CHILD SUPPORT SPECIALIST TRAINEE
Child Support Specialist Trainee is non-competitive, meaning the state checks your education and experience against the spec instead of ranking you on a test.
You can qualify with a bachelor's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $58,222 to $60,876.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under close supervision of a Child Support Specialist 3, or a higher level supervisory official in the Office of Child Support Services, Department of Human Services, as a trainee and productive worker receives on-the-job training while performing activities related to child support programs; program compliance and performance; the statewide use of the child support information management system. Learn to maintain, monitor, assess, implement and/or improve processes and procedures to meet established program goals and objectives, and act as a liaison between the agency and other public or private organizations; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
As a trainee and productive worker: Learns how to provide technical and/or program assistance to internal and external child support program partners. Learns how to conduct field visits as requested, required or identified through assessment to internal units and external stakeholders in order to facilitate, promote and coordinate uniformity in program compliance, performance and statewide use of the child support information management system(s). Learns how to conduct compliance and performance audits on a regularly scheduled basis as instructed. Learns how to monitor and analyze case work and recommend changes to improve business practices, and collect and/or maintain case statistics and generate status reports. Learns to, assists in collecting, analyzing, reviewing, maintaining, interpreting, calculating information, data and statistics from field visits, meetings, special projects and work assignments and programs. Generates status reports, graphs, statistics and charts, conducts audits, identifies errors and defects, and makes improvement recommendations and disseminates reports and information to appropriate internal and external parties. Learns how to formulate operational policies and procedures, monitor programs, projects, data, contracts or grants for compliance and performance to meet agency standards and/or the requirements of Federal and State regulation and disseminate information/reports. May consult with experienced CSP staff, information technology staff responsible for maintaining the automated child support system, and staff responsible for testing the system functionality to provide input in support of proper system performance. May assist with the development of programs, plans and system use instructions/procedures to effectuate a complete review process for related programs, including the judicial process, in accordance with State and Federal guidelines; achieve an effective integration of services and program activities and avoid duplication of effort; identifies problem areas in the delivery, administration, implementation. Learns how to advise and consult with child support agencies, data users and workgroups related to Federal, State and case laws and regulations, court orders, policies and procedures, delivery and maintenance of services and programs, system functionality, presented materials and recommendations. Learns about the child support program to be able to provide customer service by explaining the program and case information and answer questions from callers through contact center activities and correspondence. Determines the status of customer or service complaints in accordance with establishes procedures and regulations to ensure the responses are made within the required timeframe. May respond to inquiries and complaints from the general public, child support enforcing agencies outside state government, and others regarding child support processes and activities. Assists with enforcement functions requiring research, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, written and phone communication and provide a high level of customer service. Under direction of a supervisor, may compile documentation for legal proceedings and provide input for recommendations on actions and appeal decisions. May correct discrepancies in records, accounts, evaluate refund or credit requests and recommends adjustments in client billings. Learns how when to make recommends investigations of alleged inappropriate actions, possible fraud, or violations and apply established security procedures and guidelines. Assists with the coordination of activities between the agency and other public and private organizations to maximize the effective and efficient utilization of resources. May update and maintain program information to ensure accuracy of data for employers, health care providers, insurers and financial institutions. May review, research, update, validate, maintain and make resolution recommendations of user requests and child support program information and data to ensure accuracy of information provided to internal and external parties. Under direction of a supervisor, learns how to conduct functional program user acceptance testing and assist with answering inquiries for data users. Learns about system functions and provides explanations and technical assistance in the use and application of system features which supports program operations. Learns to identify program functional and operational errors and make recommendations on problem resolution. Assist with presentations at meetings, conference, and training sessions. Processes various types of correspondence and other routine written materials and determine appropriate disposition. Maintain efficient, accurate and secure record keeping according to Department, State and/ or Federal regulations. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the ways and means to collect and review data. Knowledge of the techniques used to evaluate and interpret statistical and other forms of information/data. Ability to interpret and apply information on federal programs, laws, rules, regulations, policies, standards and procedures applicable to the child support programs administered by the agency. Ability to comprehend all applicable rules and standards regarding handling, use, safeguarding, disclosure and incident reporting of classified and confidential information including but not limited to Federal Tax Information (FTI), Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) data and program data. Ability to effectively communicate with others and maintain favorable public relations. Ability to prepare correspondence, records and reports; maintain records; and present clear, sound, accurate and comprehensive assessments, recommendations and findings in written and oral formats. Ability to read, interpret, analyze and apply child support laws, rules, regulations and prescribed procedures and to interpret and apply them to specific situations. Ability to evaluate and interpret statistical data and other forms of information. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to maintain an efficient and secure filing system. Ability to read, write, speak understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation can not be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. ADVANCEMENT: Appointees who complete successfully the required twelve (12) month training period will be eligible for advancement to the title Child Support Specialist 1 in accordance to Civil Service Commission procedures. The inability of an employee in this title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to one of the titles listed above shall be considered as cause for separation.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Four (4) years of professional experience in the analysis, development, implementation, coordination and/or monitoring of operating procedures and/or programs related to child support, child welfare, or probation in a social welfare, criminal justice, or other agency administering such programs. OR Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.