Child Support Specialist

Mesa County•Grand Junction, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Support Specialist manages the lifecycle of child support cases. There are different roles in the child support unit that cover case initiation, establishment, enforcement, and modifications through administrative and court processes. Authorized by statute to handle key case-related legal responsibilities, this role conducts investigative research, performs financial calculations, establishes parentage, prepares necessary legal documentation and communicates extensively with stakeholders of the case. Utilizing a human-centered, empathetic approach, the Specialist conducts customer interviews to gather information, facilitates negotiation conferences, and applies strong conflict de-escalation skills. Operating in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment, this role exercises independent judgment to ensure program compliance, protect confidential data, and deliver solution-focused support for families.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Successful performance in this role requires strong case management, investigative, analytical, and communication skills to effectively support families through all stages of the child support process.
This position requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
Candidates must possess strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills to engage customers with empathy, explain complex legal and program requirements in an understandable manner, and de-escalate challenging situations.
Individuals typically develop these competencies through approximately two (2) years of experience in fields such as: Bank teller, Collections agent, Billing specialist, Retail/customer service, Sales, Child Support Services, Court clerk, Professional office positions.
Ability to obtain and maintain required state certifications.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Responsibilities

Delivers services using a collaborative, human-centered approach that honors the unique circumstances, diverse backgrounds, and specific needs of each family.
Establishes and maintains productive, professional relationships with customers, attorneys, court personnel, employers, and community partners.
Ability to effectively engage with customers to gather, verify, and accurately enter critical case information into the child support system.
De-escalates high-stress situations and is able to process information to critically think through solutions and provide necessary information for the proposed resolutions.
Collaborates closely with unit members to share information, resolve operational bottlenecks, and coordinate case activities.
Explains complex legal processes, program rules, and case requirements clearly and accurately to non-legal audiences.
Represents the agency professionally, contributing to a positive, service-oriented work culture.
Ability to review, analyze, and research legal documents of varying complexity and draft corresponding case documentation.
Proven ability to accurately process a large workload, manage competing priorities, and meet strict, tight deadlines.
Skill in researching financial information and accurately applying state guidelines to determine child support obligations.
Ability to independently assess complex case circumstances, exercise sound judgment, and determine the next steps to ensure timely case progression.
Strict adherence to confidentiality protocols, ensuring the protection of Federal Taxpayer Information from unauthorized disclosure.
Ability to obtain and maintain required state certifications.
Ability to welcome customers, process incoming applications/referrals, and clearly explain program rules and expectations.
Skill in conducting targeted research to gather the documentation and case details necessary for intake.
Ability to evaluate case details to determine the most effective legal method to establish or enforce support orders.
Ability to collect DNA swab samples for paternity testing while adhering to strict legal identification and chain-of-custody protocols.
Skill in facilitating negotiation conferences and applying conflict resolution techniques to secure agreements and advance the establishment process.
Ability to research public, private, and professional records to locate individuals and establish parentage.
Ability to monitor compliance with court-ordered support obligations through frequent customer interactions, addressing payment concerns and facilitating necessary actions.
Skill in conducting targeted investigations to locate individuals obligated to pay support through contact with employers, relatives, and public/private agencies.
Ability to effectively negotiate with customers and other parties to secure consistent, full monthly child support payments in accordance with court orders.
Skill in analyzing case records, payment histories, and applicable support orders to accurately calculate arrears obligations.
Ability to manage incoming modification requests and verify eligibility requirements.
Skill in evaluating financial data and case history to support modification decisions.
Ability to facilitate productive negotiations between parties to reach mutually agreeable outcomes.
Other related duties as assigned.