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Support Investigator 1 Jurisdiction: Schuyler County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: March 1, 2004; Revised: June 27, 2006; Updated: July 25, 2011 SUPPORT INVESTIGATOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for investigating, locating, and securing support payment from individuals legally responsible for the support of their children. Duties are usually performed in the office via personal interview, correspondence, phone contacts, and researching of computerized records. However, incumbents may have to review records outside the agency. The work is performed under the general supervision of a Supervising Support Investigator. Supervision is not a function of the position. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Prepares and files paternity, support, and support enforcement petitions; Prepares support unit cases for court; Interviews clients in an effort to obtain information concerning the whereabouts and financial status of individuals responsible for support of children; Interviews unwed mothers in an effort to determine the feasibility of pursuing court action to establish paternity; Interviews and completes financial reviews of respondents to determine their ability to make support payments; Contacts banks, insurance companies, and employers to determine financial resources of individuals legally responsible for the support of others; Compiles information necessary to obtain Family Court orders directing individuals to make support payments when voluntary agreement for payment cannot be reached; Testifies in court and prepares report of court proceedings; Explains court orders and their effects to petitioners, respondents, attorneys, and other interested parties; Contacts other governmental institutions in an effort to locate individuals; Furnishes State Parent Locator Service with required information when local investigations fail to locate absent parents; Prepares forms and correspondence needed to process income deduction orders; Reviews records of delinquent accounts to determine necessary action; Monitors court orders and maintains files on assigned support cases; Prepares violation and modification petitions to assist clients to seek payment grants or enforce court orders; Answers correspondence and inquiries concerning support matters; Make account adjustments. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of investigative techniques used in determining the location and financial status of individuals; Working knowledge of social services laws and regulations related to child support enforcement; ---PAGE BREAK--- Support Investigator 2 Working knowledge of methods used in determining the financial status of individuals; Working knowledge of business arithmetic; Working knowledge of procedures and practices related to family court proceedings for support payments; Working knowledge of the computerized Welfare Management System (WMS) and Assetts; Ability to interview individuals to elicit sensitive information; Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations concerning support cases; Ability to prepare written materials including support petitions and affidavits; Ability to perform detailed work involving visual effort and strain; Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; Ability to manipulate a keyboard to access the Welfare Management System (WMS) and Assetts; Ability to work with people in a supportive, non-threatening manner; Ability to prepare records and reports; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university, or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or Paralegal Studies; or Two years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in investigation, interviewing, or collection work involving public contact; or An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of and above. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Applicants must possess a valid New York State driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle or otherwise demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the job.