STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Social Services Investigator - Child Support

Recruitment #210505-5043SH-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS), has a mission that we, along with our partners, provide person-centered programs and services to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities.

Are you a self-starter? Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal human services environment in the public sector? If so, please read on to learn more about this wonderful opportunity!  

We are currently recruiting for a qualified and talented Social Services Investigator within the Child Support Division in our Stamford Office. This position is full-time, first shift, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday.   

You will discover the opportunity to:  

  • Engage in a rewarding career;
  • Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
  • Thrive in an exciting environment;
  • Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do;
  • Make a difference in the public sector;
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment.  

We hope you take this opportunity to continue your career with us and make an impact by serving your state!

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Social Services, who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.   

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).  

The Department of Social Services participates in E-Verify.  

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and specify their qualifications on their application. Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume in the “Resume Tab” of your application as you will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application into the JobAps system.  

Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s). These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.  

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQ’s) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date.  The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses.  Please regularly check your email for notifications.  Please check your SPAM and or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.  

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.  

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.            

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker, at Julie.Barker@ct.gov

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Social Services, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in investigations relevant to the enforcement of child support obligations.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs investigations to locate noncustodial and alleged parents; secures acknowledgements of paternity or participates in legal proceedings to establish paternity; performs investigations to determine financial resources of noncustodial parents, father of minor children, legally liable relatives and client; meets with noncustodial parents and their attorneys in an attempt to establish an agreement of financial support; secures agreements to support or participates in legal proceedings to establish court ordered financial and medical obligations; determines value of real estate and personal property; interviews custodial and/or noncustodial parents, alleged parents, legally liable relatives or clients to obtain information about paternity, income, real estate and personal assets or location; contacts employers and public and private agencies to obtain location and/or information about absent parents alleged fathers or legally liable relatives; prepares and files liens; performs title searches and negotiates releases of liens, mortgages, sales and transfers of property, accident or lawsuit settlements and decedent estates; determines, reviews and modifies amount of support to be paid by noncustodial parents; explains legal and policy requirements and procedures to clients, noncustodial parents, legally liable relatives, the general public and others; provides case information to Office of the Attorney General; prepares support petitions; serves summons or orders of notice; testifies in court on cases involving support, arrearages or claims for reimbursement; determines appropriate actions to enforce compliance with court orders; reviews discontinued cases for possible redirection of child support and refunds of excess child support money or recovery of public assistance money, prepares summaries and testifies at fair hearings; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of public assistance programs concerning children and the financial obligations related to these programs; knowledge of investigatory methods and techniques; knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures; knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of economic, social and health problems affecting family security; knowledge of property ownership, personal finances, paternity and child support issues; knowledge of court procedures and related legal instruments; some knowledge of legal terminology; skill in conducting investigations; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; interviewing skills; ability to understand and interpret legal and financial documents; ability to prepare reports; ability to perform arithmetical computations; ability to negotiate settlements with legally liable party; ability to utilize computer software and systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of experience in the investigation of real and personal assets related to child support obligations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's Degree.
2. For state employees, one (1) year as a Connecticut Career Trainee with the target class of Social Services Investigator (Child Support) substitutes for the General Experience.
3. For state employees, one (1) year as a Social Services Investigator (Fraud and Resources) may be substituted for the General Experience.
4. For state employees, two (2) years as a Eligibility Services Workers may substitute for the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Travel to DSS sub-offices, state courts and administrative state agencies may be required.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.