Caseworker - Child Support

SALARY: $1,761.92 Bi-weekly

Incumbent serves as Case Worker for the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office, Child Support division, responsible for establishing and/or enforcing child support.

Interviews custodial parents to establish/open case files as assigned, including gathering information, determining eligibility for assistance, completing/copying/filing forms, and answering questions, explaining policies and procedures, and entering data on computer.

Receives and processes various cases, such as Foster Care, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, and referrals from Indiana Client Eligibility System (ICES), including obtaining and researching ISETS (Indiana Support Enforcement Tracking System), TANF, and error reports ensuring proper data entry and updating of related records.

Researches case files to determine appropriate actions, including, but not limited to, identifying and locating individuals, processing postal, insurance, and employment verifications, and preparing and/or composing petitions for legal proceedings, such as Petitions to Establish Paternity, Petitions to Establish Support, Petitions for Modifications, Petitions to Determine Arrears, Petitions for Contempt, Petitions for Change of Payee, Summonses, Appearance Forms, Do Not Disclose Forms, Hearing Request Forms, Status Reports to the Court, Motions to Clarify, and/or any other pleadings as requested or needed by Attorney.

Monitors accuracy of ISETS child support balances for assigned cases and makes adjustments as appropriate. Calculates child support arrearages and issues Income Withholding Orders. Monitors State and Federal income tax offset refund program, including reviewing computer records, calculation of arrearages, and adjustment of balances. Monitors reporting to Credit Bureau Agency to make determination of driver's license revocations, other license suspensions, and placement of liens on motor vehicles. Monitors seizure of passports, unemployment and Worker's Compensation benefits, and other assets.

Processes applications for Title IV-D services, such as conducting paternity and support investigation procedures, including scheduling appointments for DNA testing, collecting DNA samples and ensuring evidentiary chain of command, and forwarding DNA samples to DNA diagnostic laboratories as required. Receives and prepares DNA results for filing with the Court and distribution to interested parties.

Exchanges information and maintains frequent communication with personnel and officials from various Federal, State, and local government/regulatory agencies to coordinate child support collections and enforcement.

Communicates regularly with custodial and non-custodial parents, employers, and other agencies, responding to inquiries and complaints, as appropriate, providing information to the general public regarding office procedures and applying for Title IV-D services.

Provides training to interns and assists co-workers on office procedures and case processing procedures.

Researches and interprets out- of- state laws and procedures using Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) guidelines to request, receive, and/or provide pertinent information by paper, email, phone, and/or CSENET (Child Support Enforcement Network). Coordinates efforts between Title IV-D Offices, determining jurisdiction and emancipation for interstate cases. Registers Foreign Support Orders for enforcement and/or modification in the State of Indiana, including administrative and judicial orders, and establishing paternity and support orders on behalf of other states.

Ensures correction of misapplied funds to non-custodial parent, custodial parent, and the State of Indiana, investigating State overpayments.

Maintains confidentiality procedures as mandated by State and Federal Government. Complies with IRS (Internal Revenue Service) guidelines.

Reviews files for completeness and accuracy. Downloads and works a variety of performance reports as assigned.

Performs duties of Receptionist in his/her absence or as assigned.

May fill in and/or complete the tasks assigned to other employees during their absences or to expedite the flow or completion of assignments.

Participates on special projects as requested.

Performs related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED, with previous paralegal training and/or experience preferred.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Working knowledge of department and standard office policies and procedures, County court system, and state and federal child support guidelines, and ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks and operations.

Knowledge of and ability to operate basic computer programs used by the department, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft OneNote, ICES, ISETS, BMV, Quest, Courtview, Panoptic, QUICK, Docuware, Intergovernmental Reference Guide, Odyssey, DoxPop, CSB website, and internet websites relating to job duties and functions as needed.

Knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to download and work a variety of performance reports as assigned.

Knowledge of basic filing systems and ability to create and maintain accurate and complete department files and records.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County and State child support departments, Family and Social Services Administration, law enforcement agencies, custodial and non-custodial parents, attorneys, testing laboratories, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities, and diffusing volatile situations while remaining calm.

Ability to type with speed and accuracy, and properly operate a variety of standard office equipment, including computer, calculator, fax machine, copier, scanner, and multi-line telephone.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to State and Federal requirements and internal policies and procedures.

Ability to compare or observe similarities and differences in data, compile, analyze and evaluate data, investigate complaints, and make determinations based on data analyses.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.

Ability to apply knowledge of people and/or locations, plan and layout assigned work projects, and perform mathematical calculations.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment.

Ability to work rapidly for long periods, work on several tasks at the same time and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions, often under time pressure.

Ability to perform duties of Receptionist in his/her absence, or as assigned.

Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend, and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town for training, sometimes overnight.

Possession of a valid Indiana driver's license and a demonstrated safe driving record.

Incumbent performs standard, recurring duties according to well-established department policies and procedures and legal requirements, with work priorities determined primarily by mandated deadlines and service needs of the public. Incumbent receives indirect supervision, with work periodically reviewed for compliance with legal requirements and department policy. Errors in work are usually prevented through legally defined procedures and are detected through notification from other departments, agencies or clients. Undetected errors may result in loss of time for correction and/or loss of money to other agencies or clients.

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, employers, other County and State child support departments, Family and Social Services Administration, law enforcement agencies, custodial and non-custodial parents, attorneys, testing laboratories, and the public for purposes of exchanging information, explaining/interpreting policies and procedures, and coordinating case action.

Incumbent reports directly to Prosecutor.

Incumbent performs a majority of duties in a standard office environment involving, sitting/walking at will, hearing sounds/communication, close vision, speaking clearly, lifting/carrying objects weighing less than 25 pounds, reaching, bending, and handling/grasping/fingering objects. Incumbent may be exposed to distraught and/or potentially violent/hostile individuals. Safety precautions must be followed at all times to prevent injury to self or others. Incumbent occasionally travels out of town for training, sometimes overnight.