Child Support Specialist ; Spanish Bilingual

Child Support Specialist I

Performs a wide variety of child support duties, maintaining a caseload, locating and interviewing custodial and non‑custodial parents, establishing child support obligations, enforcing child support laws, arranging payment, preparing cases for court hearing, and performing related work.

Entry/trainee level under close supervision. Employees receive in‑service training and detailed instructions. Greater independence is exercised as skills develop. Expected promotion to Child Support Specialist II after one year.

Includes bilingual pay of $65 per month.

• Manage a caseload of child support legal actions and establish, enforce, and collect support payments.
• Coordinate interviews with parents, employers, and attorneys.
• Develop and analyze information for establishing paternity.
• Locate information on parents’ assets, income, and liabilities.
• Evaluate income/expense data and recommend support obligations.
• Respond to inquiries and explain laws and policies to public and staff.
• Secure agreements, persuade parties to pay without legal action.
• Prepare legal documents for establishment, collection, and enforcement.
• Document and update case information in state‑wide automated system.
• Explain case status and procedures while ensuring wording is not legal advice.
• Apply federal, state, and local codes and rules.
• Coordinate or conduct genetic tests as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Two years full‑time clerical experience interacting with the public, OR one year debt collection experience, OR one year as Child Support Assistant I/Office Assistant II, OR 60 semester/90 quarter college units (experience and education may combine).
• Knowledge of civil and criminal law, federal and California laws related to child support, methods for locating parents and assets, techniques for establishing paternity, collection methods, and child support regulations.
• Ability to apply federal laws, explain procedures, interview various people, maintain confidentiality, use independent judgment, understand financial records, produce reports, set priorities, exercise initiative, and use computer resources.

• Valid driver’s license may be required; driving may be required.
• Pre‑employment drug testing, physical and fingerprinting for background investigation.
• Veterans preference: attach DD‑214.

The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, and many other factors.