The first review of this posting will be July 29, 2024.The Crook County District Attorney’s Office represents the State of Oregon prosecuting adult and juvenile criminal cases and child support enforcement in Circuit Court. It is the mission of the Crook County District Attorney’s Office to seek justice, promote community safety, and uphold the law. We vigorously and impartially pursue this mission with fairness, integrity and honor and in a manner that promotes public trust in the criminal justice system and serves our community.Under the supervision of the District Attorney’s Office Manager, the Child Support Enforcement Agent independently performs and carries out a variety of duties of a more complex and proficient nature. This position is distinguished from other positions by the depth of skill, proficiency, and understanding of support issues and complex case actions. These duties may require interpretation of standard operating procedure variations and making routine job-related decisions in the absence of the District Attorney. This position applies in-depth technical knowledge of legal research methods, investigative procedures and legal instruments to assist with preparation of cases, pleadings and other legal processes. This position performs data entry and creates reports. In addition, this position performs a variety of fiscal duties, such as budget review and reports.The Child Support Enforcement Agent supervises and direction to the Legal Assistant (Child Support Specialist), to coordinate assignments, review work, to orient the Child Support Specialist to the work process, policies and procedures and to support the District Attorney office operations related to child support collection.Job Duties:This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general description of the positions’ scope and function. Must have ability to form and build good working relationships with co-workers, supervisor, and the public. Keeps current with trends and developments related to essential job competencies. Research, explain and apply laws, policies and procedure related to child support and to distinguish the type of enforcement action which is appropriate for the case. Ability to explain orally and in writing such laws, policies and procedures involved in child support cases. Determine and make decisions whether existing child support orders, health insurance orders or judgments are enforceable or if a new order or paternity establishment needs to occur and to recognize the type of legal action necessary to complete the action. Be familiar with established guidelines such as: Oregon Revised Statutes pertaining to child support; Code of Federal Regulations; Uniform Trial Court Rules; Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure; Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act; Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; United States Code; State and Federal bankruptcy laws, procedures and codes; Consumer Credit Protection Act; Oregon State Bar rules; Confidentiality policies; and Conflict of Interest policies.Perform duties required to manage assigned cases including research on technical issues to answer questions about child support, program policy, procedures and statutes.Prepare cases for e-filing to the Oregon Administrative Hearings panel and to participate in judicial or administrative hearings to represent the District Attorney’s office on child support related cases and to be able to explain the actions taken at the hearing. Select cases and review work for accuracy, completeness and proper format. Analyze training needs of the Child Support Specialist and assist in implementation to improve office operations and case management procedures for effective collection outcomes. Interview parties by phone or in person to gather information and gain cooperation to establish and enforce paternity and support orders and to negotiate enforcement of orders based on federal and State rules, laws, regulations and office policies and directions. Review the Child Support Program database of cases for maintenance and updates as appropriate. Identify cases needing a support order by reviewing case documentation and ability to pay, completing legal forms, gathering income information and performing support calculations. Request, review and evaluate paternity affidavits for accuracy and information necessary to initiate an action, including obtaining sworn statements and complete legal documents to establish paternity orders. If a modification request is received, decide the type of modification process needed and identify the forms necessary to modify the order. Prepare forms for service as appropriate. Assess the ability to pay child support and the availability of health insurance by analyzing financial records for collection potential and deciding on initiation of the appropriate collection method. Contact the obligated parent to decide on ability to pay or appropriateness of a contempt, criminal nonsupport or other legal action. Perform fiscal duties regarding the preparation of the Federal budget for review by the District Attorney, submit quarterly reimbursement reports within deadlines, prepare for sub-recipient audit visits and reviews, and maintain required budget and fiscal documents per Federal and State criteria. Read and interpret court child support orders and order modifications to assure that money is applied to the correct case and take necessary actions by reviewing the cases with other support agents, attorneys, other states and obligated parents to reconcile the account balances. Review documents for credit and debit satisfactions and adjust the case. Audit cases by requesting information and completing an initial accounting for review with the Financial Services Unit accountant for resolution of any discrepancy. Analyze account accruals and distribution to verify proper distribution of monies to the case. Testify at judicial and administrative hearings. Investigate non-custodial parents’ assets, employment and availability of health insurance to decide ability to pay. Gather wage information from the parties to the support case, computer sources, administrative subpoena and Oregon Wage Guide. Upon receipt of a hearing request, prepare the case for hearing by scheduling depositions, obtaining financial or medical records, developing witness lists, and coordinating the appearance of witnesses. Conduct interviews to gather information and gain cooperation to establish and enforce paternity and child support orders. Review cases with attorneys, other states, as well as custodial and non-custodial parents. Take the necessary action to bring accounts into balance. Review information documentation for credit and debit satisfactions to adjust the case or audit case by requesting information, completing an accounting, applying complex rules and laws and providing a final report of the audit results.Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:Ability to maintain technical knowledge relating to changes in support laws, rules and procedures. Confidentiality/Conflict of Interest policies apply to all duties performed. Ability to research, understand, explain, and apply federal and state laws and policies and procedures related to child support and to distinguish the type of enforcement action which is appropriate for the case. Ability to explain orally and in writing such laws, policies and procedures involved in child support cases. Ability to determine and make decisions whether existing child support orders, health insurance orders or judgments are enforceable or if a new order or paternity establishment needs to occur and to recognize the type of legal action necessary to complete the action. Be familiar with established guidelines such as: Oregon Revised Statutes pertaining to child support; Code of Federal Regulations; Uniform Trial Court Rules; Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure; Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act; Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; United States Code; State and Federal bankruptcy laws, procedures and codes; Consumer Credit Protection Act; Oregon State Bar rules; Confidentiality policies; and Conflict of Interest policies. Must have professional verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with people who have a variety of communication skill levels. Ability to independently and as a team to complete assignments timely, even when faced with frequent interruptions and changes to rules, policies, forms and procedures. Ability to operate a computer keyboard with repetitive and constant finger and wrist movements for long periods at a time in an environment where speed and accuracy are essential. Ability to manage a large computerized caseload through work done by understanding and interpreting multiple computer program screens (often for long periods of time). Ability to change quickly from one type of screen to another by accessing the program data base and case type, coordinating the data, and recalling the differences and similarities for application to the case. Duties include extensive file maintenance, proofreading skills, accurate tracking of documents and deadlines, attention to detail, and calendaring. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with attorneys, county staff, court, Department of Child Support (DCS) personnel, other personnel, and a wide variety of individuals experiencing a wide variety of emotions. Due to the public nature of the agency, an incumbent in this position should always comport himself/herself in an honest manner and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession including respecting the confidential nature of information and records. Promote the goals and priorities of the DA Office, act in an honest manner and uphold the ethical standards of the District Attorney’s Office, including respecting the confidential nature of information and records. Testify in court for child support hearingsMinimum Qualifications:Education-high school degree or equivalent. Certification as a Paralegal.Minimum 2 years’ experience in a legal environment or any combination of experience, education and training may be substituted as deemed appropriate.Possession or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of hire date. Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) and CJIS certification from the State of Oregon within six months of hire. Must have Notary Certification or be able to complete within 90 days of employment. Prior to or by date of hire: Able to complete a thorough employment and criminal history check, including a drug screening Final candidates will be required to provide official proof of college degree and certified transcripts (not required for all positions).Position Details:The duties outlined in this job description are not all inclusive and additional duties and tasks will be assigned as required. Work location is 300 NE Third St., Prineville, OR Fair Labor Standards Classification: Exempt Crook County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is ‘at-will’, and either Crook County or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause. Please apply online with Crook County at: https://crook-county.hiringthing.com/job/826621/child-support-enforcement-agent?s=cl
