Child Support Enforcement and Public Assistance Attorney

TITLE: Child Support Enforcement and Public Assistance Attorney

DIVISION: Child Support Enforcement and Public Assistance Divisions

WORKING HOURS: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

JOB OBJECTIVES: Under direct supervision of the CSEA Lead Attorney, incumbent conducts administrative child support hearings and provides legal representation in court for the Portage County Child Support Enforcement Agency (“CSEA”) pertaining to all statutory requirements as well as Public Assistance over payment claims.

• Provide legal representation in court for the Portage County JFS pertaining to all statutory requirements including, but not limited to, pre-trial motions/hearings, enforcement actions on existing child support orders, evidentiary hearings, arraignments, UIFSA petitions, administrative paternity/child support order, and review and adjustment proceedings. Incumbent reviews cases and associated files prior to hearings.
• May draft and file legal documents in appropriate court with jurisdiction in Public Assistance matters regarding unpaid, delinquent over payment claims incurred by current or past clients in receipt of public welfare benefits.
• Provide legal representation in court for the Portage County Public Assistance Division pertaining to all statutory requirements including, but not limited to, small claims and felony court cases pertaining to unpaid; delinquent over payment claims incurred by current or past clients in receipt of public welfare benefits.
• Conduct administrative hearings (including but not limited to: child support establishment, termination and modification objections, mistake-of-fact, and FIDM) by ensuring that hearing dates are properly scheduled, including the date, time and place of hearing, arranging for the appearance of all hearing participants and reviewing cases and associated files before hearing is conducted.
• Conduct hearings by eliciting testimony; ensure all involved parties’ rights to due process is afforded; review and assess testimony and evidence; apply appropriate program regulations and/or State and Federal laws; render a written opinion based on the presentation of the facts.
• Research relevant regulations, policies and laws; prepare necessary paperwork, reports and records related to the preparation and administration of all hearings.
• Ensure that paralegals accurately prepare complaints, motions, orders etc on case load activities; write letters to both payor and payee to keep them informed of case progress; write letters to attorneys or courts involved with cases in order to communicate on specific cases.
• Review casework of Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) case managers when referred to Legal Department for completeness and accuracy. Provide final approval for term recommendations and paternity testing results.
• Provide training to CSEA staff.
• Represent CSEA in all Court hearings as assigned by the Lead Attorney;
  Represent Public Assistance Division in all Court hearings as assigned by the Lead Attorney.

• Draft and file all legal documents in the appropriate court with jurisdiction in child support matters.
• Provide legal advice and opinions to JFS Administrator, supervisors and staff in reference to matters concerning child support responsibilities outlined in the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures established by the court with jurisdiction over child support matters and the Child Support Enforcement Agency.
• Consult with the Administrator and Lead Attorney to assist in creating and updating Agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain files in accordance with court and CSEA agency requirements.
• Meet with CSEA case management and fiscal staff to discuss current cases before the court and to review cases which will potentially be brought before the court.
• Meet with Public Assistance Fraud Investigators and managers to review cases which will potentially be brought before the court.
• Collaborate with CSEA staff relative to filing liens and developing legal strategies for attachment of assets to collect unpaid child support obligations.
• Research relevant regulations, policies and…