Child Support Specialist

Job Requirements

Essential Functions:

Reviews, researches, and assesses applications received or referrals for determination of child support or medical support orders and enforcement.

Drafts, composes, enters, and processes legal documents such as Motions/Affidavits, Stipulations, Judgments/Orders, Order to Show Cause, Warrants, and Income Withholding Orders as required to establish and enforce child support.

Documents contacts, correspondence, and records all actions taken for each case in the KIDS in accordance with the Bureau of Child Support.

Reviews and interprets financial information to determine appropriate child support obligations pursuant to Wisconsin State statutes and child support guidelines.

Determines the availability of medical insurance.

Attends court hearings, takes notes, and testifies if summoned.

Negotiates settlement agreements with parents and attorneys.

Discusses stipulating to a medical support and/or child support order prior to scheduled court date, including other orders necessary to provide a full range of enforcement services.

Prepares necessary legal documents for scheduled Court hearings.

Reviews orders following hearing and prepares income withholding order.

Prepares legal documents for interstate enforcement and establishment.

Works with other states, facilitating enforcement and establishment.

Conducts investigative activities to locate absent parents.

Monitors and enforces child support orders and payment records to ensure compliance of child support guidelines.

Communicates with clients, attorneys, employers, and other related persons regarding case concerns via telephone or in office.

Processes appropriate reviews of Court orders, confirming relevant items such as shared-time placement, split custody, and serial family payers and bringing to resolution by Stipulation or Court hearings.

Implements and maintains administrative lien process, account seizure, and alternative payment plans.

Evaluates and processes monthly performance reports.

Maintains case files in KIDS, e-filing, and electronic files in office.

Closes cases based on Federal closure criteria.

Provides backup assistance to other department personnel as needed.

Attends trainings, round tables, seminars, and meetings as required and approved by Department Director.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Job Competencies:

Knowledge and ability to enter and/or retrieve data in the State of Wisconsin Kids Information Data System (KIDS), and other systems, such as, but not limited to, CARES/CWW, DOT, CCAP, DIHLR, Vital Records, CLEAR, and various State department policy and procedures.

Ability to obtain information and guidelines from the Bureau of Child Support Resource page.

Knowledge, skill, and ability to understand and use legal terminology, legal format, and processes.

Knowledge of standard and legal office practices, procedures, and clerical techniques.

Knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes and ongoing statutory changes, procedural changes, and form changes.

Skill to take notes and accurately incorporates essential details in preparing legal documents.

Ability and skill to prepare Court documents in a timely and accurate manner.

Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.

Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.

Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.

Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits requiring minimal direction and supervision.

Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.

Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.

Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications consistent for this position.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.

Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.

Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems, and interpreting policies and regulations.

Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.

Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, within the provisions of open records laws and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.

Other Experience and Qualifications:

Required: Must successfully pass IRS and criminal background check. Experience in civil legal process and direct work with the general public. 2 years: Experience in a legal setting or related public service agency. Equivalent combination of education and experience which provides necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Preferred: Experience with reading and interpreting income tax forms, health insurance policies, and other financial and legal forms. Previous child support experience and knowledge of KIDS.