Child Support Specialist-Lead

Status: Full Time, Non-ExemptStarting Wage Range: $29.73/hr. - $32.74/hr. Department: Child SupportPosition Open Until FilledPlease submit Resume and Cover Letter with application

Dodge County offers a generous benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) - available for use after 30 days of employment
• 10 observed paid holidays
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) - with employer contributions - HRA
• Life insurance, Long-term disability, Short-term disability and Flex spending
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) - an exceptional pension plan with employer match (upon vesting) and lifetime retirement payment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Trains new employees and coordinates cross-training opportunities. Coaches and mentors staff to meet goals and maintain motivation. Works with Director to develop and maintain training materials for new and experienced staff.
2. Ensures all staff are up to date on required training.
3. Organizes, leads, and guides assigned department staff to assist in the completion of scheduled work accurately and on time. Assists staff in solving complex, non-routine problems.
4. Monitors the outcome of work performed by other Child Support Specialists.
5. Reviews, researches, and assesses applications received or referrals for child support or medical support orders and enforcement.
6. 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.
7. Conducts investigative activities to locate absent parents.
8. Explains agency role and procedures to clients. Refers clients to other resources, programs and agencies with appropriate.
9. Documents contacts, correspondence and records all actions taken for each case in KIDS in accordance with the Bureau of Child Support.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Prepares necessary legal documents for scheduled Court hearings. Reviews orders following hearing and prepares income withholding order.
13. Prepares legal documents for interstate enforcement and establishment. Works with other states, facilitating enforcement and establishment.
14. Attends court hearings, take notes, and testifies if summoned.
15. Maintains the Most Wanted Program and updates and maintains department webpage in accordance with county social media guidelines.
16. Manages the Foster Care caseload for establishment and enforcement.
17. Monitors and enforces child support orders and payment records to ensure compliance of child support guidelines.
18. Communicates with clients, attorneys, employers, and other related persons regarding case concerns via telephone calls or in office.
19. 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.
20. Implements and maintains administrative lien process, account seizure and alternative payment plans.
21. Maintains case files in KIDS, e-filing and electronic files in office.
22. Attends trainings, round tables, seminars and meetings as required and approved by Department Director.
23. Provides backup assistance to other department personnel as needed.
24. 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, WAMS, WISACWIS, 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 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; 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 concerning business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provisions of open records laws and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting.
• May require dealing with persons who are hostile or aggressive, posing threatening conditions.

Dodge County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page: Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

Bachelors (preferred)
Associates of Human Services (required)

Experience with reading and interpreting court orders, income tax forms, health insurance policies, and other financial and legal forms. (preferred)
Must successfully pass IRS and criminal background check. (required)
Previous work experience with Child Support Program and KIDS. (required)
Associates degree in human services, business, legal, or other related area four (4) years' work experience in a child support, legal office, or related public service agency. Equivalent combination of education and experience which provides necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. (required)