Child Support Specialist III - Promotional

Child Support Specialist III

The Department of Child Support Services has requested a department promotional certification to fill a Child Support Specialist III position. Only qualified permanent and/or probationary Child Support Services employees on the eligible list may be eligible for referral to the department for the advertised position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time or part-time positions as they occur during the active status of the list.

The Civil Service title of this position is Child Support Officer III.

As a Child Support Specialist III, you will serve in a lead capacity, training and mentoring Child Support Specialist I and II staff while managing complex child support cases and performing specialized functions. You will collaborate with supervisors, attorneys, and other staff to support case resolution and departmental initiatives. Additional responsibilities will include:

• Processing payments and preparing legal documents, court orders, forms, and case correspondence
• Preparing case files for attorneys and attending court proceedings
• Interviewing case participants and providing customer service to resolve inquiries and concerns
• Utilizing child support case management systems to document case activities and coordinate court events
• Participating in performance improvement initiatives and community outreach events

The ideal candidate will possess sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to public service. They will also possess many of the following:

• Multiple years of experience with child support case management practices and procedures
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong interviewing, problem-solving, and customer service skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and computerized case management systems
• The ability to remain calm, empathetic, and professional when assisting individuals in difficult or stressful situations

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, one year of full-time experience as a Child Support Officer II with Sonoma County or equivalent position in another county would provide such opportunity.
• Academic course work which relates to the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this includes courses in investigation, interviewing, paralegal or legal assistant and social and behavioral sciences.
• Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level, including necessary endorsements as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.
• The ability to speak, read and write Spanish fluently may be required for certain job assignments.

Considerable knowledge of government codes and established policies, procedures and regulations which pertain to the collection and enforcement of child support payments; child support collection procedures and methods of collecting and adjusting delinquent accounts; legal terminology; legal forms and documents used to enforce support; methods and techniques used to effectively locate non-custodial parents, relatives and related persons; interviewing principles and techniques used for obtaining factual information;

financial record keeping procedures; modern office practices and procedures; information systems used in the establishment and enforcement of child support laws.

Working knowledge of procedures, laws, and methods related specialized child support programs, activities and collection methods such as establishing and enforcing interstate and international child support…