Director of Child Support Services

Summary

DEFINITION

This position operates under the policy direction from the Board of Supervisors and administrative direction from the Chief Administrative Officer. The incumbent is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing the programs and activities of the Department of Child Support Services. This includes directing investigative and legal services related to child support programs, as well as establishing, processing, and enforcing child support obligations. The incumbent fosters community engagement and support to help achieve the goals of the State Department of Child Support Services, ensures program compliance with State and Federal regulations, and performs related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the Chief Administrative Officer. Exercises general direction and supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is an at-will department head position that oversees and directs all activities of the Child Support Services Department, including short and long-term planning as well as development and administration of all departmental policies, procedures, and services. The Incumbent evaluates organizational strategies, provides executive oversight relative to department operations, and utilizes resources in achievement of department goals and objectives.

Essential Job Functions

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within County policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs assigned staff; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department’s service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and County needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures;
• Monitors developments in legislation related to child support services matters, evaluates their impact upon County operations, and recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements.
• Directs staff in the planning, coordination, and implementation of the countywide child support program, including establishment of paternity and court orders for child support, performance of enforcement activities, collection and distribution of child support to custodial parents, and investigation and referral of cases for criminal prosecution for willful non-payment of support.
• Oversees the development, review, establishment, and implementation of operational policies, procedures, and practices, including the formulation and evaluation of performance measures and long-range strategic plans, and ensure program conformance to federal and state child support laws, regulations, and court decisions.
• Confers with the State Department of Child Support Services regarding budget, child support computer applications, policies and legislation.
• Attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and advises the Board on technical and policy matters.
• Prepares reports and make presentations to the public and the media, including promoting awareness of the Department’s programs and services.
• Confers with other departments and agencies regarding cooperation and assistance on matters of mutual concern.
• Develops and prepares the Department’s annual budget and supervises the expenditure of funds.
• Plans and supervises the selection, training, discipline, and evaluation of personnel.
• Attends various meetings and conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.

• Applicable administrative federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to the administration of child support enforcement programs and the collection and enforcement of child support payments.

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of family support law and legal procedures to people from various socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.
• Public agency budget development, contract administration, and county-wide administrative practices related to the functions assigned.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Department of Child Support Services and the County.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Work effectively under stress and in urgent situations.
• Comprehend complex contracting, organizational, financial and related problems and objectives and develop and execute appropriate plans to the benefit of the County.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective staff reports.
• Effectively represent the department and County in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances and County policies and procedures relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Accounting, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field; and

Five (5) years professional administrative management experience in a social services agency, including three (3) years of supervisory experience. Knowledge of federal and state funding requirements highly desired.

Certifications and Licenses:

• A position assigned to this class may require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 30 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.