Child Support Officer

at  Sherburne County MN

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Two years of college, technical school, or equivalent. This educational requirement may be substituted with two years of work experience as a Financial Worker/Eligibility Specialist in a County setting.Experience: A minimum of 1-year of experience in a related field; or equivalent education plus work experience.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE BEYOND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A college degree is preferred due to the amount of legal analysis, decision making, written and verbal communication and negotiating skills involved. In particular, degrees in criminal justice, legal assistance, pre-law or law related field, and accounting would be beneficial. Experience as a financial worker, collections officer, legal assistant, or accountant would also be beneficial, customer service experience is also preferred due to the high level of public contact.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the mission, policies, and procedures of the Department to which assigned.
• Developing and maintaining a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and County requirements, regulations, policies, and community resources related to child support enforcement and the legal process.
• Ability to perform moderately complex computations and tabulations.
• Knowledge of laws and ethics related to data privacy.
• Knowledge of general office procedures, data entry and electronic filing and record keeping.
• Knowledge of available and appropriate client resources.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
• Ability to remain objective, rapidly process detailed information, communicate clearly and effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively work with clients, co-workers, and management.
• Critical thinking skills with ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to analyze and prepare spreadsheets.
• Ability to utilize effective interviewing skills and techniques.
• Ability to organize and prioritize a high-volume workload in an efficient manner and meet deadlines for court and federal regulation requirements.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to remain objective and non-judgmental.
• Ability to remain current on all position appropriate training.
• Ability to use state systems such as MMIS, MAXIS, METS, MEC2, PRISM, and other state/federal computer information systems.
• Ability to use software including software programs such as: Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint, Zingtree, Finesse, Compass, OnBase and other specialized software packages.

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees

• Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County’s vision, mission, and values.
• Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and county-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
• Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Informs immediate supervisor of all-important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
• Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
• Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County’s business.
• Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Hiring Salary Range - $26.11 - $31.36/hour
Union: Teamsters
Vacancies: 1
Interviews: Selected candidates will be notified via email the afternoon of August 6th, to self schedule a 10-minute phone interview to be held the afternoon of August 8th. An additional date may be added, as needed.
Hours of Work: This position has a usual work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include occasional evening and weekend hours.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION:

• Extensive Computer Usage
• Must be able to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (15-25 pounds).

• Extensive computer and telephone use, repetitive and full range of motion.
  Sherburne County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical (employee, employee + spouse, employee + child(ren), or family coverage). Monthly premiums for Employee only coverage are covered 100% by the county.

• County Contributions to VEBA and HSA plans
• Employer paid $25,000 Term Life Policy
• Optional Benefits:
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Additional Supplemental Life Insurance for self, spouse and child(ren)
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care Reimbursement and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account)
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hospital Care Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Annual Paid Time Off accrual of 21 days to start, increasing up to a maximum of 33 days per year.
• 12 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• On-Site Well@Work Clinic available to Sherburne County Employees and Dependents covered under our plan.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Public Employees Retirement (PERA):

Part-Time employees working less than 30 hours per week, Seasonal, Temporary and Interns are not eligible for benefits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Initiate legal actions to adjudicate paternity, establish and modify child support obligations when statutory requirements are met, and enforce court orders for support by utilizing the expedited and judicial court processes.
• Compile and analyze income information to calculate an appropriate level of support based on Minnesota Statute. If actual income information is unavailable, assess the parties earning capacity and determine their potential income in accordance with state statute and federal law.
• Calculate child support in accordance with Minnesota Statute, apply arrears management strategy (AMPP) when needed, and review if case circumstances may warrant a deviation.
• Prepare legal documents including Summons, Complaint, Notice of Motion and Motion, Supporting Affidavit, Stipulation and Orders, for filing with the court.
• Provide direction to process servers to obtain personal service on parties. On cases where personal service is not required, serve the legal documents by US mail, and provide the court with proof of service by filing applicable affidavits.
• Schedule court hearings, if necessary, and serve required notice on all parties.
• Confer with the County Attorney’s Office in preparation for court hearings.
• Provide expert testimony as a witness before the court.
• Manage case progress and take necessary action to ensure case is proceeding timely and adhering to state and federal guidelines, resulting in increased revenue to the county and state by maximizing state and federal program incentives.
• Identify when to intervene on private legal actions between parties to ensure that state and county interests are addressed when public assistance is being expended on behalf of the family.
• Make recommendations to the Court and County Attorney’s office for a resolution that is in the best interest of all parties, protects the county’s interest, and is in accordance with Minnesota Statute.
• Negotiate settlements with parties and their legal counsel.
• Establish a good working relationship with the Court, including, district court judges, child support magistrates and court administration.
• Act as a liaison between the courts, the parties and private legal counsel.
• Explain court processes, both judicial and expedited process, and provide resources to the parties if appropriate.
• Contact with law enforcement to determine if an obligor has met the terms of a contempt order. Request the assistance of law enforcement when a warrant is active and should be executed.
• Document all legal actions to create a complete, detailed, and accurate case history.
• Determine the appropriate process to establish parentage.
• Investigate leads to locate parties including address, income, and assets. Research applicable systems to match data.
• Perform a wide variety of enforcement remedies in accordance with federal and state statutes to collect current and past due child support. These include but are not limited to:
• Review and interpret court orders for appropriate enforcement action and collection.
• Audit cases for appropriate charging amounts and make adjustments to financial obligations to ensure that the case is in compliance with the court order.
• Perform complex accounting tasks including pro-rating, re-directing support, reconciling accounts, setting up special distribution instructions and issuing refunds.
• Interpret and enforce court ordered medical support by requiring employers or parties to enroll dependent children on available health care coverage or by collecting the appropriate monetary medical support obligation.
• Verify uninsured medical and dental expenses submitted for collection to ensure they meet statutory requirements and serve the required documents by US Mail.
• Provide detailed account information to the parties and court when audits of the accounts are requested.
• Review the current court ordered basic, medical, and childcare provisions to determine if the order meets statutory requirements for modification and initiate the required legal process.
• Evaluate public assistance status changes to determine impact on the case and take appropriate action such as adding or removing monetary obligations, enrolling dependent in healthcare programs, or modifying court order for enforceable provisions.
• Review delinquent accounts for next appropriate action.
• Negotiate with individuals to obtain payment agreements to avoid suspension of drivers, occupational and recreational licenses.
• Negotiate lump sum arrears payment and arrears forgiveness (AMPP) as appropriate.
• Calculate, enter. and docket monetary judgments with the Court.
• Document all enforcement actions to create a complete, detailed, and accurate case history.
• Screen all non-public assistance applications and public assistance referrals to determine if it is suitable to open or reopen a case. Interview applicants and consult with other agencies and attorneys to establish if agency child support services are appropriate.
• Respond to high volume of communications with clients, attorneys, magistrates, and other court officials as well as employers, health care providers, social workers, eligibility specialists, and representatives from other county and state agencies, and develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.
• Utilize the electronic document management system, OnBase, as an effective tool to process written communication received from the Court, the County Attorney’s Office, employer, parties, and their attorneys.
• Research and implement new and existing federal, state, and county laws, policies, rules, and procedures.
• Initiate intergovernmental actions to obtain personal jurisdiction of a party that resides in another state, another country, or on a reservation.
• Respond to intergovernmental requests when an obligor resides in Sherburne County.
• Determine if the State of Minnesota has long arm jurisdiction or if other administrative remedies should be pursued.
• Prepare required documents in accordance with the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act to establish paternity and child support, modify support, or enforce a court order.
• Complete case assessment and collaborate with the other jurisdiction to ensure appropriate actions are being pursued and respond to the other jurisdiction’s requests.
• Utilize the federal communication system, CSENET, as well as the Federal Case Registry, to send and receive case information with other child support agencies.
• Complete case audits and reconcile account balances with other child support agencies.
• Register foreign support orders in accordance with the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act to proceed with court action.
• Document all intergovernmental actions to create a complete, detailed, and accurate case history.
• Perform additional duties and special projects by target dates and deadlines.
• Collaborate with other child support professionals through conferences and regional meetings to develop professional working relationships.
• Maintain objectivity when dealing with difficult clients.
• Attend the required training as expected by department guidelines or at the supervisor’s request.
• Maintain knowledge of the child support program, policy and procedures, and applicable statutes.
• Share relevant information from meetings, training seminars and peer interactions outside the County with Unit Supervisor and other staff.
• Recommend change for policy and procedure when appropriate to enhance performance.
• Perform unit coverage as needed.
• Participate in professional staff development to remain current regarding trends and legislative changes in public assistance program requirements and department procedural changes.
• Share relevant information from training with unit.
• Recommend changes for policy, procedure, and protocol to enhance procedural timelines and quality of service.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and informational requests regarding public assistance programs.
• Inform clients of the right and responsibilities and case file confidentiality.
• Independently acts as an advocate for the client by mediating positive resolutions of conflict between the client and third parties.
• Display constructive and positive attitude and communicate in a courteous and diplomatic manner toward co-workers and the public.
• Contribute to the success of the employees’ work team as well as the overall success of Sherburne County’s mission by portraying supportive work behaviors and positive attitudes.
• Act as first point of contact to assist the public and clients with completing applications, forms, and other paperwork in order to obtain services.
• Provide clients with required notices in person and by mail.
• Provide outreach and education as well as, community and agency resources and needed referrals when appropriate.
• Create client files in appropriate state system with information gathered from program applications, interviews, court orders, and/or transfer information from other county agencies within compliance deadlines.
• Troubleshoot issues regarding inaccurate or inappropriate client information.
• Provide routine instruction to clients about procedural questions regarding program requirements.
• Create, maintain, and compile data for various spreadsheets and reports.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed on all important matters pertaining to assigned job accountabilities.
• Demonstrate by personal example the service excellence and integrity expected from all employees.
• Represent Agency on assigned task forces, committees, and work groups.
• Regular and reliable attendance according to the department’s work schedule.
• Represent the County in a professional manner to all outside contacts when doing the County’s business and while providing excellent customer service to clients.