Child Support Specialist

Olmsted County has earned the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Expecting starting salary is $25.65 to $34.25. Full salary range is $25.65 to $42.85.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in paralegal, human services, or related field.

OR

Associate’s degree from an accredited college in paralegal, human services, or related field and one (1) year of paid experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

OR

Combination of education and experience equivalent to three (3) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.
 

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver's license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Nature of Work

Under direct supervision, performs paralegal functions related to District Court hearings, court referrals and judgment actions. Establishes and enforces child support orders for public assistance and non-public assistance customers. Interviews parties, aids in the location of absent parents, explains rights and obligations and negotiates settlements. Works closely with the County Attorney, judges, court administrators, private attorneys, income maintenance and community services staff, employers, and a variety of other resource personnel. Testifies in court proceedings and drafts all necessary documentation.

Examples of Work

• Initiates legal action to enforce existing court orders for child/medical/childcare support
• Enters data on all cases into state computer system and updates entries as needed
• Initiates legal action to District Court and Expedited Process when appropriate
• Monitors cases for compliance with court orders
• Interviews applicants to gather essential information for establishing paternity, locating the absent parent, establishing a court order for support and/or to enforce an existing court order for child/medical/childcare support and spousal maintenance. Obtains court orders for genetic testing of alleged fathers, mothers and child/children to establish paternity
• Initiates interstate actions to establish child support in other states
• Independently negotiates  out-of-court child support related settlements for final approval by the court
• Testifies in court proceedings as needed
• Refers customers to community resources for financial management
• Completes other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of the law and regulations pertaining to child support, legal process, rules of evidence and court procedures
• Knowledge of the laws and rules pertaining to data privacy
• Knowledge of community resources
• Knowledge of debt collection laws and procedures
• Skill in basic interviewing techniques
• Skill in the use of basic business math
• Skill in the use of computers and technology
• Ability to compile evidence, analyze facts and to make sound recommendations
• Ability to handle a large volume of work in an efficient manner
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, customers and representatives from other social service agencies
• Ability to remain objective and make sound decisions
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to interpret court documents

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.