Child Support Agent II

County of Davidson; Thomasville (NC); On-site; USD 28,516 - 36,354; Full time

Job summary

The County of Davidson in Thomasville seeks a Child Support Agent responsible for investigating and preparing child support cases. This role requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to collaborate with attorneys in court settings.

A successful candidate will possess a thorough understanding of child support enforcement programs and excellent communication abilities, along with the relevant educational background or experience. Join us in ensuring the establishment and enforcement of child support orders.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree or relevant investigative, judiciary, or legal experience.
• Skills in negotiation and case preparation for court.
• Ability to manage child support cases and financial documentation.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and prepare child support cases.
• Track witnesses and manage court payments.
• Assist the attorney and testify in court as required.
• Enforce and establish child support orders.
• Monitor financial accounts and prepare case documentation.

Skills

Child Support Enforcement Program knowledge

Interviewing skills

Communication skills

ACTS system knowledge

Computer skills

Education

Four-year degree or relevant experience

Associate’s degree in related field

High school graduate with relevant experience

Job description

Salary

$20.70 - $26.39 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

Position Overview

The Position investigates and prepares cases (for the attorney) and determines the course of action, tracks witnesses and determines their credibility, assists the attorney in the courtroom in presenting the case and reviewing evidence, negotiates agreement with the absent parent, and testifies in court as required. In monitoring court-ordered payments, the agent determines what action to take when the absent parent is in arrears, negotiates out of court, takes to court, wage garnishments. The Position is responsible for the establishment and enforcement of child support orders and has control and responsibility for the financial management and accounting of these support orders. The Position performs duties and responsibilities with considerable independent judgment under the regular supervision of the Child Support Supervisor II.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and prepare child support cases.
• Determine course of action and track witnesses and their credibility.
• Assist the attorney in the courtroom with presenting the case and reviewing evidence.
• Negotiate agreements with absent parents and testify in court as needed.
• Monitor court‑ordered payments and decide appropriate actions for arrears (out‑of‑court settlement, court action, wage garnishment).
• Establish, enforce, and financially manage child support orders using ACTS.
• Perform intake duties (client interviews, explain program, open cases in ACTS).
• Verify non‑custodial parent information and assess paternity issues.
• Generate and file necessary forms and documents.
• Explain paternity and support responsibilities to clients and advise their options.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies or determine actions when needed.
• Meet with non‑custodial parents to obtain Voluntary Support Agreements (VSA), and file Civil Complaints and Summons when agreements are not obtained.
• Prepare case documentation for court hearings and collaborate with the Child Support Attorney.
• Negotiate prospective payment plans and obligations with non‑custodial parents and their attorneys.
• Set up financial terms, monitor and reconcile accounts in ACTS, and ensure proper distribution of funds.
• Maintain current case information and identify circumstances for order changes.
• Adhere to state, federal, county, and department policies, rules, and regulations.
• Perform mandatory emergency shelter duty when required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the Child Support Enforcement Program and applicable legal procedures.
• Good knowledge of court proceedings and investigative techniques.
• Considerable ability to interview clients, absent parents, and other sources politely and effectively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to interact with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to explain collection distributions to clients.
• Thorough knowledge of the ACTS system and its technical, financial, and other operations.
• Excellent computer and math skills.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and summarize case information.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with clients, absent parents, court officials, sheriff, and attorneys.
• Ability to remain positive and professional when faced with difficult situations.
• Adherence to policies, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to perform mandatory emergency shelter duty if required.

Physical Requirements

• Perform basic life operational support functions: kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Lift up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, or negligible force constantly.
• Maintain close visual acuity for data analysis, accounting, transcription, and extensive reading on the computer.
• Work in a typical office environment with occasional exposure to hostile or volatile clients.
• Contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids during duties.

Education and Experience

• Four‑year degree and six months of eligibility, investigative, judiciary, or legal experience.
• Or associate’s degree in business administration, human resources, law enforcement, or related field and two years of eligibility, investigative, judiciary, or legal experience.
• Or high‑school graduate and three years of eligibility, investigative, judiciary, or legal experience.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Driver License.
• Preference for NC Child Support and ACTS experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.