CHILD SUPPORT SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas • Hope, AR

4d • $43,088 - $63,770 • Onsite

About The Position

The Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services' goal is to create a more efficient government through epic service delivery and collaboration across state government. The department is comprised of the Office of the Secretary, the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Office, the Division of Building Authority, the Division of Information Systems, the Employee Benefits Division, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Office of State Procurement. The Child Support Specialist is responsible for providing essential services in the administration of the child support program, ensuring that children receive the financial support they are legally entitled to. This position requires strong interpersonal skills, a comprehensive understanding of child support laws and procedures, and the ability to handle sensitive family situations with professionalism and empathy. The Child Support Specialist will work directly with parents, custodians, attorneys, and other stakeholders to establish, enforce, and monitor child support orders, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Requirements

• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for explaining child support processes, answering inquiries, and negotiating solutions with clients. The ability to articulate complex information in a clear, concise, and professional manner is critical.
• Ability to identify problems, analyze case details, and develop appropriate solutions. The Child Support Specialist must be able to think critically when handling complex cases or resolving issues related to payment discrepancies or enforcement actions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with a diverse range of clients, including custodial and non-custodial parents, attorneys, and court personnel. Empathy and understanding are key in managing difficult or emotionally charged situations.
• Exceptional attention to detail is essential when managing cases, ensuring accurate record-keeping, processing payments, and preparing documents. Small errors can have significant consequences in child support cases, so a meticulous approach is necessary.
• Ability to mediate disputes and resolve conflicts between parties in a professional and neutral manner. Skilled in de-escalating tense situations and negotiating amicable solutions when possible.
• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, business administration, or a related field is required OR a high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus two (2) years of experience in a customer service role, legal support, case management, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of child support cases, ensuring that all aspects of the case are processed efficiently and in compliance with state laws and regulations. This includes opening, closing, and updating cases, as well as monitoring payments and adjustments.
• Assist in the establishment of child support orders by gathering necessary documentation, communicating with involved parties, and preparing legal documents for submission to the courts. Ensure that all relevant information is accurate and up to date for the purpose of creating fair and enforceable support orders.
• Monitor and track child support payments, ensuring timely collection and distribution of funds. Investigate discrepancies in payments and initiate follow-up actions to address issues such as non-payment, underpayment, or overpayment. Maintain accurate records of all transactions.
• Work with parents, employers, and legal entities to enforce child support orders. This may include initiating income withholding orders, intercepting tax refunds, and coordinating with other state agencies, child support programs in other states or countries, and law enforcement agencies to collect overdue payments. Ensure all enforcement actions comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to inquiries from custodial parents, non-custodial parents, attorneys, and other stakeholders. Address questions regarding child support orders, payment status, case updates, and modifications. Communicate clearly and professionally both in writing and verbally.
• Regularly review cases to ensure that child support amounts are correct and consistent with any changes in circumstances. Work with families to modify child support orders as needed due to changes in income, custody arrangements, or other relevant factors.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for each case, ensuring that all actions, communications, and payments are properly documented in accordance with state regulations. Prepare reports and case summaries as required by supervisors or management.
• Review various administrative actions to confirm that the proposed action is appropriate based on agency policy and the facts of the case to enforce child support obligations. Prepare for and testify at legal and quasi-judicial proceedings regarding the enforcement of child support obligations.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive case information and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations concerning privacy and data security. Adhere to all ethical standards and confidentiality requirements in handling case details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree