What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Support Specialist position at Polk County (WI)?
The Child Support Specialist is an advanced technical and legal position requiring independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in managing an assigned caseload. This role independently gathers, examines, and evaluates information related to the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders, in accordance with Title IV-D of the Social Security Act and applicable County, State, and Federal regulations. The Child Support Specialist applies defined laws, policies, and procedures in delivering paternity services and overseeing all aspects of child support case management. Case Management & Customer Service
Education & Experience
Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
Essential functions of this job are typically carried out in work environments with the following characteristics:
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform the physical demands of the position, including frequent sitting, walking, standing, and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintaining required vision abilities.
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.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
ADA Statement (Reasonable Accommodations)
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact humanresources@polkcoutywi.gov.
- Provide high-quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain ongoing case management across a high volume of cases, determining necessary actions or modifications to child support orders.
- Act as a mediator between parents to negotiate child support payment arrangements.
- Communicate effectively with case participants, judges, attorneys, and agency partners, including providing sworn testimony in court hearings.
- Collect, track, and monitor child support payments, including past-due and arrears collections.
- Conduct investigations related to locating absent parents, determining income or income potential, establishing paternity, and other case-specific matters.
- Evaluate case information to support the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders.
- Prepare and file legal documents—including summons, petitions, affidavits, motions, and remedial contempt paperwork—under attorney supervision.
- Ensure legal documentation is accurate, timely, and compliant with program rules and regulations.
- Complete administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, scheduling, and record maintenance.
- Use specialized databases and online systems (including the KIDS system) to manage case information and support program operations.
Education & Experience
- Associate’s degree in paralegal studies, legal secretarial science, criminal justice, or a closely related legal field; or a four-year college degree.
- One year of related work experience using the KIDS system within the past three years; OR five years of experience as a legal secretary or paralegal in a law office using a computer-based legal system.
- A combination of education and work experience may be considered.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Effective conflict resolution and mediation
- Ability to analyze complex case information
- Proficiency with computer-based legal systems and databases (including KIDS)
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Time management and prioritization in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
Essential functions of this job are typically carried out in work environments with the following characteristics:
- Takes place in standard office setting with a moderate noise level
- Utilizes office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.
- Position may require occasional travel to other County facilities, training sites, or community locations.
- Duties may require occasional evening or weekend hours to meet business needs.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform the physical demands of the position, including frequent sitting, walking, standing, and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintaining required vision abilities.
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.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
ADA Statement (Reasonable Accommodations)
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact humanresources@polkcoutywi.gov.