutes relating to child custody, parenting time, and child support, Office of Child Support policy, Michigan Child Support Guidelines, and Court practices and procedures

Special Employment Conditions:

Employees of the Berrien County Trial Court must submit to fingerprints and may be subjected to a criminal record check. Employee must not have any felony convictions. Employees must possess a valid vehicle operator’s license, pass a pre-employment physical and drug test, and are required to submit to random alcohol and drug screening tests during the course of employment. Appropriate speech and dress as well as a high level of personal professional conduct for work in a Court setting is required in accordance with the standards established by the Chief Judge. Regular, reliable and predictable attendance is required. Ability to maintain confidentiality, effective working relationships with other employees, and interact effectively with the general public. Employees may be exposed to clients in various emotional states who may be verbally abusive or hostile and must be able to de-escalate highly charged situations.

This description is intended to describe the type and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $53,984.00 - $72,343.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person