Child Support Officer

Crow Wing, County of•Brainerd, MN

About The Position

This position is responsible for managing a child support caseload to establish, enforce, and modify support obligations through the application of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and department policies and procedures. The position exercises independent judgment in analyzing case information, determining appropriate actions, preparing legal documentation, and initiating enforcement remedies to ensure compliance with court orders. This role serves as a key liaison between parents, attorneys, courts, and partner agencies, providing guidance on child support processes while maintaining accurate records, ensuring financial accountability, and supporting the effective administration of the child support program.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in related field or equivalent knowledge gained from experience and/or education.
Two or more years of work experience of a similar nature and scope of responsibility.
Efficient and accurate keyboarding skills
Advanced Proficiency in computer software applications

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in child support enforcement, collections, case management, or a closely related human services or legal role.
Experience interpreting and applying federal and state statutes, administrative rules, and court procedures.
Experience preparing legal documents such as motions, orders, affidavits, or other court filings.
Familiarity with automated child support systems, case management systems, or financial tracking software.
Experience working with diverse populations and individuals in high-conflict or emotionally sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned child support caseload by reviewing, analyzing, and prioritizing case activity to ensure timely establishment, enforcement, and modification of support obligations in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and department policies and procedures.
Conduct interviews and communicate with custodial and non-custodial parents to obtain case information, assess financial circumstances and ability to pay, and explain child support laws, rights, and responsibilities, including establishing paternity through acknowledgment processes in accordance with legal requirements.
Research, interpret, and evaluate court files, prior orders, financial information, and public assistance status to determine appropriate jurisdiction, support recommendations, and next course of action in compliance with statutory guidelines and policy.
Independently review case facts and apply federal and state laws, court rules, appellate decisions, and public and county policies to prepare legal documents, including Orders, Summons, Paternity Establishments, Judgments, Motions, Affidavits, Contempt Actions and related filings, for review and signature by the County Attorney.
Initiate, process, and monitor enforcement actions, including income withholding, cost-of-living adjustments, bank liens, medical support enforcement, and ensuring compliance with court orders and applicable laws and procedures.
Monitor accounts for payment compliance, arrears, and delinquencies; analyze account activity; and take appropriate enforcement actions, including negotiating payment agreements and resolving non-compliance using sound judgment in accordance with regulations and department procedures.
Locate absent parents and sources of income and assets using available databases, interagency cooperation, and investigative techniques, in compliance with data privacy laws and established procedures.
Negotiate child support-related agreements and settlements outside of court for approval by appropriate authority, ensuring outcomes align with statutory requirements and case circumstances.
Prepare for and participate in administrative and court proceedings, including interviewing participants, coordinating documentation, and providing testimony on behalf of the agency in accordance with court rules and procedures.
Maintain accurate and complete case records by entering, updating, and verifying information in statewide systems and case files; ensure proper application and distribution of payments, reconcile discrepancies, and complete necessary adjustments in accordance with financial and audit requirements.
Respond to inquiries from parents, attorneys, employers, and other stakeholders regarding child support processes, case status, and program requirements, ensuring clear communication and adherence to confidentiality and data privacy laws.
Coordinate with internal departments and external agencies, including social services, legal services, employment resources, and law enforcement, to support case resolution and provide appropriate referrals in accordance with program guidelines.
Provide data and feedback to supervisors regarding caseload status, workflow, and complex or problem cases; assist in implementing program changes mandated by legislation or governing agencies.
Perform case correspondence, documentation, and general case maintenance activities to support efficient program operations and compliance with department standards.
Perform other related duties as assigned.