Child Support Specialist

Child Support Specialist

Washington County, located in West Bend, Wisconsin has an excellent opportunity for a Child Support Specialist within our County Attorney/Child Support Department. This role is responsible for the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders, as well as the establishment of paternity.

Normal Business

Hours:

8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday.

Starting hourly rate: $26.32; pay based on experience.

Washington County is recognized for its commitment to providing quality services to the citizens of our community. Our team members embrace the challenge of meeting goals and expectations, creatively problem‑solving, innovating, and collaborating to meet customer needs and deliver solutions.

Mission: We create an environment for residents and businesses to enjoy our authentic quality of life through well governed and administered county dedicated to safe and secure communities, economic growth and vitality, effective mobility and reliable infrastructure, and access to basic needs.

Vision: Washington County strives to cultivate its rich heritage, vibrant economy, and attractive communities through distinct values that define us.

Values: Respect, Optimism, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Collaboration.

Washington County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes Health, Dental, and Life Insurance;
Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability;
Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts;
Wisconsin Retirement System and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (IRS 457);
Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO); tuition and fitness center reimbursement.

• Interview case participants to obtain necessary information and documentation to create and maintain a viable case file and to comply with State and Federal regulations.
• Review relevant statutes, rights and legal obligations with case participants involved in child support and paternity matters.
• Determine the legal or administrative action to be taken on each case file.
• Examine court and other public records relating to the financial or legal status of the involved parties.
• Determine non‑cooperation and complete non‑cooperation reports, when necessary.
• Determine payer's ability to pay support and/or related expenses and provide health insurance.
• Prepare case files and documents for court proceedings including e‑filing cases; testify in court when needed.
• Work with Human Services and other legal authorities in matters related to cases.
• Prepare draft motions, stipulations and orders.
• Monitor court orders for compliance.
• Conduct administrative reviews for tax intercept and credit bureau programs on individual cases.
• Identify potential fraud cases and make appropriate notifications.
• Maintain appropriate records and prepare reports, when necessary.
• Determine when a case file should be closed according to federal regulations; process any file closing paperwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including responding to an emergency event.

Works under the general direction of the Child Support Supervisor. Decisions are made independently concerning most aspects of the worker’s individual case load, including determining the next appropriate action for each case, negotiating with parties concerning out‑of‑court settlements, developing recommendations for County Attorney regarding cases scheduled for court, handling phone calls and walk‑ins from public, employers, attorneys and other governmental agencies, and prioritizing daily work.

Interaction involves significant with the court system, custodial and non‑custodial parents, attorneys, Human Services Department, and the general public.

Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to child support and paternity matters; various Human Service assistance programs; research methods;
Child Support KIDS System; and reporting principles and practices. Ability to conduct interviews, interpret laws and procedures, obtain cooperation from others, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and interact effectively with co‑workers, case participants, and the general public. Able to fulfill physical demands of job, sensory demands (seeing and hearing), and cognitive demands (concentration, conceptualization, memorization).

Bachelor’s Degree in legal, business, human services or related field, a minimum of two years of experience working in a legal or social work setting preferred, OR Associate’s Degree in legal, business, human services or related field and a minimum of four years’ experience working in a Child Support Agency or legal setting. A valid Wisconsin driver’s license. Computer proficiency including working knowledge of word processing is necessary.

Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.