Friend of the Court Caseworker

CLARE COUNTY, HARRISON, MICHIGAN
FOC CASEWORKER: JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL SUMMARY
The primary function of this job is to conduct investigations, make recommendations to the court, and enforce court orders regarding child custody, parenting time, support. Employees must meet the minimum requirements, conditions of employment, and be able to perform successfully all essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include, but are not limited to)

• Manages caseload, which involves reviewing complaints and related records.
• Communicate and coordinates with external agencies.
• Reviews, analyzes, and makes determinations related to modifications for child support.
• Records FOC hearings and prepares orders after hearing for review by FOC.
• Communicates with parents and may facilitate meetings to help resolve or de-escalate conflict.
• Enforces court orders regarding child custody, support, and parenting time for assigned caseload.
• Prepares and revises modifications to court orders.
• Prepares comprehensive written recommendations and reports related to cases.
• Participates in/on a variety of meetings, professional development groups, organizations, and/or other related groups.
• Process court fillings/documents, prepare notices/orders, general court office responsibilities.

EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE (minimum requirements)

• Bachelor’s Degree is required

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (legal or contractual pre-employment requirements) such as drug testing, background check, etc.)

• A background check will be required initially/periodically for an individual hired for this job.
• Appointment to or continued employment in this job is contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include, but is not limited to: confirmation of a persons’ identity; review of criminal conviction records; verification of educational degree, license, or certificate required for the position;

Department of Justice fingerprint scan; and/or drug and alcohol testing as required and allowable by law.

• A satisfactory background check is defined as the absence of a criminal history record which bears a demonstrable relationship to the applicant's or employee's suitability to perform the required duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Must complete and become certified as a Certified Electronic Operator (CEO) within the first year of employment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

• Considerable independent judgment, personal discretion, and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances, and to make decisions in major areas where there may be uncertainty in approach, methodology, and interpretation.
• Errors could cause serious, long term consequences

This job involves conducting investigations, mediating between parties, as well as recommending and enforcing court orders.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Work is primarily performed in an office or indoor environment
• May be required to reach with hands and arms; sit; stand; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel
• May be required to lift/move up to 50 pounds (such as a box of paper)
• May be exposed to infectious diseases and/or criminal suspects or prison inmates

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, COMPETENCIES (minimum requirements)

• Skill in mediating issues with parties and their family members.
• Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, etc.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies.
• Knowledge of applicable subject areas (Child Custody Act, child support guidelines, etc.), as well as relevant court terminology, processes, and procedures
• Knowledge and ability to use a personal computer to prepare reports, maintain records, search for and compile data (such as MICSES, Business Objects, Data Warehouse, Credit Bureau, etc.)
• Skill in operation of modern office equipment such as personal computer, facsimile, copiers, scanners and telephones
• Skill in researching and resolving problems in order to ensure compliance with court orders and agreements between parties
• Ability to effectively manage a high volume of cases
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions
• Ability to assess and provide guidance within area of specialized knowledge
• Ability to analyze and evaluate client financial status
• Ability to interpret and explain policies, processes, regulations, and applicable laws within area of expertise in layman’s terms
• Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment
• Ability to display tact, emotional stability and patience while dealing with distressed individuals and to make immediate decisions in difficult and/or emergency situations
• Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity
• Ability to facilitate meetings effectively and efficiently
• Ability to effectively assess and guide both individuals and their families in their area of expertise
• Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job
• Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently.

SALARY INFORMATION (union contract position)

• Starting wage is $20.98 per hour, working 37.5 hours per week
• Wage increases yearly at year 1, 2, 3, and 4
• Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS)
• Holiday, personal, vacation, and sick pay per union contract

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: From $20.98 per hour

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21