Child Support Agent II

Job Title: Child Support Services Agent II
Department: Jones County Department of Social Services
Location: Jones County Administration Building, Trenton, NC

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The Jones County Department of Social Services is a county-operated agency that provides a variety of essential services, including child support enforcement, public assistance, employment education, and social work services. The primary goal of the Child Support Services Unit is to ensure that child support orders are established and enforced in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The unit works to establish paternity, set up child support orders, and monitor compliance to ensure that custodial parents and children receive the financial and medical support they are entitled to.

Primary Purpose of Position: The Child Support Services Agent II position is responsible for the enforcement of child support orders, ensuring that non-custodial parents meet their obligations related to monetary and medical support. This role involves case management, investigating delinquent cases, and initiating appropriate enforcement actions such as wage withholding, drivers license revocation, and court contempt hearings. The agent will manage assigned caseloads and appear in court for enforcement proceedings as required.

Responsibilities and Duties: Planning (35%):

– Establish and enforce child support orders following federal, state, and local guidelines.
– Develop strategies for identifying delinquent cases and determine appropriate enforcement actions.
– Maintain unit morale by fostering collaboration and providing peer support.
– Monitor compliance and conduct reviews to ensure timely and accurate case processing.

Organizing and Directing Work (35%):

– Coordinate case assignments and manage the flow of child support applications and orders.
– Collaborate with other units and divisions to ensure cohesive workflows.
– Ensure all child support cases are managed and documented according to established policies.
– Train staff on updated procedures and provide resources to ensure efficient case management.

Review (15%):

– Conduct case reviews and audits to ensure compliance with state and federal child support enforcement guidelines.
– Review reports, policy updates, and case documentation to assess accuracy.
– Address and resolve any discrepancies or case-related issues.
– Provide ongoing feedback to improve team performance and address any case management concerns.

Personnel Responsibilities (10%):

– Assist in the professional development of staff by providing training on child support policies and case management techniques.
– Participate in the evaluation of staff performance and provide feedback.
– Support staff with case escalations and provide guidance on complex cases.

Counseling and Disciplining Employees (5%):

– Address performance issues as they arise, providing corrective action when necessary.
– Support staff in managing caseloads and resolving conflicts within the unit.
– Other Position Characteristics:
– Accuracy: Ensuring that child support enforcement procedures are followed and cases are processed efficiently.
– Consequence of Error: Mistakes in case management can delay benefits and result in compliance issues for the department.
– Instructions Provided: The agent will follow guidance from the Child Support Supervisor and ensure adherence to all relevant policies.
– Supervision Received: This position reports directly to the Child Support Supervisor or higher-level management.
– Physical Effort: Light office work, including sitting, typing, and case review.

Work Environment: Typical office environment; may include court appearances and client meetings.

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

– Considerable knowledge of child s pport enforcement procedures and relevant laws.
– Ability to manage a caseload, review case files, and enforce court orders.
– Strong communication skills to interact with clients, legal professionals, and court officials.
– Knowledge of the policies and documents used in child support case management.

Education and Experience:

– Minimum of a high school diploma; a four-year degree in human services, law enforcement, or a related field preferred.
– Two years of experience in eligibility determination, legal work, or case management.
– Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Work Schedule: This position operates Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. until noon.