Job Description
JOB Under the general direction of the Circuit Court Administrator, represents the interests and welfare of minor children in domestic relations matters. Manages the activities of staff engaged in collecting and evaluating data and information required to develop informed recommendations with respect to establishing parentage; awarding custody; determining the amount of support; setting terms and conditions for parenting time; and enforcing the orders of the court with respect thereto. Develops policies, procedures and practices to ensure compliance with and proper enforcement of the provisions of Title IV-D, UIFSA and other federal and state statutes with respect to income support enforcement. Directs subordinate supervisors and professional and technical staff engaged in case management and enforcement of domestic relations orders.This is a full-time, benefitted position working out of the Family Justice Center located at 12240 Fillmore St, West Olive, MI and/or the Grand Haven Courthouse located at 414 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI. Working hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Under the direction of the Circuit Court Administrator, represents the interests and welfare of minor children in domestic relations matters including disputed paternity, custody disputes, income support, medical support, visitation rights and child support. Serves as principle attorney for the FOC and children. Provides supervision for staff including hiring, training, scheduling, setting goals, supporting professional development, and evaluating performance for employees engaged in the investigation of income, medical support, custody, parenting time, legal and clerical support services. Directs the development of short- and long-range plans, strategies and performance measures to preserve and protect the welfare of minor children by increasing the efficiency of child support enforcement and collection of outstanding balances due for court-ordered support of minor children.Develops, implements and administers policies, procedures and practices to ensure compliance with and proper enforcement of the provisions of Title IV-D, UIFSA and other federal and state statutes with respect to income support enforcement.Files motions to show cause in delinquent child support payment cases, failure to comply with the terms and conditions of custody and parenting time orders and for failure to appear at scheduled hearings.Prepares and/or directs the preparation of briefs, petitions, motions, orders and other media for adjudications and presents the FOC's case in court.Mediates support, custody and parenting time disputes and drafts stipulations agreed to by all parties; prepares orders after hearings and judgments; prepares tentative rulings; and provides other services. Conducts diversion conferences to resolve custody and parenting time disputes. Directs the implementation of federal and state income support enforcement remedies, including income tax intercepts, property liens, bonds, asset seizures, inter-state income withholding, and prosecution for felony non-payment.Directs the financial operations, develops and controls FOC budgets. Identifies external funding opportunities directs the development of innovative proposals for submission to funding agencies.Monitors new and pending federal and state legislation, rules, regulations, judicial precedents and administrative rulings with respect the interests and welfare of minor children in domestic relations matters. Ensures that all FOC policies, procedures practices, and programs are modified to maintain compliance.Prepares and delivers a variety of financial, program evaluation and other reports and presentations to the Board of Commissioners, Circuit Court Leadership Team, State Court Administrator's Office, Office of Child Support, external funding agencies, and other internal and external constituencies. Represents the FOC Office in the community. Serves as a member of the Circuit Court Leadership Team.Coordinates negotiation of annual IV-D and Cooperative Reimbursement contracts.Receives, investigates and responds to initial written grievances filed by FOC clients.Develops and implements quality assurance and quality control protocols, including substantive and procedural review of all proposed judgments and orders.Performs any and all functions of the Attorney/Referee classification.Performs other duties as assigned. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Required Knowledge and Skills: Thorough working knowledge of family and domestic relations law.Thorough working knowledge of the structure and operations of the juvenile justice system.Thorough working knowledge of Social Security Act, Title IV, Part D; the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; and other federal statutes pertaining to child support enforcement