Department

Division

Salary

Job Profile

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

35 Hours - Standard

Restricted/Limited to the Leave of the Prior Incumbent

Job Requisition Number

Pay Grade

Classification

Class Definition

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Within the Department of Human Services (DHS), to be responsible for processing cases involving the establishment of paternity, location of parents, establishment of child support and medical orders; to provide welcoming and courteous service to customers seeking assistance on all child support issues, in person, by telephone, or by scheduled appointment; to meet with and/or interview applicants to obtain documents, location information, ascertain paternity, establish support and medical orders for DHS programs related to child support, as assigned; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of a superior from whom specific instructions are received and who evaluates work through review of cases, reports, conferences and field visits.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Within the Department of Human Services (DHS), to be responsible for processing cases involving the establishment of paternity, location of parents, establishment of child support and medical orders; to provide welcoming and courteous service to customers seeking assistance on all child support issues, in person, by telephone, or by scheduled appointment; to meet with and/or interview applicants to obtain documents, location information, ascertain paternity, establish support and medical orders for DHS programs related to child support, as assigned; and to do related work as required.
• To operate an automated database for case processing, including using the equipment and related routines in the performance of assigned duties.
• To access the Master Client Index to identify individuals prior to entering cases in a system.                                          
• To locate or determine the non-custodial parent(s) address for the purpose of serving them in compliance with procedures as they apply to state and federal laws.
• To perform scanning, indexing, registration, and data collection.
• To assist applicants/recipients in knowing their rights and responsibilities, completing applications and securing supporting evidence to ensure that complete and accurate information is obtained; to communicate basic
• information regarding the program, process, policies, procedures and status to customers, advocates and other interested parties.
• To obtain location information concerning an obligor and the obligor's property (e.g., postal verification, Federal/State location services, examination of telephone directories, review of employer and/or government records) in conformance with Federal and State Laws.
• To review court orders and compare them to attorney draft orders for accuracy and to distribute mail copies to the appropriate parties of the case.
• To review and compile evidence and give testimony at administrative, civil and/or criminal court hearings.
• To conduct a variety of research related to client location, paternity and other related areas/topics.
• On a case-by-case basis, to respond to Family Court requests with recommendations of appropriate action(s).
• To establish paternity for a child born out of marriage in order to add their name to the child's birth certificate and to establish child support and medical orders at court.
• To obtain birth certificates and other records in order to file legal action(s) at court and generate appropriate legal pleadings.
• To prepare case files for court calendars, if necessary, and schedule genetic testing appointments on-line or otherwise with the appropriate DNA vendor.
• To meet with custodial parents and/or non- custodial parents to review DNA results or prepare voluntary acknowledgment paperwork.
• To file Motions/Complaints to establish Child Support and/or Medical Support orders, or any other pleadings as required.
• To upload via E-File all paternity pleadings and DNA results if necessary and perform all paternity related activities.
• As assigned by a superior, to be responsible for an enforcement or interstate caseload, and to perform related functions per federal regulations, state law and/or program requirements.
• To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A working knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations regarding the statewide comprehensive child support program and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) and the ability to apply such knowledge; a working knowledge of State and Federal laws as they apply to Title IV-D programs; a working knowledge of Windows Operating Systems, usage of a personal computer (PC) and standard desktop office tools; knowledge of State Family Court procedures; a capacity to navigate a computer while on the telephone and while providing in-person assistance; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing; a familiarity with paternity adjudication laws and family court procedures as they apply to child support enforcement; the ability to provide clear and accurate information to clients/recipients, agencies, employers and other interested parties; the ability to interact with applicants/recipients, the public and co-workers in a professional, tactful and courteous manner; the ability to make and verify mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy; the ability to read, understand, interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations concerning both state and federal child support laws, rules and regulations; the ability to conduct mutually informative interviews using standard interviewing techniques and human relations skills; the ability to collect necessary information by conducting telephone and in-person interviews; the ability to make technical decisions involving revocation of personal and professional licenses; the ability to act in a technical capacity presenting the agency's case in various hearings such as license revocation, written payment agreements, tax interception, and other related areas; the ability to prioritize and organize cases; the ability to serve in an effective customer service role both in person, electronically and via telephone; the ability to resolve problems and to properly apply decision making skills; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a concentration in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Paralegal Studies, or a closely related field; and

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of employment in a social services position conducting fact-finding interviews.

Supplemental Information

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
 

Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.