Child Support Agent I or II

McDowell County•McDowell County Services Building, NC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

McDowell County Department of Social Services is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented professional to serve as a Child Support Agent within the Child Support Services Program. This position is responsible for establishing, enforcing, and monitoring child support obligations in accordance with federal and North Carolina Child Support Enforcement (IV-D) regulations. The Child Support Agent manages an assigned caseload, conducts investigations, prepares legal documents, works closely with attorneys and court personnel, and assists families in obtaining financial support for their children. The position requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment, excellent customer service, and the ability to effectively manage sensitive and sometimes emotionally charged situations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and six (6) months of experience in eligibility determination, investigative work, legal services, judicial services, human services, or a closely related field; OR Associate's degree in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Paralegal Technology, Public Administration, or a closely related field and two (2) years of qualifying experience; OR High school diploma or GED and three (3) years of qualifying experience in investigative, legal, eligibility, judicial, or related work; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of North Carolina Child Support Enforcement policies and procedures.
Working knowledge of applicable North Carolina General Statutes.
Knowledge of court processes and legal documentation.
Strong investigative and interviewing skills.
Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and policies.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to de-escalate difficult situations with professionalism.
Ability to analyze complex case information and sound decisions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management software.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, attorneys, court personnel, and community partners.
Valid North Carolina Driver's License.
Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
Pre-employment drug screening.
Ability to obtain and maintain required Child Support Services training and certifications.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in Child Support Services.
Knowledge of the North Carolina ACTS system.
Experience preparing legal documents.
Experience presenting information in court.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned caseload of child support enforcement cases.
Conduct interviews with custodial and non-custodial parents to gather case information.
Review applications and determine eligibility for Child Support Services.
Maintain accurate and complete electronic case records.
Ensure compliance with federal and state performance standards.
Locate absent parents using available local, state, and federal resources.
Investigate financial information necessary to establish child support obligations.
Verify employment, income, assets, and other relevant information.
Research legal and demographic information to support enforcement actions.
Establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or legal proceedings.
Prepare cases for establishment of child support orders.
Monitor compliance with court-ordered child support obligations.
Initiate enforcement remedies including: Income withholding, Contempt actions, License revocations, Tax intercepts, Liens, Other remedies authorized under North Carolina law.
Prepare legal documents and case summaries for attorneys.
Assemble evidence and supporting documentation.
Coordinate witness information.
Attend court proceedings.
Testify in court when required.
Assist attorneys during hearings.
Explain Child Support Services policies and procedures to clients.
Respond to inquiries from custodial and non-custodial parents.
Resolve issues through negotiation and conflict resolution whenever appropriate.
Provide professional service while maintaining confidentiality.
Work cooperatively with: District Court Clerk of Court, Magistrates, Sheriff's Office, District Attorney, Private attorneys, Employers, State and federal agencies, Other county departments.
Prepare reports and correspondence.
Meet required state and federal deadlines.
Utilize the North Carolina ACTS Child Support System and other technology platforms.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with state and federal laws.