What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Support Agent position at McDowell County?
A Child Support Agent is responsible for establishing, enforcing, and monitoring child support cases to ensure children receive the financial support they are entitled to. This position locates non-custodial parents, facilitates paternity and order establishment, initiates enforcement actions, and maintains accurate case records in compliance with state and federal regulations. The agent provides professional and confidential customer service to families, collaborates with courts and partner agencies, prepares necessary documentation, and supports overall program performance and goals.
- General Responsibilities:
Case Intake & Investigation: Gathering necessary information to locate absent parents and establish paternity and support obligations.
Enforcement: Monitoring and enforcing court orders, including wage garnishments and negotiating out-of-court agreements.
Courtroom Preparation: Working with attorneys to prepare cases for court, including reviewing evidence and tracking witnesses.
Testifying in Court: Presenting cases and testifying in court as required.
- Specialized Areas:
Some agents may specialize in enforcement, paternity establishment, or support obligations and enforcement.
The role also includes working with various legal professionals, including magistrates, clerks of court, district attorneys, and private attorneys.
- Decision-Making:
Agents are responsible for making independent decisions about how to handle cases, track support payments, and decide whether to take legal action.
Required
Knowledge and Skills:
Legal Knowledge: Thorough understanding of child support enforcement processes, applicable laws (e.g., N.C. General Statutes), and courtroom procedures.
Investigative Skills: Strong ability to investigate cases and interview clients or absent parents.
Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to negotiate, direct, and gather accurate information from clients and other stakeholders.
Analytical Skills: Ability to organize, analyze, and summarize case details accurately.
Desirable
Math Skills: Basic proficiency to manage calculations related to support obligations.
Relationship-Building: Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people including clients, parents, court officials, and legal teams.
Work Conditions
Work Environment: Office setting, though occasional court involvement and fieldwork (e.g., locating absent parents) may occur.
Challenges: Frequent contact with potentially hostile clients and absent parents, some of whom may be dangerous.
Option 1: A four-year degree and six months of relevant experience in eligibility, investigative, judiciary, or legal work.
Option 2: An associate's degree in business administration, human resources, law enforcement, or related fields, along with two years of relevant experience.
Option 3: A high school diploma and three years of experience in a related field.
Option 4: Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Candidates with experience in eligibility, investigative, or legal work would be ideal.
Backgrounds in human services or criminal justice may be particularly relevant.
Key Points For Applicants
Independence and Accountability: You will be making critical decisions regarding case handling and enforcement, with significant impact on the financial and legal outcomes for families involved.
Courtroom Role: You must be prepared to support legal teams in preparing cases and, when necessary, testify in court.
Client Interaction: You'll need strong negotiation and communication skills, as well as the ability to handle sometimes difficult or hostile situations.
Salary : $40,000 - $80,000