Child Support Specialist - Initiation (Paternity Specialist)

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. Reviews, researches and assesses applications received or referrals for determination of paternity or establishment of cases. May set appointments or interviews with clients to obtain information for determination of paternity.


2. Schedules genetic testing, coordinates calendars with third-party labs, and serves as a backup to perform genetic testing if needed.


3. Drafts, composes, enters, and processes legal documents such as Summons & Petitions, Service of Process, Judgments/Orders, Motions/Affidavits, Stipulations, and Income Withholding Orders as required for establishing paternity and child support.


4. Obtain court case number from Clerk of Court and e-file documents.


5. Answers and returns calls from clients, employers and other entities and explaining the agency role and procedures.


6. Locates absent parents, employment status, income, and assets by conducting investigative activities using automated locating services and the Kids Information Data System (KIDS).


7. Opens, prepares, determine status and scan files.


8. Reviews relevant statues, rights and legal obligation with clients involved in paternity or establishment cases.


9. Serves as a liaison with economic support.


10. May attend court hearings to take notes, act as registration contact, arrange telephone appearances and appear to testify if summoned.


11. May perform some duties of the Financial Specialist position such as:




• Enter and interpret incoming financial and non-financial Court orders for proper entry into KIDS (Kids Information Data System). Performs account reconciliations and adjustments to reflect modified accounts. Process Income Withholding Orders. Process online adjustments to the State.


• Investigate, correct and adjust posting errors.


• Adjustments on KIDS System and requests adjustments to WI SCTF as needed

1. Provides backup assistance to other department personnel as needed.


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


3. 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.

 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