Friend of the Court Specialist I

The Court offers a competitive compensation package. 

Candidates that are hired with less than one (1) year of experience in this title will begin at $65,299.00.  Upon completion of one (1) year in the title and successful completion of the probationary period, the employee will receive a salary increase to $79,104.00. 

See below for additional benefits.

SUMMARY:
The Friend of the Court (FOC) Specialist I independently manage domestic relations cases, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, while providing quality and timely service to the public and judiciary. This role involves investigations, document preparation, child support calculations/recommendations, and court user interactions, supporting the court in paternity, support, custody, and parenting time matters.  Employees in this classification will be expected to research and review information to make independent recommendations or decisions. This position reports to the FOC Specialist Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•    Case Investigation: Investigate and review domestic relations cases, interviewing parties and gathering information. Investigate court order violations and grievances and prepare responses.
•    Document Preparation: Prepare court documents, orders, reports, and recommendations.
•    Child Support Calculation: Calculate child support obligations using the Michigan Child Support Formula.
•    Customer Service: Respond to inquiries from the public, legal professionals, and other agencies in a professional and customer-focused manner. 
•    Data Management: Verify, record, update and maintain case information in the child support enforcement system, case management system, and other court databases. 
•    Case Processing: Initiate establishment, modification, and enforcement actions, and ensure completion thereof. Manage complex and sensitive cases.
•    Knowledge Maintenance: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of court processes, procedures, policies, and laws.
•    Problem Identification, Escalation, & Improvement: Identify common problems, escalate to management, and recommend possible solutions and/or improvements.
•    Court Support: Provide support to judges and referees, including testimony and order preparation.
•    Genetic Testing: Collect genetic test samples and process accompanying documentation.
•    Data Reporting: Maintain statistical data.
•    Compliance: Adhere to all relevant policies, procedures, and regulations.
•    May perform any duty of an equivalent or lower classification in the bargaining unit.
•    Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES and CERTIFICATIONS:
•    Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, preferably in social work, sociology, psychology, legal studies, or a related field, or experience commensurate with the job that demonstrates the required skills and competencies which may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree [equivalent experience in case management, investigative, or dispute resolution in a legal, social service, or high-impact/high volume customer service work environment].
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Suite and relevant court systems.
•    If an employee drives on behalf of the Court, the employee must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
•    Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
•    Ability to learn, retain, expand, and apply knowledge of Court policies and procedures.
•    Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and remain calm in high stress situations
•    Ability to independently and efficiently produce quality work in a high-volume, deadline driven environment.
•    Ability to actively anticipate, identify, and resolve issues.
•    Ability to understand and carry out instructions and request clarification when needed. 
•    Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgement, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
•    Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, fostering a positive work environment, and demonstrating leadership qualities.
•    Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills. 
•    Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, software and other technology. 
•    Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
•    Successful completion of criminal and IV-D background check, fingerprinting and rechecks.
•    Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
•    May be assigned to alternate work locations and/or training sites and will be responsible for transportation to those locations. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
•    Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title.  Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.  Specific job duties vary from position to position.

Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.

Salary : $79,104