Child Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY
This position provides specialized work managing an assigned caseload providing services to establish, modify, and enforce court orders in a manner consistent with State and Federal laws that govern the administration of the Child Support Program; and to provide responsive, courteous, and efficient service to custodial and non-custodial parties while meeting Federal and State performance standards for the Agency.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties are normal for this position.  However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive.   To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Reviews, researches, and assesses applications received or referrals for determination of paternity or establishment of cases. May set appointments or interviews with clients to obtain information for determination of paternity. 
• Performs genetic testing and coordinates calendars with third-party labs when needed.
• Drafts, composes, enters, and processes legal documents such as Summons & Petitions, Service of Process, Judgments/Orders, Motions/Affidavits, Stipulations, and Income Withholding Orders as required for establishing paternity, setting, modifying and enforcing child support. 
• Obtains court case number from Clerk of Court and e-file documents.
• Reviews and signs off on Marital Settlement Agreements for divorce cases.
• Answers and returns calls from clients, employers, and other entities and explains the agency role and procedures. 
• Locates absent parents, employment status, income, and assets by conducting investigative activities using automated locating services and the Kids Information Data System (KIDS). 
• Opens, prepares, determines status, and scans files.
• Reviews relevant statutes, rights, and legal obligations with clients involved in paternity or establishment cases.
• Serves as a liaison with other county departments
• Attends court hearings on a regular basis to take notes, meets with participants, arranges telephone appearances, and appears to testify if summoned.
• Documents contacts, correspondences, and records all actions taken for each case in the Child Support Computer System in accordance with the Bureau of Child Support. 
• Reviews and interprets financial information to determine appropriate child support obligations pursuant to Wisconsin State statutes and child support guidelines. Determines availability of medical insurance.  
• Meet with and negotiate settlement agreements with parents and attorneys.  Discusses stipulating to a medical support and/or child support order prior to scheduled court date, including other orders necessary to provide a full range of enforcement services. 
• Prepares legal documents and initiates actions for interstate enforcement and establishment.        Works with other states, facilitating enforcement and establishment. 
• Monitors and enforces child support orders and payment records to ensure compliance of child support guidelines. 
• Communicates with clients, attorneys, employers, and other related persons regarding case concerns via telephone, email, or in office.
• Processes appropriate reviews of Court orders, confirming relevant items such as shared-time placement, split custody, and serial family payers and bringing to resolution by Stipulation or Court hearings. 
• Implements and maintains administrative lien process, account seizures, and alternative payment plans. 
• Process performance reports received from the Manager.
• Maintains case files in the Child Support Computer System, e-filing, and electronic/paper files in office. 
• Closes cases based on Federal closure criteria.
• Coordinates the Foster Care caseload for establishment and enforcement.
• Attends trainings, round tables, seminars, and meetings as required and approved by the Manager. 

• Provides backup assistance to other department personnel as needed.  
• Serve as a Notary Public.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPECTATIONS 

• Interprets and applies Federal, State, municipal, and Department rules, regulations, laws, and policies.
  • Attends work regularly and is punctual.
  • Behaves professionally and presents an appropriate standard of grooming, hygiene, and dress that align with professional, health, and safety standards. 
  • Conducts self in such a way as to reflect positively on the County.
  • Fosters positive working relationships and accepts new responsibilities.
  • Learns and understands the safe practices for the job being performed and complies with the safe work practices and personal protective requirements for the job.
  • Maintain confidentiality in performing all aspects of the position.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent with at least one (1) year previous experience working with the public.  

• Must successfully pass IRS and criminal background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Post high school education.
• Previous child support experience and knowledge of KIDS.
• Experience with reading and interpreting income tax forms, health insurance policies, and other financial and legal forms.
• Proficiency in a secondary language.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and ability to enter and/or retrieve data in the State of Wisconsin KIDS (Kids Information Data System), and other systems, such as, but not limited to CARES, DOT, CCAP.
• Ability to effectively utilize the principles of strategic and long and short-range planning.
• Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.
• Knowledge of the County and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
• Knowledge of confidentiality rules specific to program area.
• Exercise judgment and discretion in applying rules, policies and situations which may not be routine.
• Knowledge of research techniques including electronic search methods.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to understand and use legal terminology, legal format, and processes. 
• Knowledge of accounting and tax preparation methods, procedures, and financial practices.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes and ongoing statutory changes, procedural changes, and form changes.
• Knowledge of computer software and systems consistent for this position.
• Skill to take notes and accurately incorporate essential details in preparing legal documents. 
• Ability and skill to prepare Court documents in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priorities.
• Skill in time management; prioritizing duties to accomplish a high volume of quality work product requiring minimal supervision.
• Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations successfully.
• Knowledge and ability to follow the policies and practices contained in the County Personnel Handbook.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours if needed.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description 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 as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with Human Resources.  

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting. 
• May require dealing with persons who are hostile or aggressive, posing threatening conditions.

Salary : $22