Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.
When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.
For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:
https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire
$47,787 - $64,025
This is a hybrid position
As a Friend of the Court Case Specialist, you'll play an essential role in supporting Referees by coordinating hearings, preparing case files, assisting the public, and ensuring court records are accurate and up to date. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced office, enjoys working with people, and has exceptional attention to detail.
What You'll Do
- Schedule show cause hearings for child support and spousal support cases and prepare case files for Friend of the Court Referees.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for clients by answering questions regarding hearings, case status, and Friend of the Court procedures.
- Meet with clients and, within established guidelines, accept settlement offers related to child support, parenting time, medical support, and spousal support matters.
- Answer telephones, schedule appointments, take messages, and respond to inquiries from clients, employers, attorneys, and partner agencies.
- Process court orders, update case records, and maintain accurate electronic case information following court hearings.
- Assist Referees with preparing correspondence, legal documents, and other case-related paperwork.
- Enter case updates and corrections into department computer systems while maintaining accurate records.
- Collect and report caseload statistics and assist with departmental reporting.
- Provide cross-functional support by assisting other clerical staff as needed.
- Utilize countywide and department-specific software to efficiently manage case information and daily responsibilities.
Why You'll Love It Here
- Make a meaningful impact by helping families navigate important court processes.
- Work in a collaborative environment alongside Referees, court staff, and legal professionals.
- Build expertise in court operations, legal procedures, and case management.
- Enjoy a dynamic role that combines customer service, organization, and problem-solving.
- Develop valuable experience within Oakland County while serving the community through meaningful public service.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test.
2. Have had two (2) years of responsible full‑time clerical experience.
ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
1. Considerable ability and skill in interpreting divisional policies, procedures, and legal requirements to officials and the general public.
2. Considerable ability and skill in recognizing and correcting departures from routine departmental practices and procedures.
3. Considerable knowledge of divisional clerical practices and procedures.
4. Reasonable ability to conduct effective personal interviews.
5. Reasonable ability to communicate with the general public.
6. Reasonable ability to make general decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
7. Reasonable knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
8. Reasonable knowledge of modern record keeping management and operations.
9. Reasonable knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
10. Reasonable ability to follow complex oral and written instructions.
11. Reasonable ability to write legibly.
12. Reasonable ability to maintain accurate files and records.
13. Reasonable ability to communicate with the general public.
14. Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Usually none. May assist in the orientation and training of lower-level clerical employees, co‑op students, and summer employees.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Meets with the public to respond to questions pertaining to show cause hearings, credit orders, income withholding orders and other Friend of the Court policies and procedures by providing information obtained from the client's case file and instructions from Referees.
Reviews and prepares files for Referees to take to court for show cause hearings.
Prepares the appropriate court orders and forms for the Referees after show cause hearings to proceed with the directives of the court, and requests bench warrant forms on persons not appearing in court who are responsible for paying support.
Responds to telephone calls from the public, private attorneys, judge's staff, employers, and other agencies to schedule appointments with the attorney, and answer both general and specific inquiries about show cause notices, support, medical, custody, visitation, and other Friend of the Court issues.
Reviews cases and reports being considered for a show cause hearing. Determines whether an order should be processed or what is the appropriate action to be taken and documents the information in the file.
Makes on‑line changes in the computer for client demographic information.
Maintains statistics on orders, appointments, FOC Referee Hearings, and other Friend of the Court activities.
Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
WHEN ASSIGNED TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL UNIT
Meets with the public to respond to questions pertaining to the registration and/or enforcement of other state or other country child support orders.
Gathers and reviews other state or country orders then prepares files for the creation of new cases for the purpose of registration in Michigan.
Responds to telephone calls from the public, private attorneys, and other child support agencies to answer both general and specific inquiries related to intergovernmental processes and other Friend of the Court issues.
Determines whether another state or country’s order should be processed or what is the appropriate action to be taken and documents the information in the file.
Makes updates to client demographic information in the statewide child support program.
Maintains statistics on new intergovernmental case openings, for both initiating and responding cases.
Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
WHEN ASSIGNED TO THE CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME UNIT
Responds to requests to access FOC records. Meets with the public to review their file and print/copy documents in response to the request.
Schedules appointments, including typing and sending appointment letters, for the Court Clinical Psychologist.
Responds to telephone calls from the public, private attorneys, FOC staff, and other agencies for scheduling and to answer both general and specific inquiries about the Start Making it Livable for Everyone (SMILE) program and FOC records.
Attends and assists with SMILE presentations and schedules custody and parenting time specialist coverage of the SMILE program.
Assists the FOC Custody and Parenting Time Specialist unit with daily check-ins, collecting and compiling statistics and time study sheets, typing, and preparing requests for various types of records.
Assists the Referee unit by collecting and compiling time study sheets.
Assists the Domestic Support Specialist unit by collecting and compiling annual statistics.
Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists the Referees with processing daily mail from the public. Responds with memos, speed letters, and standard forms to be completed and returned to the office.
May assist in training of lower-level clerks, students, and part‑time employees.
May replace absent clerical staff at reception desk, switchboard, judge's office, or wherever assigned.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical office environment.
May encounter situations where people could become confrontational.
IMPORTANT NOTE : The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.
BU93- United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889:Circuit Court Non-Supv (UAW)
*If applicable
We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.
