Child Support- Legal Specialist

Eau Claire County•Eau Claire, WI

About The Position

The Legal Specialist provides technical legal and clerical support for the Child Support Agency (CSA). The role researches, analyzes, and interprets court orders and case situations; independently drafts legal documents; and conducts order revision activities while ensuring timely notice and compliance with legal requirements. The position supports court scheduling and e-filing, prepares and verifies legal documents, determines and coordinates service of process, and assists staff with child support legal procedures. It documents court hearings, reviews court files and orders, manages case records, prepares income withholding documents, and supports paternity establishment, genetic testing, and related vital-record updates. The Legal Specialist also coordinates child-support matters involving incarcerated individuals and warrants, maintains accurate and confidential case documentation in the KIDS Data System, and provides customer service to callers and walk-in customers. The position performs notary duties as needed, attends meetings and training, provides backup coverage for the Administrative Associate, and performs other related duties as required or directed.

Requirements

Associate degree in paralegal studies, business administration, or a related field; alternatively, a high school diploma or equivalent plus two years working in a Child Support Office or legal setting.
Three years of experience performing progressively responsible administrative support duties.
Professional experience with legal terminology, legal processes, and standard office practices and procedures.
Professional experience working in a legal office setting or child support agency.
Successful completion of a Department of Justice criminal background check and fingerprinting as a condition of appointment.
Notary Public status or eligibility to become a Notary Public within six months of hire, maintained during employment.

Responsibilities

Prepare court calendars and maintain the Assistant Corporation Counsel calendar for child support matters; distribute calendars to appropriate parties.
Coordinate and schedule pre-trial conferences, maintain the e-filing queue, distribute documents, and provide copies to appropriate parties.
Draft, prepare, update, and verify legal documents, including service-of-process documents, summonses and petitions, review and modification documents, orders to show cause, notices of motion, and appearance documents.
Ensure legal documents are reviewed and signed by appropriate officials and review agency files for accuracy and completeness before hearings.
Determine service-of-process requirements based on the legal action, court timeframe, and party location; coordinate vendors, document delivery, and pre-payment when necessary.
Serve parties at the Child Support Agency or jail, arrange service of papers, and advise Child Support Specialists on legal procedures.
Take detailed notes at court hearings and prepare resulting orders or related legal documents for review by appropriate officials.
Review court files and interpret child support or maintenance orders to clarify order continuity and obtain information for income assignments.
Manage multiple cases with minimal supervision, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines.
Calculate income withholding requirements and prepare income withholding orders and terminations as directed.
Maintain proficiency in data systems, policies, procedures, reference materials, statutes, and program requirements.
Manage records, case files, data entry, document preparation and filing, retention, and destruction in accordance with established guidelines.
Notify probate and bankruptcy courts when a case involves child support and prepare income withholding notices to employers.
Assist with administrative or judicial establishment of paternity; prepare related summonses, petitions, notices, Guardian ad Litem forms, and Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment forms.
Schedule genetic testing, prepare laboratory documentation, obtain DNA specimens, and maintain chain of custody.
Prepare vital-record forms to update birth records after paternity adjudication.
Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office, jail, and prison staff regarding inmate compliance, transports, and video or phone appearances.
Prepare documents related to child support warrants and work with the Sheriff’s Office to issue and retract warrants; reconcile warrant lists annually with Wisconsin KIDS and cross-reference daily jail rosters.
Notify assigned workers and prepare files for intake court as needed.
Follow documentation and confidentiality requirements and accurately document case work and customer contacts in the KIDS Data System.
Answer calls, greet walk-in customers, identify service needs, provide general information, and transfer calls to appropriate staff.
Perform notary duties as needed in compliance with notary regulations.
Attend staff meetings and training sessions, provide backup coverage for the Administrative Associate, and perform other related duties as required or directed.