CHILD SUPPORT SPECIALIST
About The Position
The Child Support Specialist provides services in administering the child support program and helps ensure children receive the financial support to which they are legally entitled. The role works directly with parents, custodians, attorneys, and other stakeholders to establish, enforce, and monitor child support orders in compliance with state and federal guidelines. It requires strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of child support laws and procedures, and professionalism and empathy when handling sensitive family situations. The position manages child support cases from opening through closing, assists with establishing and modifying orders, monitors and investigates payments, and takes appropriate enforcement actions. It also provides customer service, maintains accurate case documentation, reviews administrative actions, and may prepare for and testify at legal and quasi-judicial proceedings. The specialist must protect confidential case information and comply with privacy, data-security, and ethical requirements.
Requirements
- An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, business administration, or a related field; alternatively, a high school diploma or equivalent plus two years of experience in customer service, legal support, case management, or a related field.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to identify problems, analyze case details, and develop appropriate solutions.
- Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to communicate with diverse clients and stakeholders.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accurate record-keeping skills.
- Ability to mediate disputes, de-escalate tense situations, and negotiate solutions professionally and neutrally.
Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of child support cases, including opening, closing, and updating cases, monitoring payments and adjustments, and ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations.
- Assist in establishing child support orders by gathering documentation, communicating with involved parties, and preparing legal documents for court submission.
- Monitor and track child support payments, investigate discrepancies, initiate follow-up actions, and maintain transaction records.
- Work with parents, employers, and legal entities to enforce child support orders, including initiating income withholding orders, intercepting tax refunds, and coordinating with other agencies and jurisdictions.
- Respond to inquiries from parents, attorneys, and other stakeholders about orders, payment status, case updates, and modifications.
- Review cases and work with families to modify support orders when circumstances such as income or custody arrangements change.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, document actions, communications, and payments, and prepare reports and case summaries as required.
- Review proposed administrative actions for appropriateness under agency policy and case facts; prepare for and testify at legal and quasi-judicial proceedings concerning enforcement.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive case information and comply with privacy, data-security, and ethical requirements.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
