Placer Employment Opportunities

Child Support Specialist - II

Recruitment #2014-12705-01

DEFINITION

Interview and record information from individuals involved in child support cases; establish support obligation(s) including determining the ability to pay and resolving payment issues; review cases and payment records for compliance; and initiate remedial steps to assure compliance.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey level class within the Child Support Specialist series. This class is distinguished from the Child Support Specialist I by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Child Support Specialist in that the latter is responsible for the management of the most complex cases and acts in a lead capacity.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Child Support Supervisor and technical and functional supervision from a Senior Child Support Specialist.

Exercises technical and functional supervision over clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Interview parents, family members and employers concerning child support matters; verify information shown on application forms; maintain case files; draft letters to individuals and agencies to obtain information; contact persons or agencies for information regarding validity of case data and information pertinent to the whereabouts of parents; explain and initiate support agreements with parents and enforce existing support orders.
  • Examine financial background and determine ability to pay.
  • Prepare, complete and submit documentation in order to establish and/or enforce court orders, including but not limited to orders of examination, contempt citations, writs of execution, wage assignments, summons, complaints, notice of motions and warrants.
  • Locate parents by checking various sources such as current address, past and present employers, commercially prepared reference materials and services and other governmental agency data.
  • Review cases, payment records and complaints concerning failure to provide child support and initiate remedial steps to assure compliance with court orders.
  • Prepare documentation in establishing paternity.
  • Prepare daily logs and evidence for legal staff; review cases and make recommendations for appropriate legal actions; may testify in court regarding case records.
  • Prepare correspondence and maintain files as necessary.
  • Provide general information to the public; make referrals to appropriate agencies regarding enforcement of criminal and civil procedures, visitation and related domestic problems.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
Two years of responsible interviewing experience in a public or private agency which involved the interpretation, understanding or application of Child Support laws.
 
Or:

Two years as a Child Support Specialist I with Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate:

  • May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
  • Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Business letter writing.
  • Interviewing principles and techniques.
  • Case management and legal requirements affecting the processing of child support cases.
  • Organization and processing of child support cases.

Ability to:

  • Continuously, review case documents related to child support activities; interview individuals or parties; identify necessary documentation needed per legal requirements; problem solve case status and developments; understand and interpret Department policies and procedures; explain operations to the public.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk and/or stand at counter for long periods of time. Intermittently twist and reach office equipment; kneel or twist to retrieve files; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; lift light weight. 
  • Compose general correspondence and letters.  
  • Perform mathematical calculations accurately and rapidly.
  • Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
  • Operate a variety of office equipment including computer equipment, cameras with ancillary equipment, and other equipment.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Manage a family support caseload.
  • Obtain information through interview and interrogation and to deal fairly and courteously with the public.
  • Plan and maintain adequate records and procedures.
  • Understand and apply complex laws and regulations affecting child support activities.
  • Analyze and evaluate statements and other information.
  • Work independently in the absence of direct supervision; effectively prioritize work and apply sound time management principles.
  • Analyze, evaluate and process data from an extensive case load while ensuring compliance with time frames and regulatory requirements.
  • Draw logical conclusions and make proper recommendations.
  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action. 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Written Examination (100%) 

The written examination may include multiple choice, true/false, fill-in, matching, and/or essay type questions directly related to the required knowledge and abilities for this classification.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants for regular full and part-time positions must pass a medical examination which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation. Applicants for extra help positions may be subject to a drug screening. All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, be bonded or undergo a background check.

MODIFIED AGENCY SHOP

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County now offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please visit our website at:

http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

BENEFITS

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit

Selection Plan

Week of February 17, 2014 - Minimum Qualifications screening

Week of March 3, 2014 - Written Examination (tentative)

Week of March 10, 2014 - Eligible List established (tentative)



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