CHILD SUPPORT SPECIALIST 1
DEFINITION:
Under the direction of a Child Support Specialist 3, or a higher level supervisory official in the Office of Child Support Services, Department of Human Services, is responsible for performing activities related to the child support program; ensure program compliance and performance; promote and coordinate statewide use of the child support information management system; maintain, monitor, assess, implement and/or improve processes and procedures to meet established program goals and objectives. Acts as a liaison between the agency and other public or private organizations; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Provides technical and/or program assistance to internal and external child support program partners.
Conducts field visits as requested, required or identified through assessment to internal units and external stakeholders in order to facilitate, promote and coordinate uniformity in program compliance, performance and statewide use of the child support information management system (NJKiDS).
Conducts compliance and performance audits on a regularly scheduled basis as instructed.
Monitor and analyze case work and recommend changes to improve business practices.
Assists in collecting, analyzing and disseminating information from field visits, meetings, special projects, reviews and / or audits to appropriate parties and make recommendations for system or business process improvements.
Collect and/or maintain case statistics and generate status reports.
Monitors programs, projects, contracts or grants for compliance and performance based on current agency standards or state /federal regulatory requirements.
Assists in calculating, analyzing and interpreting descriptive statistical reports/information and interpret, design and prepare applicable charts, and graphs, with conclusions and recommendations.
Compiles data required for federal and state reports and disseminate as appropriate or required.
Cooperate with other agency staff to formulate operational policies and procedures to meet the requirements of federal and state regulation.
Consults with experienced CSP staff, information technology staff responsible for maintaining the automated child support system, and staff responsible for testing the system functionality to provide input in support of proper system performance.
Assists with the development of system use instructions/procedures for child support staff and agencies providing services to achieve an effective integration of services and avoid duplication of effort; identifies problem areas in the delivery, administration, implementation, or integration of program activities and cooperates in a mutual effort to resolve these problems.
Assists in developing appropriate programs and plans in effecting a complete review process for the child support program including judicial process in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Advise and consult with child support agencies, child support data users and established performance workgroups as well as associated service delivery workgroups impacting the child support program business processes and performance on the following topics:
a) federal and state laws and court rules and case laws and regulations appropriate to their areas of expertise or responsibility as they affect services; b) program policies and procedures appropriate to their area of expertise or responsibility; c) materials and recommendations they provided to or about system functionality, and d) delivery and maintenance of services and assistance.
Provides customer service through contact center activities and correspondence.
Explain child support program and case information and answers questions to callers.
Determine the status of customer or service complaints in accordance with establishes procedures and regulations to ensure the responses are made within the required timeframe.
Responds to inquiries and complaints from the general public, child support enforcing agencies outside state government, and others regarding child support processes and activities.
Assists with enforcement functions requiring research, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, written and phone communication and provide a high level of customer service.
Under direction of a supervisor, compiles documentation for legal proceedings. and provides input for recommendations on actions and appeal decisions.
Corrects discrepancies in records, accounts, evaluate refund or credit requests and recommends adjustments in client billings.
Recommends investigations of alleged inappropriate actions, possible fraud, or violations and apply established security procedures and guidelines.
Assists with the coordination of activities between the agency and other public and private organizations to maximize the effective and efficient utilization of resources.
Update and maintain the NJKiDS Other Party Table to ensure accuracy of data for employers, health care providers, insurers and financial institutions.
Review, research and validate NJKiDS child support data user requests and make recommendations as to resolution.
Under direction of a supervisor, conduct functional NJKiDS user acceptance testing.
Answer inquiries from NJKiDS child support data users; explains system functions and provides technical assistance in the use and application of system features which supports program operations.
Identifies NJKiDS functional and operational problems and make recommendations on problem resolution.
Monitors and reviews data inputs to analyze, identify errors or defects and develops recommendations for corrective or remedial action by supervisory personnel.
Prepare necessary reports, correspondence, and statistical material to carry out assigned tasks.
Assist with presentations at meetings, conference, and training sessions.
Process various types of correspondence and other routine written materials and determine appropriate disposition.
Maintain efficient, accurate and secure record keeping according to Department, State and/ or Federal regulations.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Five (5) years of professional experience in the analysis, development, implementation, coordination and/or monitoring of operating procedures and/or programs related to child support, child welfare, or probation in a social welfare, criminal justice, or other agency administering such programs.
OR
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a Master's degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, public administration, criminal justice, or social work.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE: Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the responsibilities, functions, and objectives applicable to child support programs.
Knowledge of the techniques used to review, evaluate and monitor operation procedures.
Knowledge of the techniques used to evaluate and interpret statistical and other forms of information/data.
Knowledge of the methods used to conduct studies and investigations.
Knowledge of problems likely to be encountered in the development and monitoring of child support programs.
Ability to interpret and apply information on federal programs, laws, rules, regulations, policies, standards and procedures applicable to the child support programs administered by the agency.
Ability to comprehend all applicable rules and standards regarding handling, use, safeguarding, disclosure and incident reporting of classified and confidential information including but not limited to Federal Tax Information (FTI), Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) data and program data.
Ability to define business process and work flow.
Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties.
Ability to effectively communicate with others.
Ability to maintain favorable public relations.
Ability to prepare and present clear, sound, accurate and comprehensive containing assessments, recommendations and findings in report and oral formats.
Ability to read, interpret, analyze and apply child support laws, rules, regulations and prescribed procedures and to interpret and apply them to specific situations.
Ability to evaluate and interpret statistical data and other forms of information.
Ability to develop and participate in the development of procedures and policies.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence using an automated system. Ability to maintain an efficient and secure filing system.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
