Caseworker

The Houghton County Friend of the Court Office is accepting applications for a full-time Caseworker position. This position is a T-06 Union Position.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Friend of the Court, the candidate for this position will perform varied secretarial and support functions for the Friend of the Court and other Friend of the Court staff. The candidate will be responsible for the processing of Friend of the Court domestic relations files. Activities include preparing and processing legal documents, typing, and generating petitions, orders, correspondence, maintaining case files, and providing general secretarial support. The candidate will provide receptionist services, answer questions, and direct calls as needed and will contact clients, employers, or attorneys to obtain necessary background information and respond to inquiries related to general domestic relations questions.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND CLASSIFICATIONS

Education: High school graduation or equivalent.

Experience: Prefer two years of secretarial experience in a legal setting providing knowledge of legal terminology and Court procedures. Prefer experience with computer systems similar to that used in an office including but not limited to, Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Google Calendar, Teams and others. Prefer employee with training on the MI Child Support Enforcement computer software. Applicant must be able to type at least 60 WPM, have basic bookkeeping experience, good communication skills, ability to handle difficult situations and/or clients, and the ability to utilize a standard telephone system for communications.

Applicant must possess a valid Michigan drives license and be able to travel for meeting and trainings, if needed.

Successful candidate must pass a criminal history background check.

Successful candidate must pass a typing and clerical test.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

· Extensive computer skills are needed for case identification, tracking, monitoring and generating appropriate documents in the Michigan Child Support Enforcement System (MiCSES).

· Inputs data into MiCSES relative to the filing of petitions and motions for modification, orders to show cause, etc. Circulates documents to the appropriate offices (Court, Clerk, etc.), parties, and their attorneys of record.

· Enter case information into computer, files documents and closes cases. Processes pleadings submitted by attorneys, the Family Support Division, and in pro per documents. Files documents with the Court, as needed, and continually updates files.

· Contacts attorneys for missing information, etc. If necessary, reschedules and follow-ups to determine completion.

· Assists with and serves as backup to the daily flow/distribution position processing/balancing previous days payments receipted.

· Daily maintenance and processing of alerts on case load and system monitoring tools.

· Enter and process abatements, emancipations, order modifications, income withholding orders, account adjustments and refunds.

· Assembles financial and other data, prepares records/reports to MSHDA, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services and Social Security Administration.

· Ability to prioritize tasks. Performs secretarial supports tasks, such as typing, faxing, copying, filing, and banking.

· Processes incoming and outgoing mail.

· Ability to take dictation and prepare documents under time constraints.

· Maintain a professional telephone demeanor while handling multiple calls, including the ability to provide the appropriate information and/or referral in the areas of child custody, parenting time and child support issues.

· Provide direct face-to- face contact with clients at the office window, demonstrated the ability to provide accurate and immediate information related to child support, custody and parenting time issues to the client’s satisfaction.

· Initial case entry of individuals and accounts.

· Case management of approximately 800 cases.

· Case maintenance such as locating clients and employers, auditing, accounting, adjustments, calculations, and support recommendations.

· Intergovernmental assistance on case load such as responding to requests and providing status updates, statement copies, etc.

· Cross training in the ability to assist in all other job duties and functions.

· Maintain the highest standard of confidentiality, including successfully passing a state required security and confidentiality exam.

· Attend workshops, conferences, and online training, as needed, to maintain professional competency.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Light lifting required, with the ability to climb a ladder.

Working conditions: Office setting. Exposure to individuals who may be upset/angry, including individuals who may use offensive language and be very difficult to work with.

Please note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed.

Applicants who do not submit a resume and a Houghton County Employment application (https://www.houghtoncounty.net/docs/employment_application.pdf) , will NOT be considered for this position.

Applications will be accepted until January 29, 2025.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.48 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18