Monterey County Elections
Child Support Officer I
The Child Support Services is recruiting to fill Child Support Officer I vacancies. Please follow this link to view the job bulletin announcement and apply through CalHR MSS05701.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 01/21/2026 @ 11:59 P.M.
The Child Support Officer I performs a wide variety of child support duties, including maintaining a caseload, locating and interviewing custodial and non-custodial parents and other stakeholders, establishing child support obligations, enforcing child support laws, arranging support payments, and preparing cases for court hearings. Employees receive in‑service training and detailed instructions and are expected to be promoted to Child Support Officer II after a successful year.
Duties
Manages a general caseload consisting of child support legal actions and the establishment, enforcement, and collection of child support payment obligations based on established guidelines.
Coordinates appointments for personal interviews with custodial and non‑custodial parents, employers, and attorneys.
Develops and analyzes information for the establishment of paternity.
Uses a variety of methods, systems, and procedures for locating information on custodial and non‑custodial parents’ assets, income, and liabilities.
Evaluates income and expense data of custodial and non‑custodial parents to determine and recommend child support payment obligations based on established guidelines.
Responds to general inquiries and explains general child support laws, court orders, rules, regulations, and policies to the public and staff.
Participates in interviews to secure support agreements and to persuade responsible parties to make payments without recourse to legal action.
Prepares and processes legal documents necessary for the establishment, collection, and enforcement of child support obligations.
Documents and updates customer information, contact information, case actions/history logs, and records using a state‑wide automated system.
Provides case status information, explains the complaint resolution process, and answers case‑specific questions for all involved parties ensuring the verbiage used cannot be interpreted as legal advice.
Applies federal, state, and local codes, procedures, and rules in establishing and processing child support cases.
Coordinates and/or conducts genetic tests when needed.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge
Civil and criminal law, and federal and California laws and regulations pertaining to the establishment and enforcement of child support obligations.
Sources, methods, and techniques used to locate non‑custodial parents, relatives, and related persons, assets, income, and liabilities.
Techniques and methods for establishing paternity.
Child Support specific collection methods and techniques.
Legal terminology used when explaining legal procedures to customers or the public.
When and how to prepare and process a variety of child support related legal documents in a clear and concise manner.
The structure and content of the English language.
Basic mathematics and business arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, and decimals.
Skills & Abilities
Apply specialized federal child support laws and procedures as they apply to intergovernmental and international cases.
Explain child support procedures, regulations, and requirements to individuals from a wide variety of educational and cultural backgrounds.
Use effective interviewing techniques to interview a wide variety of people, over the telephone and in person.
Use patience, tact, and courtesy in dealing firmly with people who may be uncooperative, unreasonable, angry, upset, or hostile.
Collect DNA samples to establish paternity.
Use sound independent judgment to analyze factual information, situations, and people.
Understand financial records such as tax records, income and expense reports, and employer earnings records to determine the amount of child support payment obligations.
Compile multiple pieces of information clearly and concisely into an organized and understandable written report or oral presentation.
Organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines with minimal direction.
Exercise initiative within the limits of assigned duties.
Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive or personal information.
Establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, courts, attorneys, other agencies, and the public.
Be flexible and supportive of change.
Prioritize multiple assignments having conflicting deadlines.
Effectively use computer and other resources to prepare and manage cases.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of full‑time clerical experience which included interaction with the public.
OR one year of full‑time experience performing debt collections duties which included interviewing others for the purpose of collecting information.
OR one year of full‑time experience performing duties of a Child Support Assistant I or Office Assistant II in a Child Support Services Department.
OR completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college. Qualifying experience or education may be combined. When combining education and experience, 15 semester units or 22 quarter units equals six months of experience.
Additional Requirements
Spanish speaking, reading, and writing optional.
Employees who drive on County business must possess a valid CA Driver License for the class vehicle driven.
Background checks are required, including a Department of Justice fingerprint check; repeat every 5 years.
Veterans Preference If you would like to request Veteran's preference points as part of the application packet, please attach a copy of your DD‑214 form to your application.
Training & Experience Examination – WEIGHTED 100% The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate’s knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination to be placed on the eligible list.
Eligible List Information An open eligible list will be established for the County of Monterey and used for 12 months unless conditions warrant a change.
Retest Period Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for six (6) months from the established eligibility date.
Special Testing Arrangements Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. Contact CalHR at mssprogram@calhr.ca.gov or 916‑909‑3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation must be received at least five business days prior to the scheduled examination.
Application Documents and General Information If using education to meet the minimum qualifications, attach transcripts to your application. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an evaluation indicating the number of equivalent units. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
General Information: The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
About the Department of Child Support Services The Monterey County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) is seeking enthusiastic applicants who genuinely care about the community and its members. Careers with DCSS offer the opportunity to enhance the well‑being of children and the self‑sufficiency of families through locating parents, establishing parentage, and enforcing child support orders. DCSS assists parents with modification of child support orders, pays child support to parents, and provides a full accounting of all child support owed, paid, and received. The office also facilitates genetic testing and locates services to find parents for the purpose of establishing and enforcing child support.
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APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 01/21/2026 @ 11:59 P.M.
The Child Support Officer I performs a wide variety of child support duties, including maintaining a caseload, locating and interviewing custodial and non-custodial parents and other stakeholders, establishing child support obligations, enforcing child support laws, arranging support payments, and preparing cases for court hearings. Employees receive in‑service training and detailed instructions and are expected to be promoted to Child Support Officer II after a successful year.
Duties
Manages a general caseload consisting of child support legal actions and the establishment, enforcement, and collection of child support payment obligations based on established guidelines.
Coordinates appointments for personal interviews with custodial and non‑custodial parents, employers, and attorneys.
Develops and analyzes information for the establishment of paternity.
Uses a variety of methods, systems, and procedures for locating information on custodial and non‑custodial parents’ assets, income, and liabilities.
Evaluates income and expense data of custodial and non‑custodial parents to determine and recommend child support payment obligations based on established guidelines.
Responds to general inquiries and explains general child support laws, court orders, rules, regulations, and policies to the public and staff.
Participates in interviews to secure support agreements and to persuade responsible parties to make payments without recourse to legal action.
Prepares and processes legal documents necessary for the establishment, collection, and enforcement of child support obligations.
Documents and updates customer information, contact information, case actions/history logs, and records using a state‑wide automated system.
Provides case status information, explains the complaint resolution process, and answers case‑specific questions for all involved parties ensuring the verbiage used cannot be interpreted as legal advice.
Applies federal, state, and local codes, procedures, and rules in establishing and processing child support cases.
Coordinates and/or conducts genetic tests when needed.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge
Civil and criminal law, and federal and California laws and regulations pertaining to the establishment and enforcement of child support obligations.
Sources, methods, and techniques used to locate non‑custodial parents, relatives, and related persons, assets, income, and liabilities.
Techniques and methods for establishing paternity.
Child Support specific collection methods and techniques.
Legal terminology used when explaining legal procedures to customers or the public.
When and how to prepare and process a variety of child support related legal documents in a clear and concise manner.
The structure and content of the English language.
Basic mathematics and business arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, and decimals.
Skills & Abilities
Apply specialized federal child support laws and procedures as they apply to intergovernmental and international cases.
Explain child support procedures, regulations, and requirements to individuals from a wide variety of educational and cultural backgrounds.
Use effective interviewing techniques to interview a wide variety of people, over the telephone and in person.
Use patience, tact, and courtesy in dealing firmly with people who may be uncooperative, unreasonable, angry, upset, or hostile.
Collect DNA samples to establish paternity.
Use sound independent judgment to analyze factual information, situations, and people.
Understand financial records such as tax records, income and expense reports, and employer earnings records to determine the amount of child support payment obligations.
Compile multiple pieces of information clearly and concisely into an organized and understandable written report or oral presentation.
Organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines with minimal direction.
Exercise initiative within the limits of assigned duties.
Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive or personal information.
Establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, courts, attorneys, other agencies, and the public.
Be flexible and supportive of change.
Prioritize multiple assignments having conflicting deadlines.
Effectively use computer and other resources to prepare and manage cases.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of full‑time clerical experience which included interaction with the public.
OR one year of full‑time experience performing debt collections duties which included interviewing others for the purpose of collecting information.
OR one year of full‑time experience performing duties of a Child Support Assistant I or Office Assistant II in a Child Support Services Department.
OR completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college. Qualifying experience or education may be combined. When combining education and experience, 15 semester units or 22 quarter units equals six months of experience.
Additional Requirements
Spanish speaking, reading, and writing optional.
Employees who drive on County business must possess a valid CA Driver License for the class vehicle driven.
Background checks are required, including a Department of Justice fingerprint check; repeat every 5 years.
Veterans Preference If you would like to request Veteran's preference points as part of the application packet, please attach a copy of your DD‑214 form to your application.
Training & Experience Examination – WEIGHTED 100% The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate’s knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination to be placed on the eligible list.
Eligible List Information An open eligible list will be established for the County of Monterey and used for 12 months unless conditions warrant a change.
Retest Period Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for six (6) months from the established eligibility date.
Special Testing Arrangements Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. Contact CalHR at mssprogram@calhr.ca.gov or 916‑909‑3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation must be received at least five business days prior to the scheduled examination.
Application Documents and General Information If using education to meet the minimum qualifications, attach transcripts to your application. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an evaluation indicating the number of equivalent units. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
General Information: The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
About the Department of Child Support Services The Monterey County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) is seeking enthusiastic applicants who genuinely care about the community and its members. Careers with DCSS offer the opportunity to enhance the well‑being of children and the self‑sufficiency of families through locating parents, establishing parentage, and enforcing child support orders. DCSS assists parents with modification of child support orders, pays child support to parents, and provides a full accounting of all child support owed, paid, and received. The office also facilitates genetic testing and locates services to find parents for the purpose of establishing and enforcing child support.
#J-18808-Ljbffr