DUTIES:
- Conducts investigations and prepares reports and recommendations regarding child custody, parenting time, child support, medical support, domicile, finances, home environment, and the welfare of minor children in domestic relations cases.
- Gathers and evaluates information through interviews, document review, home visits, and communication with attorneys, schools, social service agencies, law enforcement, and other professionals. Investigates financial circumstances and earning capacity to determine appropriate child support, medical support, and health insurance obligations.
- Reviews cases for child support arrearages and assists with collection efforts.
- Develops, monitors, and enforces parenting time schedules and court orders related to custody, parenting time, domicile, child support, and medical support.
- Identifies and resolves parenting time disputes, initiates court proceedings when necessary, and prepares proposed court orders.
- Responds to complaints regarding the welfare of dependent minor children and refers parties to appropriate resources or authorities as needed.
- Prepares and maintains case files, reports, correspondence, and other records.
- Attends court hearings and provides testimony regarding assigned cases.
- Confers regularly with parties, attorneys, and others to facilitate case resolution.
- Assists walk-in clients and responds to telephone and written inquiries by explaining Friend of the Court policies and procedures, providing case information, answering questions, and resolving domestic relations issues.
- This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or related field.
- Previous social work or related experience is preferred.
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:
- Must possess and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license throughout the course of employment.
- Candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment physical, including drug testing prior to employment.
- A background check will be performed, and employees will be fingerprinted.
- Subject to random alcohol and drug testing per the Court’s policy.
- Employees of the Berrien County Trial Court shall not have any felony convictions.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Thorough knowledge of Michigan Court Rules, statutes related to child custody, parenting time, and child support, Office of Child Support policy, Michigan Child Support Guidelines, and court practices and procedures.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer applications, with strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, manage time efficiently, and maintain productivity in a fast-paced environment.
- Exercises sound judgment, works effectively both independently and as part of a team, and communicates professionally with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Maintains composure when interacting with emotionally distressed clients and uses effective de-escalation techniques to resolve challenging situations.
TO APPLY ONLINE, CLICK HERE:
TO APPLY VIA EMAIL, FAX, MAIL OR IN PERSON:
If you prefer not to apply online, you may download a Berrien County Job Application and send it to our Personnel Department via email, fax, mail or in person. A Berrien County job application must be submitted in order to be considered for employment.
Submit by Email
Fax: (269) 983-5788
Address: Berrien County Administration Building, Personnel Department, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085
