Child Support Paternity Specialist
Portage County Health and Human Services is hiring a full time Child Support Paternity Specialist to join their team!
Under direction of the Child Support Supervisor, this position conducts establishment of paternity for non-marital children in Portage County pursuant to DCF 151 Wis. Administrative Code, federal regulations and state statutes. Duties include interviewing clients, scheduling and administering genetic testing, locating potential fathers, attending court hearings and other related paperwork in the paternity establishment process. This position also is responsible for case initiation of CARES/eWiSACWIS referrals and client applications.
What are the primary duties?
- Conduct interview with unwed mother in order to pursue establishment of paternity including completing and signing of paternity affidavit. Record required interview responses in order to prepare legal documents for paternity. Enter information into the KIDS database. Obtain information from the attending physician in order to determine the conceptive period when necessary.
- Conduct interview with the potential father to inform him of all steps in the paternity process.
- Pursue appointment of Guardian ad Litem when a minor mother or minor alleged father is involved in paternity establishment.
- Perform personal service of paternity documents on alleged father in office when requested. Explain Paternity Acknowledgement procedures and paternity establishment process.
- Schedule genetic testing for parties upon request or court order.
- Establish child support, medical coverage and determine any costs to be ordered, including birth expenses when appropriate. Set monthly repay amount on all costs.
- Request seek-work requirement and Children First participating language in all child support orders.
- Initiate new and re-opened cases referred from CARES or by participant application daily. Close cases as necessary.
- Work paternity related reports monthly.
- Obtain birth record and set up case for referral, if appropriate.
- Work is KIDS, CARES, CLEAR, RTIA and eWiSACWIS computer systems, often simultaneously.
- Print and work IV-A, IV-D error reports daily and any other reports assigned
- Conduct a locate investigations utilizing automated and manual resources available to assist in establishing paternity, child support, and medical support orders. Refer request for Quick Locate through automated system or manual process.
- Conduct pre-trial meeting in office in effort to attain settlement prior to court date. Arrange schedule with child support legal counsel at least one to two days in advance of upcoming court date for cases remaining on calendar. Ensure the court worksheets are attached to physical file in preparation for court.
- Verify all necessary documentation for court is in physical IV-D file, including moving documents
- Testify at court hearing when requested.
- Meet with custodial parent in order to prepare required interstate documents and signing of documents in order to establish paternity. Mail out all paperwork to the corresponding State. Negotiate settlement with other states recognizing other state laws while continuing to act in the best interest of the State of Wisconsin.
- Provide technical support to Economic Support Case Managers when requested.
- Access Internet/Intranet relating to other locates resources. Attend CBT training and all work-related information made available on-line for county child support workers. Maintain password on a regular basis to allow immediate access.
- Review Bulletin Board in KIDS daily/weekly to remain informed of changes in automated system and other work-related areas. Review Fact Sheet for instruction/information regarding specific topics as available.
- Perform paternity genetic draws and respond to questions asked by parties involved.
- Disposition all incoming paternity correspondence and forward for scanning to imaged file.
- Document conversations/interview information and any other action taken that is not automatically recorded in KIDS system. Include clear description of action for reference by co-workers.
For a complete job description, email Human Resources at: HR@co.portage.wi.us
What are the minimum requirements?
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Associate degree or training as a paralegal or legal secretary preferred.
- A minimum of two years work experience involving family law and/or child support/paternity establishment experience.
- Any combination of education and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Portage County offers a robust benefit package for permanent employees working at least 20 hours/week. Benefits include;
- Vacation - available on date of hire!
- State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan
- Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with the High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
- Employee Wellness program
- EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) Paid by the County
- Paid holidays
- Sick pay
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hours/week)
- Long term disability insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hours/week)
- Dental insurance
- 457B Deferred Compensation Plan
Portage County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer