Child Support Agent II - Establishment

Salary : $45,228.00 Annually

Location : Nashville, NC

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 2025-00001

Department : Department of Social Services

Opening Date : 01 / 09 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

General Statement of Duties

A. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Child Support Unit is responsible for locating non-custodial parents,

establishing paternity and / or support orders and medical orders, enforcing

compliance with existing orders and collecting and distribution of child support in

IV-D cases. In addition, the Unit is responsible for reviewing existing orders every

three years and taking action for modifications, if appropriate.

B. Primary Purpose of Position

The Establishment Agent performs investigative work for Child Support

establishment purposes. Employee is responsible for the establishment of new

paternity and support orders. Agent has control and responsibility for the financial

management and accounting of these support orders. In monitoring cases, the

employee investigates what action to take when court order is in need of

modification to meet current guidelines. Activities that must have the sanction of

an Attorney are reviewed by the IV -D Attorney but the Agent is responsible for

most of the actual preparation, investigation and negotiation required in each case.

Considerable independent judgment is exercised in applying appropriate rules,

regulations and laws to specific cases.

C. Work Schedule

This position is full time and the standard work week is 8 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm.

Monday through Friday (for a total of 40 hours). Flexibility and / or overtime may

be required to court schedules and workload demands. In the event that it

becomes necessary to work beyond the regularly scheduled hours, compensatory

time is given.

Essential Duties and Tasks

Overall responsibility is to provide in-depth investigations to establish and / or

modify court orders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

INTAKE

Provides child support services to TANF and NON-TANF Clients.

Interview client to explain child support services, program and laws

regarding location, paternity, support, enforcement and medical support.

TANF applicants are interviewed when they make the TANF application.

Build case or update and assess information to ensure ACTS opens case at

the appropriate service level.

Advise client on the importance of legally establishing paternity for

children born out of wedlock.

Interview and advise the non-custodial parent regarding his / her

responsibility for dependent children.

Agent must make appropriate verifications and gather updated information

that would affect child support guidelines, worksheets and other provisions

of a court order.

Agent may be able to settle matters by consent of all parties. If not, the

agent may need to initiate legal action of a court hearing. Agent would

generate appropriate legal pleadings, gather evidence and subpoena all

witnesses as needed.

The agent must explain to the non-custodial parent the laws and

procedures regarding paternity and child support establishment, medical

insurance for dependent children and the various remedies available

through voluntary agreements and court actions.

ESTABLISH PATERNITY

The agent must review the case to see if paternity is at issue in the case. If

so, the agent must investigate the most appropriate means to establish

paternity. This could be done voluntarily or may require genetic tests

and / or court action. The agent generates the appropriate forms from

ACTS and reviews for completeness and accuracy. The agent must obtain

signatures from the client, non-custodial parent and notary. If paternity is

established by the Affidavit of Parentage, the agent sees that the affidavit

is forwarded to the Vital Registrar in Raleigh. If paternity is to be

established by a court order and the agent refers the order to the IV-D

Attorney to review and then refers it for a Judge's signature. It is the

agent's responsibility to see that the order is properly filed with the Clerk

of Court's office.

Interview and advise the client and non-custodial parent regarding

responsibility for dependent child.

Assess individual cases and determine appropriate action to establish

paternity within state and federal mandated time frames.

Schedule appointments for interviews, genetic testing and court dates

when appropriate.

When the non-custodial parent voluntarily admits paternity, the agent

must see that the necessary legal documents (Affidavit of Parentage) are

prepared and completed through ACTS.

If the non-custodial parent requests genetic testing, the agent arranges

the testing and prepares the appropriate paperwork for the testing.

If the non-custodial parent does not keep the appointment or fails to

agree to any of the terms of the voluntary process for paternity, the agent

must proceed with appropriate litigation.

ESTABLISH SUPPORT

Interview the client and non-custodial parent to determine income,

expenses, medical insurance availability and responsibility for other

children.

The agent must verify income and expenses of all parties involved prior to

completing the child support worksheet.

Agent prepares legal documents, provides in-depth case investigation

including documentation of past paid public assistance, employment

verification, calculation of support guideline worksheet, determination of

prior maintenance and availability of medical insurance.

The agent must utilize the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines to

determine the support amount.

If the non-custodial parent agrees to the support amount, the agent will

proceed with the completion of the Voluntary Support Agreement (VSA).

It is the agent's responsibility to see that the VSA is signed by the noncustodial,

notary, IV-D Attorney and a Judge and properly filed with the

Clerk of Court's office.

If the non-custodial parent does not keep the appointment or fails to

agree to any terms of the voluntary process for child support then the

agent must proceed with court action by generating and filing the legal

appropriate legal documents.

Once support is established, the agent must implement income

withholding through the non-custodial parent's source of income.

The agent must contact and coordinate with the non-custodial parent's

employer's plan administrator to obtain a valid medical support order or a

Qualified Medical Support Order to ensure the dependent child / children

have medical coverage.

The agent must verify that medical insurance has been obtained through

the employer.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Control and responsibility for the financial management and accounting of

the child support orders

Entry of financial terms of initial court orders and modifications subsequent

to the issuance of the original order

Analysis, reconciliation and reviews of financial history in cases which may

result in complex adjustments

Certification of arrears for court, obligors, obligees or other agencies upon

request.

Monitor and reconcile accounts and subaccounts in ACTS to ensure the

distribution to the appropriate party, accounts include but are not limited

to non-public assistance clients, other state agencies, and / or

reimbursement to the Department of Social Services for Unreimbursed

Public Assistance (URPA)

CASE MAINTENANCE

Document ACTS regarding all activities taken on a case.

Update ACTS with any changes, such as employer, addresses, name, etc

ACTS has numerous automatic interfaces and generates daily work lists

regarding information found. The agent must investigate this information

for correctness, analyze the information and determine what steps need to

be taken regarding the information received. The appropriate action will

range from routine to extremely complex, challenging circumstances which

may affect multiple cases and require court action or require complex

financial adjustments.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Agent communicates routinely with clients, non-custodial parents and

employers about the child support process.

Agent must have thorough knowledge of all aspects of services and be able

to explain the distribution of collections to clientele.

Agent works closely with Sheriff's Offices for service of process.

Agent works closely with Clerk of Court personnel.

Agent must have excellent communications skills to listen and converse

with people of diverse backgrounds

Agent must maintain a professional relationship with local resources such

as employers, Postal Services, Employment Security Commission, Social

Security Administration and Probation / Parole to ensure cooperation.

Courtesy, tact and firmness are required in dealing with clients, noncustodial

parents, Offices of Clerk of Court, Magistrates, Sheriffs, Judges

and other entities.

COURT ACTIVITY

Court preparation of cases for modification, including court fact sheets,

issuance of subpoenas and other evidence required for hearings. Includes

last minute updates on the arrearages and the payments received.

Review each court case with IV-D Attorney prior to the court date.

Assist IV-D Attorney in presentation of cases in the courtroom

Testify in court when it is required on a case.

Negotiate with the non-custodial parent and / or their attorney.

Make accurate notes of orders and information needed from court docket

maintenance.

Remain conscious of client's requests, county / state interest and priorities.

As issues arise, ensure these considerations are addressed by the attorney

and the court.

AMENDMENTS OF COURT ORDERS

This includes adding additional children to existing court orders

Agent must possess knowledge and legal expertise to take appropriate

actions.

Agent must make appropriate verifications and gather updated information

that would affect child support guideline worksheets and other provisions

of a court order.

Agent may be able to settle matters by consent of all parties, if not the

agent will need to initiate legal action for a court hearing. Agent generates

appropriate legal pleadings, gather evidence and subpoena witnesses.

LOCATION

The agent must investigate the location and employment of the noncustodial

parent using all available sources.

ACTS has numerous automatic interfaces and generates daily work lists

regarding any information found.

Agent must analyze the information and determine which of several steps

to follow.

Agent must assess the case and make appropriate referrals to the State and

Federal location resources.

OTHER

This employee will be expected to work in emergency shelters and / or

perform related disaster tasks.

Performs other reasonable tasks requested by his / her supervisor.

III. OTHER POSITION CHARACTERISTICS

1. Accuracy Required in Work :

The legal actions, court related duties and financial case management require

the highest degree of accuracy from Child Support Agents. It is absolutely

essential that cases are processed accurately, court orders interpreted

correctly and exact information must be entered in appropriate fields of ACTS.

An in-depth understanding of the complex ACTS system is required to ensure

that correct information goes in and out of the system.

2. Consequences of Error :

Inaccurate evidence presented to the court could cause the Judge to the rule

against the agency and our client. It is vital that all sources of information are

checked for accuracy and that all information is verified before it is submitted

as evidence in court. Inaccurate information could subject the individual or

Agency to a lawsuit. The Unit's credibility with the Court could be affected if

we develop a reputation of making errors.

3. Instructions Provided to Employee :

The worker is trained in policy and procedures related to the Child Support

Program. Instruction is given in relation to the ACTS system. The agents have

the on-line manual available through the ACTS system, with access to Help

Messages and the ACTS Help Desk. Verbal and written instructions are

provided by the Supervisors. Other sources include the Regional Consultant,

IV-D Attorney and training by the Central Office. A high degree of independent

decision making is necessary for the employee to manage a caseload.

4. Guides, Regulations, Policies and References Used by Employee :

North Carolina Child Support Manual, available on-line through the ACTS

system

North Carolina General Statutes

IV-D Attorney

Written instructions from the Supervisors

Agency Personnel Handbook

5. Supervision Received by the Employee :

Worker is expected to function independently in management of caseload once

they are trained. Staff meetings are held to inform workers in changes in

program policy and changes to the ACTS system. Individual conferences are

held along with yearly evaluations. When questions arise regarding problem

cases, the worker reports to the supervisor for possible solutions.

6. Variety and Purpose of Personal Contacts :

The agent interacts with custodial and non-custodial parents in order to

perform the job duties. The agent also has contact with court personnel,

attorneys, and sheriff's departments. There is also contact with employers,

insurance companies, Social Security Administration, Housing Authority, and

other county, state and federal agencies. During each communication, the

agent must be professional to maintain the integrity of the program and

represent the Agency. The agent must ensure that the county and state's

interest and priorities are properly represented.

7. Physical Effort :

Ability to be mobile to attend court and to carry records, documents and

supplies needed for court. Must have ability to gather and organize

information by computer, telephone and mail necessary to process casework.

8. Work Environment and Conditions :

Work is performed in a county social services agency located in the County

Administration Building. Staff has private offices to maintain case

confidentiality. Each work station has a desk top printer. As child support is

often an emotionally distressing issue, considerable anger is demonstrated

often through verbal communication and can be demonstrated physically. The

local police department and sheriff's department are located in close proximity

to the County Administration Bu9ilding and can be easily contacted.

9. Machines, Tools, Instruments, Equipment and Materials Used :

Personal computer, calculator, copier, printer, telephone and paper shredder

10. Visual Attention, Mental Concentration and Manipulative Skills :

High level is required in all areas.

11. Safety for Others :

Agents must be able to skillfully control interviews and be able to diffuse

potential volatile situations. This will prevent office personnel from being

exposed to possible violent attacks. Staff has been instructed to call the Police

Department if a situation seems to be developing that could endanger staff.

Clients and children may be subjected to domestic violence as a result of legal

actions taken by the Unit. Staff must be alert to refer clients to the Court

System and / or the Eligibility Unit if they want to claim 'Good Cause' for not

cooperating with the Child Support Unit.

12. Dynamics of Work :

Processing cases within the timeframes and keeping up with the constantly

changing State and Federal regulations as well as continual changes in the ACTS

system and its interfaces.

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the Child Support Enforcement Program and applicable

legal procedures : Considerable ability to interview clients, non-custodial

parents and related sources and to investigate cases; considerable ability to

• organize, analyze and summarize case information; intermediate math skills;

ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and

non-custodial parents, location sources, offices of the Clerks of Court, Judges,

private attorneys, Sheriffs and other court officials.

Desirable Education and Experience

Current Child Support experience preferred.

Graduation from high school and three years of experience in eligibility,

investigative, judiciary, or legal work that provides the knowledge, skills,

and abilities needed to perform the work; or an associate degree in business

administration, human resources, law enforcement or closely related

degree and two years of experience in eligibility, investigative, judiciary, or

legal work that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to

perform the work; or a four year degree and six months experience in

eligibility, investigative, judiciary, or legal work that provides the

knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the work; or an

equivalent combination of education and experience.

INSURANCE PROGRAMS

Group Health Insurance

Nash County provides full time and part-time benefit eligible employees working 30 plus hours per week with Health Insurance coverage with the North Carolina State Health Plan

Included in each selection is :

Health Insurance may become effective for employees the first day of the month following employment.

Group Dental Insurance

Nash County provides full-time and part-time regular employees working 30 plus hours per week. Dental Insurance becomes effective for employees the first day of the month following the 30th day of employment.

Group Life Insurance

Nash County provides term Life Insurance for full-time and part-time regular employees working 30 or more hours per week.

Life insurance is paid for you by Nash County and pays your beneficiary one time your annual salary not to exceed $200,000 in the event of your death. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is also provided.

Life Insurance becomes effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Voluntary supplemental term life insurance coverage for you, your spouse or your dependent children is also available - please see the Human Resources Department for more details.

Short Term Disability Insurance

Nash County provides active full-time regular employees working 30 plus hours per week the option to purchase Short Term Disability Insurance.

Short Term Disability Insurance may cover up to 70% of an employee's monthly salary with a maximum of $2,000 per month, in the event of an injury or illness, for up to 13 weeks.

FINANCIAL PROGRAMS

Retirement

Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System is a requirement for all regular full-time and regular part-time employees. Employees contribute 6% of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have 5 years of service, you are 100% vested in the NCLGERS.

NC401(k)

The NC401(k) supplemental retirement program is available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees. The County establishes this 401(k) account for each eligible employee and makes a 5% contribution based on monthly earnings. Employees may elect to make voluntary contributions through payroll deduction.

457 Deferred Compensation

The 457 Deferred Compensation program is available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees through payroll deduction. Deferred compensation is a voluntary investment plan to supplement retirement income and to defer taxable income.

Special Separation Allowance

The Separation Allowance is available to law enforcement officers between the ages of 55 and 62 years that are eligible and retire under the provisions of the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System.

125 Flexible Benefit Plan

Flexible Spending Account options are available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees who wish to use pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and daycare expenses. The Flex Convenience Card program gives you instant access to your account funds.

Direct Deposit

Direct Deposit is a condition of employment for all employees. Deposit of your paycheck will be made to checking or savings accounts in a bank of your choice.

Credit Union

Local Government Federal Credit Union membership is available to all employees. Once you join, you can remain a member for as long as you choose. Immediate family members such as spouse, children, stepchildren, brothers, sisters, and parents can all become members.

Employees of both the Departments of Social Services and Public Health are eligible to join the State Employees Credit Union.

LEAVE PROGRAMS

Vacation Leave

For regular full-time County employees, vacation leave accrues based on length of service. Regular part-time employees accrue prorated vacation leave based on a percentage of the full-time benefit.

Sick Leave

For regular full-time County employees, sick leave accrues at 8.0 hours per month. Regular part-time employees accrue prorated sick leave based on a percentage of the full-time benefit. Your unused sick leave balance can be applied as creditable service toward a service retirement under the guidelines of the NCLGERS.

Holidays

The policy of the County is to follow the holiday schedule as published by the State of North Carolina each year.

The following holidays are observed :

Military Leave

Annual Training - Reserves and National Guard -Ten paid workdays per fiscal year.

Active Duty - Reserves and National Guard - Ten paid workdays upon activation.

Civil Leave

Paid leave is provided to full-time or regular part-time County employees called for jury duty or as a witness of the court for the federal or state government, or a subdivision thereof.

Family Medical Leave Act

Federal law provides job protection and continuation of existing paid health insurance during 12 weeks of leave, paid or unpaid, to an eligible employee for qualifying events. These events can include birth or adoption, and serious illness of an immediate family member, or of the employee.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program is open to all employees and their dependents. It is a confidential service provided at no cost to the employees of the County. EAP provides certified counselors who administer assessment and brief therapy to employees who want help with a variety of personal and work-related issues such as stress, parenting concerns, grief, alcohol / drug use, family problems, financial concerns, and work-related problems.

Wellness Center and Telemedicine

We believe that staying healthy is inclusive of exercising regularly and taking care of your physical body. Nash County has a Wellness Center, which consists of various exercise equipment and videos, open to all full and part-time employees.

All full-time employees also have access to telemedicine through Teladoc. Teladoc treats conditions like allergies, sore throats, asthma, and more. Doctors are available by phone or video 24 / 7 from wherever you are. They are available to diagnose symptoms and send a prescription if needed.

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

The benefits offered by Nash County are subject to change. In the event there is a conflict between the above contents and Nash County policies and / or a State or Federal statute, the policy / statute shall control. Plan documents will govern benefits plans should there be a conflict with this information. They are not held out to any employee as part of any contractual agreement. Benefits, policies, and procedures are subject to change or termination at any time.

Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Actual provisions of each plan will be provided on the certificate of coverage as part of the Summary Plan description.

Nash County is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Provider

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family / parental status, income derived from public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http : / / www.ascr.usda.gov / complaint filing cust.html and any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by :

1. mail : U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

2. fax : (202) 690-7442; or

3. email : program.intake@usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Which best describes your level of education?

Do you have experience in Child Support?

Have you had experience in Child Support Establishment?

Employees are expected to work in emergency shelters and / or perform disaster related tasks.

Your application must illustrate all relevant education and experience you have acquired in the last 10 years, to include any gaps you have had between employment (gaps in employment MUST be documented under the work experience section of the application). Failure to complete the "Work Experience" & "Education" sections of the application may result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualification for this position.

Required Question

Salary : $45,228 - $200,000