Child Support Specialist

Eau Claire County•Eau Claire, WI

About The Position

The Child Support Specialist performs case management duties to assist the Child Support Agency (CSA) in meeting its program responsibilities. This position establishes, enforces, and reviews child support and medical support obligations, and establishes paternity for non-marital children in accordance with state and federal law.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with a major in a human services or related field OR Associate degree in a human services or related field and two (2) years of experience in a Child Support Agency.
Successful completion of a Department of Justice criminal background check and fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

Training or experience using the State of Wisconsin KIDS (Kids Information Data System) software.
Keyboarding and 10-key skills.

Responsibilities

Provides information to custodial, non-custodial parents, and other interested parties; reviews relevant statutes, regulations, procedures, and services available with parents, guardians, and potential fathers, explaining the parties' rights and responsibilities; explains the Agency's role in ensuring establishment of legal paternity and the obligation to support; uses appropriate administrative and/or judicial methods to establish legal fatherhood when applicable.
Employs knowledge of the civil legal process to support CSA in court hearings; conducts pre-trial conferences; determines recommendations of the agency prior to court hearings based on available information, attempting to reach stipulated agreements; conveys CSA’s position regarding contempt of court and recommended purge conditions; completes written case summary and provides recommendations on all scheduled cases for Corporation Counsel’s review prior to hearings; attends court hearings and testifies as needed.
Interprets information from income tax forms, health insurance policies, and other financial and legal forms; obtains and analyzes information regarding cases and wage/asset information using financial records such as tax returns, pay stubs, financial disclosures, and wage letters; performs investigative searches to locate case participants and wages/assets through a variety of resources and computer systems; assesses availability of affordable, comprehensive, and accessible health insurance.
Implements actions to secure establishment and/or compliance with child and medical support obligations according to state and federal requirements; audits financial records and performs basic math calculations to determine support levels; determines insufficiency of payments; prepares wage withholding assignments, garnishment of insurance claim settlements, property liens, and/or bank account seizures according to policy.
Maintains knowledge of and proficiency in operating the State of Wisconsin Kids Information Data System (KIDS) and multiple other data systems; works to enhance efficiency of case management through use of automated functions; follows system protocols and procedures.
Organizes, prioritizes, monitors, and takes appropriate action on cases to meet performance and program requirements; reviews support payment records, ability to pay, and other factors; conducts order reviews for financial and medical support; makes civil and criminal contempt referrals; reviews and initiates administrative enforcement actions such as financial account seizure, license suspension, and lien/passport releases; conducts periodic case reviews as requested or required.
Initiates interstate and international case actions and responds timely to requests received from other states in accordance with the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) guidelines and foreign reciprocal agreements.
Adheres to strict documentation and confidentiality guidelines of personnel matters, office files, and records; maintains accurate documentation on all client contacts.
Transfers comprehensive knowledge of area resources and services to provide outreach services; communicates effectively orally and in writing to paying parents with resources for employment, assistance programs, legal counsel, or other local resources prior to initiating appropriate enforcement actions; refers customers to employment resources and collaborates with employment agencies to assist customers in obtaining employment.
Maintains current knowledge of laws, performance requirements, State policies and guidelines, and other regulations pertaining to the child support program; participates in staff meetings and attends training sessions as scheduled.
Establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative, and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors, public officials, and the general public; responds to internal and external customers in a timely and courteous manner; logs mail correspondence and takes necessary action.
Provides back-up coverage for other Child Support Specialists.
Performs other duties as required or assigned.