Conference Officer Sr

Starting Compensation:

$61,542.00/Annually

Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program.

At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave.

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

Conduct establishment, modification or enforcement conferences with plaintiffs and defendants and their attorneys including cases that involve complex legal issues and/or complex financial scenarios. Utilize knowledge of child support program, DRS policies and procedures, local and interstate support laws and enforcement remedies to resolve specific case issues. Work cooperatively with Supervisors in the coordination of training for new hires and in the review of work products completed by new hires. Assist in the professional development of team staff as instructed. Participate as appropriate in the development and/or implementation of DRS policies and procedures. Represent DRS at support appeal and contempt hearings as assigned. Provide the presiding Judge with case information and information on the child support program and DRS policies and procedures. Follow the directives of the Court to draft any order resulting from the hearing. Review and take any appropriate actions on assigned data reports. Work cooperatively with Supervisors in developing and implementing any special projects or initiatives designed to improve DRS' performance. Serve as a Mentor when requested.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports directly to a Supervisor

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Review case records, court orders, tax returns, wage/financial information and similar documents. Verify information by contacting employers, interviewing parties and reviewing public records. Process correspondence related to assigned cases. Respond to questions and inquiries regarding cases. Utilize state network for management of support case. Generate appropriate forms and documents in state network. Complete documents for parties' signatures and/or for the Court's review. Enter, update and maintain all required data into state network. (25%)

Conduct support conferences with plaintiffs, defendants and attorneys. Establish paternity for children born out of wedlock and demonstrate an understanding of case law related to paternity issues. Calculate gross and net incomes for parties and review parties' reported expenses. Thoroughly explain DRS policies and procedures to parties. Demonstrate an ability to explain the expedited legal processes followed by the DRS and the support guidelines utilized in DRS. By application of support guidelines, determine an amount of support to be paid by obligor. Obtain information and/or evaluate health care coverage available to parties. Review facts and make sound decisions in an expeditious manner. (25%)

Conduct enforcement conferences with delinquent obligors in the areas of financial and medical support. Identify reasons for delinquency and devise strategies using available enforcement remedies to restore support order compliance. (25%)

Appear in Court during contempt, bench warrant and/or appeal hearings on behalf of the DRS. Respond to questions and provide information to the presiding Judge. Follow the directives of the Court to draft any order resulting from the hearing. (15%)

Share knowledge of the child support program, Rules of Civil Procedure, PACSES and DRS policies/procedures with conference officers (grade 80) to assist them in learning about the child support program and PACSES. Serve as a Mentor when assigned by the Supervisor. (10%)

Additional duties as assigned to include: E-OSCAR processing, TRACE review and processing, Team of the week duties, address outstanding BWs for clients who contact the office, work BW report or any other report assigned, prepare and present staff trainings, serve as mentor to officers. Other duties as assigned. OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Adhere to established safety and security procedures. Report safety and security concerns to office management.

Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree with major course work in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice or a related field and a minimum of 2 years of successful experience in the position of Conference Officer (grade 80).

Proficient in use of personal computer, word processing and Windows applications as well as PACSES, CIS and JNet. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of principles and practices of the domestic relations field including specific knowledge of the PA Rules of Civil Procedure, federal child support program regulations and DRS policies and procedures. Knowledge of practices and procedures commonly utilized in domestic relations casework including specific knowledge of DHS program regulations and interstate support law. Knowledge of the methods and techniques employed in interviewing adults in support situations involving children, marital breakdown, and similar issues. Ability to communicate effectively with support litigants, attorneys, members of the judicial system, employers, co-workers and other citizens. Ability to identify important sources of information, analyze data, and reach sound conclusions. Skilled in mathematics and in use of various software programs including PACSES and other data management programs such as PIM.

Possess a knowledge of audit practices and data reliability issues. Ability to maintain accurate and complete caseload records and knowledge of records management regulations. Ability to organize tasks and be skilled in the efficient use of time to meet multiple demands of high stress and constantly changing work environment. Possess the ability to remain calm in a stressful environment; to work independently; to follow directions; and to read, comprehend and adhere to DRS policies and procedures. Competent in use of personal computer and calculator. Possess ability to perform assignments under the normal working conditions under which the job operates.

Possess ability to provide guidance and training to other staff members and to participate in the development and/or implementation of policies and procedures. Work cooperatively with Unit Supervisors to develop and/or manage projects and initiatives that will contribute to improvements in program performance. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. The percentage of time spent on essential duties will vary as the needs of the job require.

Attend and successfully complete all training courses mandated by DRS/BCSE.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

This position requires a pre-employment background check as required by policy to perform the duties. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to sit for long periods of time

Ability to utilize a personal computer, laptop, calculator and other general office equipment

Ability to take notes while interviewing parties

Ability to lift and/or move case files weighing up to 10 pounds

Ability to pull or push carts containing multiple files and laptop computer in DRS office and between DRS office located at 150 N. Queen St. and Courtrooms located at 50 N. Duke St.

Ability to travel up to 5 city blocks

Ability to move from workstation to secure public meeting area

Ability to escort clients to/from waiting area from/to secure meeting rooms

Ability to meet multiple demands in a high stress and constantly changing work environment

Ability to function in an open work environment with moderate noise levels.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.