Mesa County Department of Human Services is a forward-thinking agency that has over 300 employees serving the needs of nearly 40,000 residents. From the Colorado National Monument to the thriving agricultural lands and city centers, Mesa County contains a diverse, natural landscape that provides many outdoor activities and adventures. As individuals and an organization, we value and respect humanity, honesty, balance, inclusion and teamwork. We provide a level of flexibility for staff to be able to accommodate their lives outside of the office environment. We value family and the relationships that make our lives rewarding. 

Our Mission:

The Mission of the Mesa County Department of Human Services is to help individuals and families achieve safety, stabilization and opportunity for meaningful employment.

Our Values:

Mesa County Department of Human Services values represent our behavioral anchors for how we conduct ourselves. Simply stated, we value Humanity, Balance, Honesty, Inclusion and Teamwork

JOB SUMMARY:

The Child Support Specialist performs paraprofessional legal work by establishing paternity, child support, medical and retroactive support through an administrative or judicial process and provides enforcement of existing child support and medical orders. The Child Support Specialist performs reviews of existing child support orders through an administrative or judicial process and is authorized by statute, court authority or regulation to assume certain law-related responsibilities. The Child Support Specialist conducts interviews where explanatory or interpretive information is exchanged, defended, gathered and performs calculations and accounting functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. Mesa County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time. All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)

Interacts with the public where explanatory or interpretive information is exchanged, defended, and gathered. Maintains confidentiality and protects against unauthorized disclosure of Federal Taxpayer information.

Provides customer service and responds to questions from customers, court clerks, attorneys, and public and private agencies.

Negotiates with obligees and obligors, private attorneys, lenders and other jurisdictions to obtain orders and case settlements. Prepares and/or drafts legal documents and affidavits in the establishment and enforcement of child support to be filed with the court

Works independently to determine and utilize appropriate legal enforcement remedies.

Incorporates 2gen principles and early intervention approach through case management practices

Prepares cases for court hearings by organizing case files to include all related documents. Prepares and/or drafts findings after court hearings to be filed with the court.

Locates person(s) obligated to pay support which involves contact with employers, relatives, public and private agencies.; traces assets of such once located

Reviews and monitors cases in accordance with court orders, funding regulations and county policies.

Provides orientation to customers explaining the rules and regulations of the program and what is expected of them.

Interviews and negotiates financial agreements with obligors to enforce court ordered support obligations.

Establishes and maintains working relationships within the agency, along with community partners, organizations, and resources as a representative of the agency.

Updates information in the Automated Child Support Enforcement System (ACSES) to determine the appropriate means to establish/enforce child support.

Obtains and maintains state certifications 

Uses customer service skills to calmly and effectively handle high stress situations.

Oral and written communications must be clear and effective.

Conducts self in accordance with department values.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of related experience.

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) (preferred)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position requires standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 10 pounds.

Work is generally confined to a standard office environment.

In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act the following items can be used as a determining factor in the starting and ongoing wage of an employee working in this position:

A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment.

A merit system that rewards employees for exceptional job performance.

Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to the work in question.

This position is eligible for the Mesa County benefit package which includes the following;

· Medical

· Dental

· Vision

· Retirement

· Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

· Life insurance

· Long term disability