CHILD SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (STATEWIDE)

Main Purpose of Job A Child Support Specialist I is the intermediate level of child support work. Employees in this classification investigate and analyze child support cases, initiate appropriate actions to establish, maintain, or enforce support payments for dependent children in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. They establish paternity and child support orders, negotiate agreements for child support payments and health insurance coverage, and maintain and enforce the collection of current and past due amounts. Responsibilities Obtain, verify, and analyze information from custodial and non-custodial parents, employers, financial institutions, and other resources to locate non-custodial parents, establish paternity, verify income and assets, and determine the ability to pay child support and provide health insurance. Negotiate voluntary agreements for payment of child support and liquidation of arrears. Initiate and prepare documents for administrative or court hearings, including support payment modifications, wage withholdings, earnings assignments, interstate transmittals, subpoenas, bench warrants, and show‑cause orders to collect overdue child support. Identify circumstances that impede collection or health insurance coverage, refer parents to appropriate services (mediation, employment counseling, visitation access program, young‑fathers programs). Monitor receipt of child support payments, review case records, and determine enforcement activities. Investigate and resolve disputes related to license suspensions, tax intercepts, and other enforcement remedies. Initiate and negotiate establishment and enforcement of child support orders in out‑of‑state cases. Prepare and present testimony for judicial and administrative hearings. Prepare and review case records to ensure validity for court presentation. Maintain and update case records using automated systems. Respond to inquiries from custodial/non‑custodial parents, employers, courts, public officials, attorneys, other state and out‑of‑state agencies. Coordinate genetic testing arrangements with certified medical facilities. Act as liaison among Child Support Enforcement Administration, other state agencies, local agencies, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and courts. Monitor cases involving family violence or abuse, place markers, and refer abused caretakers and dependent children to family shelters or protective services. Assist orientation sessions for new applicants or non‑custodial parents, providing information on program services. Represent the State as complainant to obtain or enforce court orders. Perform related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Experience: One year of experience determining eligibility for government assistance programs or performing functions to establish, maintain or enforce support payments for dependent children, in accordance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Candidates may substitute an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university for the required education and experience. Licenses, Registrations and Certifications Employees who are assigned duties that require operation of a motor vehicle must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license in Maryland. Benefits Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with low cost. Personal Leave – six (6) days annually, prorated based on start date. Annual Leave – ten (10) days accrued per year. Sick Leave – fifteen (15) days accrued per year. Parental Leave – up to sixty (60) days paid parental leave. Holidays – at least twelve (12) state holidays per year. Pension – credit toward a retirement pension. Telework – positions may be eligible. EEO Statement Maryland is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who reflect the state’s diversity. Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Veterans are welcome to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Maryland