About the Department

The 27^th Circuit Court is seeking a professional to fill one of the three Enforcement Officer positions.  The selected candidate will work in a legal, office setting processing confidential court matters and meeting with clients and attorneys to collect information and resolve issues.  The ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal communication skills and must have a good eye for attention to detail. The successful candidate must also be highly organized, and comfortable with accounting and working with numbers.

Position Duties

1. Serves as a Friend of the Court case worker responsible for complete case management and communicating with clients/attorneys.  Responsible for the creation of the file and entry of all necessary information into MiCSES (Michigan Child Support Enforcement System) to initiate the case for enforcement, including order entry.
2. Reviews and processes incoming support orders or party/attorney requests by entering information into MiCSES; including, but not limited to: order modifications, order corrections, income withholding orders, distributing information about amounts to parties, parenting time abatement calculations, direct payment adjustments, cancellation of court ordered arrearages, and the certification and de-certification of cases for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Seeks reimbursement of payments on accounts related to the timing of the certification or de-certification of cases.  Also charged with reviewing and interpreting the information listed above for completeness and accuracy. 
3. Generates lists for enforcement notices by reviewing delinquency lists, researching case files, and reviewing requests by support recipients for enforcement on delinquent payers. Initiates enforcement activity that may include sending letters to individuals, initiating orders to show cause, and initiating court action.  This includes the initiation of bench warrants for nonpayment.
4. Monitors and ensures the accuracy of all outstanding warrants. Updates information on the location of an individual and contacts law enforcement agencies for assistance and coordination in making arrests or to collect and verify information.  Coordinates arrest for individuals and assists other agencies in executing warrants. Communicates with Newaygo County Dispatch and Newaygo County Jail to arrange for the timely arraignment of each bench warrant as required by law.  May visit Friend of the Court clients in Newaygo County Jail to determine ability to pay.
5. Conducts informal hearings with clients and/or attorneys to attempt to resolve disputes concerning compliance with child support and medical provisions of court orders. Negotiates agreements for the voluntary payment of support. 
6. Serves as a representative of the Friend of the Court in court during formal court proceedings in connection with enforcement matters providing the court with payment history and related information, examining witnesses, and presenting recommendations to the court on the most appropriate outcomes. Drafts court orders that reflect voluntary settlements (stipulations of the parties) or are a result of a hearing before the Circuit Court Referee and/or Judge for judicial review and signature. 
7. Conducts orientations with new clients in order to obtain necessary information required to initiate the case, explain specific Friend of the Court processes, and provide orientation to the services provided by the Friend of the Court as required by law, which includes a description of various court rules and/or other administrative policies and procedures.
8. Responds to inquiries or complaints of parties and/or attorneys regarding order processing, support provisions, or enforcement procedures and activity. Conducts interviews with concerned parties and responds to attorney correspondence.  Responsible for the interpretation of said information, and for appropriately responding to the correspondent with a resolution or explanation.
9. Responsible for the Child Support Review Process.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in behavioral sciences or related area is required.  Coursework in interpersonal communication is preferred.

Experience: Two to three years of experience in the court system with some responsibility for client contact and accounting. Prefer experience in a Friend of the Court office providing familiarity with domestic relations and support issues.

Other Qualifications

• Must submit cover letter, resume and three professional references.