CHILD SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (SPANISH SPEAKING) 3056

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for conducting investigations and collecting child support payments from individuals legally responsible for the support of dependents. The work differs from that of Child Support Specialist I in that the incumbent must communicate in Spanish when necessary. The incumbent performs investigations to locate individuals so that support and paternity orders may be established and payments may be obtained through voluntary agreements or court orders. The incumbent exercises a considerable amount of independent judgment and initiative in the performance of assigned duties. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher-level Child Support Specialist and is reviewed through conferences and written reports for conformance with departmental policy and the achievement of desired results. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Translates and interprets for Spanish-speaking clients and others;

Reviews records of delinquent accounts and follows up through telephone and personal contact with friends, relatives, informers, neighbors, associates and various governmental agencies in an effort to locate individuals with delinquent accounts;

Elicits information such as debtor’s residence, family records and financial status from a variety of sources;

May accept monies and issue receipts for payments collected;

Makes referrals for appropriate legal action to establish accounts, and when accounts are uncollectible;

Compiles and furnishes required information for related agencies and for court action;

Conferences with the County Attorney who speaks with petitioners, respondents and attorneys to establish, enforce, or modify orders of support payable through the Support Collection Unit;

Testifies as a representative of the department;

Monitors child support payments pursuant to court order or voluntary agreements and ensures that all enforcement remedies are implemented;

Maintains continuous files and prepares appropriate reports;

Interviews unwed mothers to determine the feasibility of pursuing court action to establish paternity.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of child support investigation and collection; good knowledge of Family Court and/or other laws and regulations as they affect child support investigation and collection; skill in interviewing techniques; ability to speak, read and write fluent Spanish; ability to gather and analyze facts and to arrive at sound conclusions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and agencies; ability to obtain information from individuals who may be uncooperative or hostile; ability to maintain records and prepare reports; good judgment; tact; initiative; courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Completion of sixty (60) credits from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State, and one (1) year of experience in the investigation or collection of debts, or in the maintenance of financial records, or in interviewing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1) Candidates must be bondable.

2) Within one (1) year of appointment, employees hired after 9/27/96 must obtain a NYS Notary Public license. The license must be maintained throughout employment in the title.

3) There will be a qualifying Spanish language examination.

4) At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

R 03/27/18

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive