Child Support Agent

Position Objectives

● This role involves the initiation, preparation, and enforcement of child support orders.
● Agents in this class may work in establishing voluntary or involuntary paternity, support
obligations, or enforcement.
● It requires a mix of investigative work, case preparation, and collaboration with legal
professionals.
● The position can be distinguished from a lower-level agent by the complexity of
investigations, courtroom involvement, and independent decision-making in case
preparation.

Duties & Responsibilities

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1. General Responsibilities:
● Case Intake & Investigation: Gathering necessary information to locate absent parents
and establish paternity and support obligations.
● Enforcement: Monitoring and enforcing court orders, including wage garnishments and
negotiating out-of-court agreements.
● Courtroom Preparation: Working with attorneys to prepare cases for court, including
reviewing evidence and tracking witnesses.
● Testifying in Court: Presenting cases and testifying in court as required.
2. Specialized Areas:
● Some agents may specialize in enforcement, paternity establishment, or support
obligations and enforcement.
● The role also includes working with various legal professionals, including magistrates,
clerks of court, district attorneys, and private attorneys.
3. Decision-Making:
● Agents are responsible for making independent decisions about how to handle cases,
track support payments, and decide whether to take legal action.

Knowledge and Skills:
Required:
● Legal Knowledge: Thorough understanding of child support enforcement processes,
applicable laws (e.g., N.C. General Statutes), and courtroom procedures.
● Investigative Skills: Strong ability to investigate cases and interview clients or absent
parents.
● Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to negotiate, direct, and gather accurate
information from clients and other stakeholders.
● Analytical Skills: Ability to organize, analyze, and summarize case details accurately.
Desirable:
● Math Skills: Basic proficiency to manage calculations related to support obligations.
● Relationship-Building: Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people including
clients, parents, court officials, and legal teams.

Work Conditions:
● Work Environment: Office setting, though occasional court involvement and fieldwork
(e.g., locating absent parents) may occur.
● Challenges: Frequent contact with potentially hostile clients and absent parents, some
of whom may be dangerous.

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Minimum Requirements

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● Option 1: A four-year degree and six months of relevant experience in eligibility,
investigative, judiciary, or legal work.
● Option 2: An associate’s degree in business administration, human resources, law
enforcement, or related fields, along with two years of relevant experience.
● Option 3: A high school diploma and three years of experience in a related field.
● Option 4: Equivalent combination of education and experience.

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Desirable Training and Experience

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● Candidates with experience in eligibility, investigative, or legal work would be ideal.
● Backgrounds in human services or criminal justice may be particularly relevant.

Key Points for Applicants:
● Independence and Accountability: You will be making critical decisions regarding case
handling and enforcement, with significant impact on the financial and legal outcomes for
families involved.
● Courtroom Role: You must be prepared to support legal teams in preparing cases and,
when necessary, testify in court.
● Client Interaction: You’ll need strong negotiation and communication skills, as well as
the ability to handle sometimes difficult or hostile situations.

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Benefits

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Benefited after 30 days

Medical, dental, and life insurance
Sick, vacation, and holiday pay
Membership in the Local Government Retirement System

Supplemental retirement 401k/457