Child Support Specialist I

Job Description:

Child Support Specialist I

Description

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 1

Why join the Department of Child Support Services?

Contra Costa County’s Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) has earned multiple awards for its outstanding program achievements and commitment to excellence in serving the community. We are seeking qualified professionals who will uphold and advance this high standard of service.

DCSS collaborates with parents and guardians to ensure children receive the emotional and financial support necessary for their well-being. The department is responsible for establishing, collecting, and distributing child and medical support for minors in accordance with state and federal regulations. Our work is a critical component of California’s mission to support families, promote self-sufficiency, and enhance the welfare of children.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Detail-Oriented.You will need to focus on details in your daily work and understand how they impact the outcome of each case
• A Strong Communicator. You will effectively communicate verbally and in writing, and listen empathetically to build positive relationships with customers and peers
• An Enthusiastic Learner. You will regularly learn new or changing applications, policies, and procedures
• Effective at Time Management. You will need to balance and prioritize multiple areas of responsibility
• Customer Service Oriented. You will want to have a customer service mindset and be highly responsive to the diverse needs of internal and external customers
• Ethical. You will demonstrate professional and ethical behavior in all situations

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Preparing legal documents necessary for the processing of court cases to establish, enforce, and modify child support obligations
• Providing customer service by phone, email, text, video chat, and in-person to our customers and partners in other agencies
• Researching multiple databases to obtain the information needed to process a case
• Reviewing financial statements, accounts, and payments for accuracy
• Applying constructive feedback to casework and making necessary adjustments
• Managing your individual work while supporting your team’s goals
• Facilitating negotiations and agreements with customers

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will make a difference in the lives of children and their families
• You will work with people who are passionate about their work
• You will be part of a supportive office culture that values growth and education
• You will have an opportunity to learn a variety of functions within this position

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will be expected to balance multiple priorities and demands
• You will interact with individuals who may be experiencing emotionally challenging situations
• You will be required to follow state and federal regulations, which may include strict timeframes

Competencies Required:

• Fact-Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability

To read the complete job description, please click here.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

License required: A valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required. Out of State valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time experience, or its equivalent, in a responsible public contact position which required interviewing, or the exchange of detailed verbal information, as a primary element of the work performed, OR one (1) year of full-time, or its equivalent, clerical experience in a Child Support office.

Substitution for experience for Child Support Specialist I only: Successful completion of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units of coursework from an accredited college or university which included at least one three (3) semester unit or four (4) quarter unit course transferable to an accredited four year college or university in each of the following areas: (1) English composition or Communications, and (2) Business or Finance may be substituted for the required experience

** Please note: If you intend to substitute college coursework for the required experience, you must attach a copy of your college or university transcripts to your application**

Other requirements: All appointees to this class must be fingerprinted and successfully pass a background check.

Selection Process

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.

2. Online Assessment : Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online skills assessment designated to measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Child Support Specialist I classification. These may include but are not limited to: Fact-Finding, Project Management, Oral Communication, Analyzing and Interpreting Data, Legal and Regulatory Navigation, Critical Thinking, and Self-Management. Candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on the exam to move forward in the selection process. (Weighted: 100%)

TENTATIVE DATES:

Online Assessment: Tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) January 15 - January 20, 2026 .

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Paul Han at Paul.Han@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 1/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$59,660.70 - $72,517.98 Annually