Child Support Specialist I

This entry-level position is responsible for supporting technical, legal, and customer support duties related to the establishment, modification, and enforcement of court orders within the Child Support Unit. The role involves learning to navigate state and county computer systems to manage child support cases and assist clients with a range of services. 

You will take on one or more of the following roles as part of your role:

(Duties listed are meant to be examples and are not necessarily comprehensive)

Intake:  

• Reviews child support applications and public assistance referrals to gather essential information for new cases. 
• Monitor application timelines to meet state and federal requirements. 
• Create case files, input court order details into databases, and generate initial paperwork. 
• Provide information on child support services and assist clients with the application process. 

Establishment: 

• Support establishing paternity and child support by gathering necessary information and preparing documents. 
• Assist in setting court hearings, notifying parties updating case information. 
• Provide support to the County Attorney during court proceedings. 
• Initiates cases to other states’ child support agencies when necessary.  

Modification: 

• Review and assess requests for child support modifications based on case need.  
• Collect relevant financial information and assist in preparing documents for review. 
• Coordination hearings, notify involved parties, and update database records.  
  

Enforcement:

• Communicates with stakeholders about case updates, enforcement actions, and other inquiries.  
• Research case details and track automated enforcement measures
• Prepare legal documents, initiate out-of-state cases as needed, and ensure timely follow-up. 

Bookkeeper:

• Managing basic child support ledgers, including entering initial payment information and ensuring database accuracy. 
• Review and allocate identified payments, with guidance for handling payments in suspense. 
• Update the database with Over-the Counter payments and related information and record keeping. 
• Perform locate activity when necessary to resolve pending disbursements. 

Legal:

• Support legal case processing by handling routine judicial related administrative and legal duties. 
• With guidance, manage legal work-flow processes for attorneys, child support, and court staff. 
• Using strong organizational skills, be able to follow detailed timelines to ensure legal, program compliance. 

Other Duties: 

• Complete training and attend meetings or professional events as assigned. 
• Support team members during absences or vacancies by covering additional caseloads. 
• Crosstrain in other functions as necessary. 
   Performs other duties as assigned. 
   
  

SUPERVISON and JUDGMENT

Work under the general supervision of a lead worker or supervisor, with guidance provided as needed.  The role involves developing independent decision-making skills aligned with opportunities to grow within the Child Support Unit and gain valuable experience in legal and human services.   

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  
 •    High School Diploma or GED.
 •    Two (2) years full time public-facing roles, one (1) year preferred in eligibility determinations or legal secretarial experience
 •    A combination of experience and education may be considered. 
 
 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of child support services and human services programs (TANF, Medicaid, SNAP).
• Proficiency in computer software, particularly in Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Strong communication skills, including customer services and de-escalation abilities. 
• Time management and organizational skills to ensure timely case processing. 
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and maintain confidentiality.

CERTIFICATIONS, REQUIREMENTS: 

• APA certification within one (1) year (for Establishment or Modification roles).  
• Enforcement certification within one (1) year (for Enforcements roles).  
• Notary Public Commission within three months of hire. 
• This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check including fingerprinting through a national database.

This classification is a part of a career progression pathway series.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally performed in a standard office environment which may be located in any Douglas County Building.  Work may also include remote work from a home office or a hybrid mix.

• Office environment may include sitting or standing for periods of time in a shared cubicle work area.  Most of the workday is spent at a computer, looking at a screen requiring close vision.  
•  Daily work includes use of a computer (laptop or desktop), mouse, keyboard, headset.  Work may include general use of office equipment such as: telephones, copiers, scanners, mail machines and audio/visual equipment.