Child Support Specialist

Under general supervision of the Economic Support/Child Support Division Manager, to review applications for services; assist the Manager in determining parents' legal obligation to support their children in accordance with established procedures. Performs related duties as required.

Examples of Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Performs case management tasks to ensure the enforcement of court-ordered child support obligations in accordance with all Federal, State and County laws, rules, and policies. Duties include, but are not limited to: reviews applications for service; effectively interviews custodial and non-custodial parents and other parties to collect data relevant to a parent’s ability to pay support; location of absent parent; determines parents’ legal obligation to support their children in accordance with established procedures; and prepares legal documents to establish, enforce and/or modify child support objectives.

Monitors cases for support order compliance. Makes adjustments and modifications as needed.

Assists prosecuting attorney in collection of necessary data in preparation of cases for negotiation and litigation.

Explains policies, procedures, and instructions in response to telephone or personal inquiries from clients, attorneys, and the public. Informs applicants of case status.

Provides education, information and interprets agency programs to the community.

May negotiate with clients and attorneys to promote settlements.

Provides work direction and instructions to the Child Support Secretaries.

Conducts genetic testing to establish paternity.

Makes court appearances.

Informs clients of alternative sources of assistance to meet needs.

Documents case events on the computer system.

Keeps informed of current federal, state, and legal agency rules, regulations, and policies and procedures as it pertains to child support enforcement.

It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed on a regular basis, nor is the list exhaustive in the sense it covers all the duties an employee may be required to perform. The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Typical Qualifications

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Graduation from high school; completion of post-high school courses in an accredited paralegal program or Family law course desired; two years increasingly responsible office experience, preferably in a child support, law or court-related area; an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of clients, students or employees of the County.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of the internet, Spreadsheet and Word Processing software, and thorough knowledge of the KIDS computer system.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

None.

Other Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the functions, procedures, organization, laws and regulations governing the administration of Child Support.

Knowledge of resources available for obtaining needed information related to the agency's program. Ability to document in detail any findings and actions related to the agency’s program.

Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective public and working relationships.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and resources as required by law andpolicy.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.