Friend of the Court Lead Specialist

SUMMARY

The Friend of the Court (FOC) Lead Specialist independently manages complex domestic relations cases, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, while providing quality and timely service to the public and judiciary. This role involves investigations, document preparation, child support calculations/recommendations, and court user interactions, supporting the court in paternity, support, custody, and parenting time matters. Employees in this classification will be expected to research and review information to make independent recommendations or decisions. This role involves resolving complex inquiries and acting as a lead for the team. This position reports to the FOC Specialist Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Case Investigation: Investigate and review domestic relations cases, interviewing parties and gathering information. Investigate court order violations and grievances and prepare responses. Document Preparation: Prepare court documents, orders, reports, and recommendations. Child Support Calculation: Calculate child support obligations using the Michigan Child Support Formula. Customer Service: Respond to inquiries from the public, legal professionals, and other agencies in a professional and customer-focused manner. Data Management: Verify, record, update, and maintain case information in child support enforcement system, case management system, and other court databases. Case Processing: Initiate establishment, modification, and enforcement actions, and completion thereof. Knowledge Maintenance: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of court processes, procedures, policies, and laws. Problem Identification, Escalation & Improvement: Identify common problems, escalate to management, and recommend possible solutions and/or improvements. Court Support: Provide support to judges and referees, including testimony and order preparation. Genetic Testing: Collect genetic test samples and process accompanying documentation. Data Reporting: Maintain statistical data. Compliance: Adhere to all relevant policies, procedures, and regulations. Lead Work: Assign work and monitor progress; train staff and assist in drafting and maintenance of departmental manuals; represent the court on local, state and federal workgroups as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, preferably in social work, sociology, psychology, legal studies, or related field, or experience commensurate with the job that demonstrates required skills and competencies. Equivalent experience in case management, investigative, or dispute resolution in a legal, social service, or high-impact/high-volume customer service work environment may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree. Two (2) years of successful experience as a FOC Specialist II or three (3) years successful experience as a Domestic Relations Specialist or one (1) year successful experience as a Senior Domestic Relations Specialist. Comparable experience with another court will be considered. Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Suite and relevant court systems. If required to drive on behalf of the Court, must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to learn, retain, expand, and apply knowledge of Court policies and procedures. Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and remain calm in high stress situations. Ability to independently and efficiently produce quality work in a high-volume, deadline driven environment. Ability to actively anticipate, identify, and resolve issues. Ability to understand, carry out instructions, and request clarification when needed. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgement, and handle sensitive information with discretion. Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, fostering a positive work environment, and demonstrating leadership qualities. Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, software and other technology. Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of criminal and IV-D background check, fingerprinting and rechecks. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. May be assigned to alternate work locations and/or training sites and will be responsible for transportation to those locations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

BENEFITS

In addition to wages, retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision benefits, the Court offers generous vacation time and an extensive holiday schedule that includes paid end-of-year shutdown. Employees of the Court may also be eligible for forgiveness of their student loans under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Service-oriented individuals with an interest in community work have the satisfaction of participating in the provision of justice in Michigan’s largest, most populous county. Equal Employment Opportunity The Court is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, handicap/disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight or any other legally protected status. The prohibition against employment discrimination may extend to conduct that employees are subjected to from vendors, contractors, customers, or others who enter the workplace. Unlawful discrimination may include, but is not limited to, employment actions related to recruitment, examination, transfer, appointment, training, promotion, or the administration of employee benefits. The Court is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that pertain to employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Reasors Food Stores