CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENT I

State of careers Rhode Island • Chicopee, MA

1d • $56,123 - $63,695 • Onsite

About The Position

Within the Department of Human Services (DHS), to be responsible for processing cases involving the establishment of paternity, location of parents, establishment of child support and medical orders; to provide welcoming and courteous service to customers seeking assistance on all child support issues, in person, by telephone, or by scheduled appointment; to meet with and/or interview applicants to obtain documents, location information, ascertain paternity, establish support and medical orders for DHS programs related to child support, as assigned; and to do related work as required. Works under the supervision of a superior from whom specific instructions are received and who evaluates work through review of cases, reports, conferences and field visits. None.

Requirements

• A working knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations regarding the statewide comprehensive child support program and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) and the ability to apply such knowledge.
• A working knowledge of State and Federal laws as they apply to Title IV-D programs.
• A working knowledge of Windows Operating Systems, usage of a personal computer (PC) and standard desktop office tools.
• Knowledge of State Family Court procedures.
• A capacity to navigate a computer while on the telephone and while providing in-person assistance.
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• A familiarity with paternity adjudication laws and family court procedures as they apply to child support enforcement.
• The ability to provide clear and accurate information to clients/recipients, agencies, employers and other interested parties.
• The ability to interact with applicants/recipients, the public and co-workers in a professional, tactful and courteous manner.
• The ability to make and verify mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.
• The ability to read, understand, interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations concerning both state and federal child support laws, rules and regulations.
• The ability to conduct mutually informative interviews using standard interviewing techniques and human relations skills.
• The ability to collect necessary information by conducting telephone and in-person interviews.
• The ability to make technical decisions involving revocation of personal and professional licenses.
• The ability to act in a technical capacity presenting the agency's case in various hearings such as license revocation, written payment agreements, tax interception, and other related areas.
• The ability to prioritize and organize cases.
• The ability to serve in an effective customer service role both in person, electronically and via telephone.
• The ability to resolve problems and to properly apply decision making skills.
• A minimum of two (2) years of employment in a social services position conducting fact-finding interviews.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a concentration in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Paralegal Studies, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Processing cases involving the establishment of paternity, location of parents, establishment of child support and medical orders.
• Providing welcoming and courteous service to customers seeking assistance on all child support issues, in person, by telephone, or by scheduled appointment.
• Meeting with and/or interviewing applicants to obtain documents, location information, ascertain paternity, establish support and medical orders for DHS programs related to child support, as assigned.
• Operating an automated database for case processing, including using the equipment and related routines in the performance of assigned duties.
• Accessing the Master Client Index to identify individuals prior to entering cases in a system.
• Locating or determining the non-custodial parent(s) address for the purpose of serving them in compliance with procedures as they apply to state and federal laws.
• Performing scanning, indexing, registration, and data collection.
• Assisting applicants/recipients in knowing their rights and responsibilities, completing applications and securing supporting evidence to ensure that complete and accurate information is obtained.
• Communicating basic information regarding the program, process, policies, procedures and status to customers, advocates and other interested parties.
• Obtaining location information concerning an obligor and the obligor's property (e.g., postal verification, Federal/State location services, examination of telephone directories, review of employer and/or government records) in conformance with Federal and State Laws.
• Reviewing court orders and comparing them to attorney draft orders for accuracy and distributing mail copies to the appropriate parties of the case.
• Reviewing and compiling evidence and giving testimony at administrative, civil and/or criminal court hearings.
• Conducting a variety of research related to client location, paternity and other related areas/topics.
• Responding to Family Court requests with recommendations of appropriate action(s) on a case-by-case basis.
• Establishing paternity for a child born out of marriage in order to add their name to the child's birth certificate and to establish child support and medical orders at court.
• Obtaining birth certificates and other records in order to file legal action(s) at court and generate appropriate legal pleadings.
• Preparing case files for court calendars, if necessary, and scheduling genetic testing appointments on-line or otherwise with the appropriate DNA vendor.
• Meeting with custodial parents and/or non-custodial parents to review DNA results or prepare voluntary acknowledgment paperwork.
• Filing Motions/Complaints to establish Child Support and/or Medical Support orders, or any other pleadings as required.
• Uploading via E-File all paternity pleadings and DNA results if necessary and performing all paternity related activities.
• Being responsible for an enforcement or interstate caseload, and performing related functions per federal regulations, state law and/or program requirements, as assigned by a superior.

Benefits

• For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
• A new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees.
• Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system.
• At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level