Child Support Specialist I

JOB

Bargaining Unit:

Local 1Why join the Department of Child Support Services?Contra Costa County's Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) has earned multiple awards for its outstanding program achievements and commitment to excellence in serving the community.

We are seeking qualified professionals who will uphold and advance this high standard of service.
DCSS collaborates with parents and guardians to ensure children receive the emotional and financial support necessary for their well-being.

The department is responsible for establishing, collecting, and distributing child and medical support for minors in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Our work is a critical component of California's mission to support families, promote self-sufficiency, and enhance the welfare of children.

We are looking for someone who is:
Detail-Oriented.

You will need to focus on details in your daily work and understand how they impact the outcome of each caseA Strong Communicator.

You will effectively communicate verbally and in writing, and listen empathetically to build positive relationships with customers and peersAn Enthusiastic Learner.

You will regularly learn new or changing applications, policies, and proceduresEffective at Time Management. You will need to balance and prioritize multiple areas of responsibilityCustomer Service Oriented.

You will want to have a customer service mindset and be highly responsive to the diverse needs of internal and external customersEthical.

You will demonstrate professional and ethical behavior in all situationsWhat you will typically be responsible for:
Preparing legal documents necessary for the processing of court cases to establish, enforce, and modify child support obligationsProviding customer service by phone, email, text, video chat, and in-person to our customers and partners in other agenciesResearching multiple databases to obtain the information needed to process a caseReviewing financial statements, accounts, and payments for accuracyApplying constructive feedback to casework and making necessary adjustmentsManaging your individual work while supporting your team's goals Facilitating negotiations and agreements with customersA few reasons you might love this job: You will make a difference in the lives of children and their familiesYou will work with people who are passionate about their workYou will be part of a supportive office culture that values growth and educationYou will have an opportunity to learn a variety of functions within this positionA few challenges you might face in this job: You will be expected to balance multiple priorities and demands You will interact with individuals who may be experiencing emotionally challenging situationsYou will be required to follow state and federal regulations, which may include strict timeframes

Competencies Required:
Fact-Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question

Project Management:
Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives

Oral Communication:
Engaging effectively in dialogueAnalyzing &

Interpreting Data:
Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative dataLegal &

Regulatory Navigation:
Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations

Critical Thinking:

Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claimsSelf-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependabilityTo read the complete job description, please click here.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Application Filing and Evaluation:
Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process

2
Online Assessment:

Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online skills assessment designated to measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Child Support Specialist I classification.

These may include but are not limited to:
Fact-Finding, Project Management, Oral Communication, Analyzing and Interpreting Data, Legal and Regulatory Navigation, Critical Thinking, and Self-Management.

Candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on the exam to move forward in the selection process.

(Weighted:

100%)


TENTATIVE DATES:

Online Assessment:

Tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) January 1- January 20, 2026.The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Paul Han at For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at CONVICTION HISTORYAfter you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer.

If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances.

Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERAll Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.

Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.