SUPPORT INVESTIGATOR
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position involves responsibility for investigating the financial status of individuals under court order to provide for the support of others. The work also includes locating and contacting respondents who become delinquent in making support payments. The work is performed under general supervision, with wide leeway allowed in planning and carrying out work assignments. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Contacts individuals, employers, banks, lending organizations,
and business firms to verify earnings and determine financial
ability of those involved in support cases;
Reviews records of accounts to determine whether court orders
are being complied with, and determine whether any action
need be taken
Attempts to locate respondents;
Answers correspondence and inquiries concerning support matters
from other government jurisdictions, beneficiaries, respondents;
Makes recommendations to the Family Court to subject individuals
to payroll deduction orders, or other appropriate procedures;
Explains court orders and their effects to beneficiaries,
respondents, attorneys and other interested parties;
Aids respondents and/or beneficiaries to prepare and
file petitions to the Family Court to modify support orders;
Prepares reports of activities for review by superior;
Testifies in court, on behalf of Support Collection office,
in regard to specific office-related matters;
Carries out other duties related to review and enforcement
of support matters.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of modern investigative techniques used in determining the financial status of individuals; good knowledge of Federal and State laws concerning child support; ability to deal effectively with others; ability to analyze facts obtained and use facts in making judgments concerning support cases; ability to prepare written material.
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk, talk and hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND EITHER:
A. Possession of an Associate Degree or higher in
Criminal Justice, Accounting, Human Services, or related field,
and one (1) year of full-time paid experience investigating
claims for assistance, benefits, or insurance in an agency
operating under established criteria for eligibility,
or in investigative assignments with a public
law-enforcement agency;
OR:
B. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 62 semester credit hours
at a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university,
and One (1) of full-time paid experience as described in A above.
OR:
C. Three (3) years of full-time, paid experience as described
in A above.
OR:
D. Any equivalent combination of training and experience indicating
ability toform the duties of the position.
Special Requirements for appointment: Successful completion of a background investigation will be required prior to appointment.
Competitive Class