Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of child support duties to ensure the collection and payment of support for welfare and non-welfare Child Support applications; generally maintains a caseload; locates and interviews custodial and non-custodial parents and others to elicit factual information for the purpose of establishing child support obligations and enforcing child support laws; arranges for support payments when possible and prepares cases for court hearings and attends hearings as necessary; and performs related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey-level class in the Child Support Officer series. Positions in this class understand child support laws, regulations, and procedures, and have the skills to perform a broad range of child support casework activities from intake to order creation, enforcement, and file closure. Within legal requirements and departmental policies, an employee of this class is responsible for collecting information and applying the procedures needed to collect current and delinquent support payments. Incumbents operate with considerable independence, and must exercise discretion and judgment in evaluating cases and determining level of support and methods of enforcement. Work is performed in accordance with established rules and procedures and is reviewed for accuracy and compliance within provisions of the law.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Commences case file process by obtaining information from Custodial Party (CP), Non-Custodial Party (NCP), family members, witnesses, law enforcement, agencies or institutions, and attorneys for the benefit of gathering information to establish paternity, locate absent parents, and determine financial status.
Prepares and maintains forms, applications, case files, and other records pertinent to each child support case.
Establishes terms for support arrears payment plan from non-custodial party and monitors payment records to ensure compliance with court order.
In an automated system, maintains chronological log of case contacts and events.
Receives and resolves a variety of complaints concerning cases and responds to inquiries from the public. Elevates more complex complaint issues to supervisor as needed, or as requested.
Conducts, responds to, or initiates personal interviews, telephone contacts, computer notices and work lists, mail inquiries, or any other means to compile necessary information in preparation for legal action to establish paternity and/or support.
Determines appropriate enforcement action by evaluating the facts of the case.
Recommends cases for prosecution, prepares legal documents for court filing, assists attorneys in preparing cases, attends court hearings, and testifies in court as necessary.
Establishes an enforceable judgment or order using California State Guidelines.
Monitors accounts for payments.
Monitors cases for compliance with state and federal regulations.
Provides written or verbal directions to Accounting Unit regarding appropriate procedures to follow on a case, and ensures the accuracy of accounting data in the case file.
Provides case status information and explain child support statutes, regulations, and procedures to CP and NCP.
Arrange for and/or conduct paternity test.
Utilize various tools and resources to locate individuals and assets.
May occasionally assist in the orientation and training of less experienced officers.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: One year of full time experience as a Child Support Officer I, or comparable class, in a California Child Support Department.
KNOWLEDGE
General principles of casework, child support enforcement and collection procedures; Federal and California laws and regulations pertaining to child support; principles of interviewing, and fundamental aspects of human behavior; information systems and computers; general collections procedures; basic arithmetic to perform calculations and understand financial records; customer service techniques; standard office procedures and practices.
ABILITY
Follow oral and written directions; read, understand, and apply laws and regulations related to child support; accurately research, gather, record and evaluate legal, financial, and other records sufficiently to obtain data needed to secure and enforce child support cases; take appropriate and legally compliant actions; make proper recommendations; communicate effectively in writing (including spelling, vocabulary, sentence and paragraph structure); communicate with persons from a wide variety of ethnic and social backgrounds sufficiently to explain legal processes and obligations and/or penalties for nonpayment of support; deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with applicants and others to elicit information from hostile and/or uncooperative individuals; organize work and establish priorities according to departmental operating requirements; effectively manage time and resources to perform multiple tasks; work cooperatively with other staff, outside agencies and public to maximize support in accordance with established policies and procedures; train co-workers on job requirements, techniques, and procedures; maintain confidentiality.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-Frequent operation of computers; repetitive motion; sitting for extended periods; walking; occasional driving may be required; Lifting-Frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Vision-Constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity-Normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motions; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing and talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent decision making, concentration and public contact; occasional exposure to grief; Special Requirements-Some assignments may require working weekends, nights, and/or occasional overtime.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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