Program Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Located in the nation’s capital, The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. The OAG enforces the laws of the District, defends, and provides legal advice to the District’s government agencies and protects the interests of the District’s residents. This position is located within the Child Support Services Division, CI Paternity Unit.

The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia is seeking a Program Specialist for its CI Paternity Unit. CSSD administers the district’s child support services program that includes locating non-custodial parents, establishing legal paternity, establishing support orders, enforcing legal support obligations including medical support, and modifying support orders. The Division is also responsible for the State Disbursement Unit that processes all child support payment collections and disbursements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day implementation and execution of unit-specific assignments and activities, specifically in the execution of Affidavits of Paternity. Primary responsibilities include maintaining regular contact and a strong working relationship with key providers (e.g., birth registrars, hospitals, Vital Records, and others within CSSD) by telephone and in-person to support the program and to identify the productivity of the paternity establishment percentage (PEP) operations, issues of concern, and suggestions for change and improvement. Incumbent assists in providing monitoring support and analysis. Evaluates program data to determine the rate at which stated outcomes are achieved and to identify gaps in unit-specific activities. Analyzes the data and makes recommendations for interventions to create new initiatives, modifications, or alternate programming.

Interacts with all components that interface with the child support automated case management system. Participates in monitoring and reporting progress on the unit-specific components of the District of Columbia Child Support Enforcement System (DCCSES) as they interact with each other as well as with contractor and CSSD staff activities and systems. Assists in resolving information technology issues. Ensures the accuracy of data of the various unit-specific components of DCCSES, unit, and contractor activities and performance.

Participates in meeting with the Unit Manager and other partnering organizations regarding planned or ongoing unit-related initiatives to relay information regarding current activities and future trends. Discusses pertinent implementation problems and recommend solutions, as appropriate.

If assigned, receives communications from the public regarding child support services, complaints, programs, and case status. Receives and evaluates calls and other contacts from the public requesting assistance and takes appropriate action, as directed by the situation, and mandated in the directives to respond to the needs of citizens. Interview customers to obtain the necessary information to ensure a prompt and appropriate response to inquiries. Documents an accurate and complete accounting of the contact and/or changes to the specific case. Determines the nature of the inquiry and input and transmits call/visit/communication information, entering data into a case management tracking system to ensure documentation and prompt response. Apply policies, procedures, and guidelines relating to ensuring appropriate response to each customer contact. As assigned, evaluates the nature of each inquiry, records details as appropriate, and provides information that is appropriate to the unique circumstance of each individual requesting assistance or makes appropriate referrals. Develop fact sheets and descriptive information documents for dissemination with stakeholders.

Provides administrative and program support to the staff responsible for overseeing the efficient operation of the in-hospital paternity establishment program, as well as coordinating with hospital birth registrars, the District’s Department of Vital Records, and other relevant entities. Incumbent will be assigned to a specific hospital determined by Management. Maintains program statistics and prepares periodic reports on PEP operations, issues, and opportunities. Analyzes workflow and coordination among participating hospitals and Vital Records colleagues to suggest improvements and issues for use in training programs.

Collaborates in the development of training and other presentations for CSSD staff and managers as well as hospital partners, Vital Records, and others as appropriate. Participates in the exchange of paternity acknowledgment forms between the hospitals, Vital Records, and CSSD.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

Applicants must have at least two (2) years of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CS-07 grade level, or its non-District equivalent gained from either the public or private sector.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

Work is generally performed in an office setting.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday; 8:15 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.

The incumbent will be required to provide hospital coverage one Saturday of each month to meet operational needs during weekend hours.

Pay Plan, Series, Grade: CS-301-09

Salary: The starting salary for this position is negotiable up to $68,116 depending on qualifications and availability of funds.

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Local 2401.

Duration of Appointment: Career Service – Regular

Residency Requirement: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, genetic information, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

OFFICIAL JOB OFFERS ARE TO BE MADE ONLY BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL