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Child Support Specialist III (#RL1003)
$27.57-$33.52 Hourly / $4,779.53-$5,809.55 Monthly / $57,354.42-$69,714.66 Yearly




DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs child support casework and related lead duties in the Department of Child Support Services; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level in the Child Support Specialist series.  Based on area of assignment, incumbents are typically responsible for managing caseloads that include performing the most complex and/or sensitive work, but may also be assigned to the Call Center or other specialized units. Positions at this level serve as a technical resource by providing mentorship, guidance, and training to others regarding the performance of child support casework and related activities. This classification is distinguished from Child Support Specialist II in its performance of lead duties and assignment of a caseload that includes the most complex, sensitive, and/or confidential cases. Child Support Specialist III differs from Child Support Supervisor in that the latter has full supervisory responsibility for the work of assigned staff.

TYPICAL DUTIES

  • Ensures case management is performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, and/or state regulatory requirements; may assist in providing input on the development or revision of department processes that pertain to case management.
  • Provides assistance as a lead resource to child support staff; may assist with the facilitation of induction training sessions; may assist with the delivery of training material in topics related to child support matters; provides input regarding performance and progress toward technical proficiency.
  • Utilizes multiple software platforms to initiate, process, and monitor casework; maintain case contacts and events; and ensures accurate payment records; prepares and processes forms, applications, legal documents, case files, and other records pertinent to each support case.
  •  Applies various techniques and resources to obtain information from case participants, including arranging for and/or administering paternity testing;  interviews family members, witnesses, law enforcement, agencies or institutions, and attorneys to fulfill case management responsibilities. 
  • Monitors cases for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and policies; assists with quality control and/or quality assurance reviews in accordance with established protocols; participates in identifying and reporting specific or general trends; recommends process and/or procedural improvements.
  • Explains child support processes associated with establishment of child support orders; consults with supervisors, managers, and legal team to resolve cases and complaints; participates in court hearing conferences with participants to facilitate resolutions; may testify in court.
  • Coordinates with other agencies, work units, or individuals involved with cases; serves as a liaison between clients and other county agencies; attends meetings and participates in training sessions; may participate and assist with departmental initiatives that extend into the community and/or partners with other organizations/agencies to promote awareness and knowledge of the child support program. 
  • Assists with compiling statistical information for regulatory reporting and legislative mandates.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Two years of full-time experience as a Child Support Specialist II in San Joaquin County or comparable journey level classification in a California child support services agency. 

KNOWLEDGE

Government codes, rules, and regulations related to child support activities; established department policies and procedures related to child support matters; collection techniques and procedures; documents and forms used to establish and enforce support; investigative methods, research techniques and resources to locating persons; principles and practices of effective interviewing; negotiating and case management; financial record-keeping procedures; information systems and computers; modern office practices and procedures; business arithmetic to perform calculations and understand financial records; public relations principles and practices.

ABILITY

Read, interpret, explain, and apply federal, state, local laws, ordinances, rules, codes, and procedures pertaining to child support services; research legal, financial and other records sufficiently to obtain data needed to secure and enforce complex child support cases; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; communicate with persons from a wide variety of ethnic and social backgrounds sufficient to explain legal processes and obligations and/or penalties for nonpayment of support; elicit information from hostile and/or uncooperative individuals; organize  and prioritize  to meet critical departmental deadlines; work cooperatively with other staff, outside agencies and public so as to maximize support in accordance with established policies 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 up to 20 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.

CLASS: RL1003; EST: 1/8/1997; REV: 2/11/2026;