Conference Officer

JOB SUMMARY

Conduct establishment, modification or enforcement conferences with plaintiffs and defendants and their attorneys, if represented. Review complaint, modification petition and account status with parties. Review earnings reported by employer, tax returns, and other relevant documents and information. Explain application of Pennsylvania support guidelines, guideline calculations and enforcement procedures and remedies. When an agreement to resolve pending actions is reached, prepare an agreed order for signatures of the parties and submission to the Court. If no agreement is reached, prepare a summary report and recommendation for the Court. Appear at hearings on behalf of the DRS in order to respond to questions and provide information to the Presiding Judge.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Position reports to Case Management Services Unit Supervisor

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Review case records, court orders, tax returns, wage/financial information and similar documents. Verify information by contacting employers, interviewing parties and reviewing public records. Process correspondence related to assigned cases. Respond to questions and inquiries from clients regarding cases. Generate appropriate form and documents through use of PACSES. Prepare documents for parties' signatures and/or for the Court's review. Enter, update and maintain all required data in PACSES. (40%)

Conduct support conferences with plaintiffs, defendants and attorneys. Establish paternity for children born out of wedlock. Calculate gross and net incomes for parties and review parties’ reported expenses. Explain procedures and support guidelines to parties. By application of support guidelines, determine an amount of support to be paid by obligor. Obtain information and/or evaluate health care coverage available to parties. Review facts and make sound decisions in an expeditious manner. (40%)

Conduct enforcement conferences with delinquent obligors in the area of financial and medical support. Identify reasons for delinquency and devise strategies using available enforcement remedies to restore support order compliance.

Appear in Court during contempt hearings on behalf of the DRS in order to respond to questions and provide information to the presiding Judge and/or assist in administrative functions during the hearing. Process bench warrants. (20%)

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Adhere to established safety and security procedures. Report safety and security concerns to office management.

Perform other duties as assigned. The percentage of time spent on essential duties will vary as the needs of the job require.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice or a related field; or any combination of the acceptable education and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential job functions. Proficient in use of personal computer, word processing and Windows applications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of principles and practices of the domestic relations field. Knowledge of practices and procedures commonly utilized in domestic relations casework. Knowledge of the methods and techniques employed in interviewing adults in support situations involving children, marital breakdown, and similar issues. Ability to communicate effectively with support litigants, attorneys, members of the judicial system, employers, co-workers and other citizens. Ability to identify important sources of information, analyze data, and reach sound conclusions. Skilled in mathematics. Possess a general knowledge of audit practices in the workplace. Ability to maintain accurate and complete caseload records for use by others. Ability to organize tasks and be skilled in the efficient use of time to meet multiple demands of high stress and constantly changing work environment. Possess ability to remain calm in stressful environment, work independently, follow directions, read and comprehend procedures. Competent in use of personal computer and calculator. Possess ability to perform assignments under the normal working conditions under which the job operates.

Attend and successfully complete all training courses mandated by DRS/BCSE.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

This position requires a pre-employment background check as required by policy to perform the duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided.

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.

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  Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to utilize a personal computer, laptop, calculator and other general office equipment
• Ability to take notes while interviewing parties
• Ability to lift and/or move case files weighing up to 10 pounds
• Ability to pull or push carts containing multiple files and laptop computer in DRS office and between DRS office

located at 150 N. Queen St. and Courtrooms located at 50 N. Duke St.

• Ability to travel up to 5 city blocks
• Ability to move from workstation to secure public meeting area
• Ability to escort clients to/from waiting area from/to secure meeting rooms
• Ability to meet multiple demands in a high stress and constantly changing work environment
• Ability to function in an open work environment with moderate noise levels