Child Support Specialist

The 27th Circuit Court/Friend of the Court is seeking an individual with excellent communication and organizational skills to fill the Child Support Specialist position. The selected candidate will investigate cases to establish paternity and income support for minor children. As part of that, they will collect and evaluate information to locate absent parents and determine the financial status of parents. In conjunction with the Trail Courts Director/FOC, recommendations are prepared and presented to the court. Ideal candidates will be proficient with computers, comfortable working with numbers, and must have excellent customer service skills.

1. In conjunction with the Trial Court Director/FOC and contractual IV-D attorney, investigates Title IV-D cases to establish paternity and income support for minor children.  Prepares and presents recommendations to the court.
2. Interviews parents to determine financial status by gathering information related to wages earned, insurance costs and any contributions made by the non-custodial parent.  Obtains information related to overnight visits by each parent.
3. Reviews income and business tax forms, financial statements, payroll records, supplemental social security income, and other records to establish accurate income levels for custodial and/or non-custodial parent(s).
4. Responds to client requests for information and explains the terms and conditions of court orders.  
5. Generates documentation by electronically entering paternity and non-support cases in the State of Michigan’s database.
6. Schedules DNA testing appointments, hearings and trials.   Collects DNA samples from parties and submits them to laboratory for purposes of determining paternity status. Electronically retrieves results.
7. Locates absent parents through the development and use of a variety of resources such as the postal service, financial institutions, credit reporting agencies, state and federal parent locator services and military locator services.
8. Prepares reports of facts and findings and presents recommendations for income and medical support to the contracted attorney and Chief Circuit Court Referee.
9. Assists contractual attorney in preparing case data for prosecution and litigation.
10. Performs other duties as required, including but not limited to, performing duties of Court Recorder/Clerks and Client Services Assistants in their absence and case load permitting.

Education: High school graduation is required. Prefer Associates Degree or advanced coursework in word processing, legal secretarial areas, and/or criminal justice.

Experience: Two years of prior office experience, preferably in a legal setting providing knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures. Requires computer knowledge or experience.

• Must maintain a current Notary Certification
• Must obtain/maintain certification to perform collection of DNA samples for paternity testing
• Must possess good working knowledge of Social Security Act, Title IV-D; the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; and other federal statutes pertaining to child support enforcement and the rights of non-custodial parents
• Must possess working knowledge of blood borne pathogens protocols
• Must possess working knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures
• Must maintain a high level of confidentiality

• Must submit cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references.