FOC Investigator

Under the supervision of the Assistant Friend of the Court for Field Services, investigates and assists the Court in the establishment of paternity and the enforcement of child support, parenting time and custody orders relative to children in domestic relations cases.

This position is a full time, benefitted position working Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

This position will work out of the newly built Family Justice Center located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460 once the building opens in summer 2024.

Until the Family Justice Center opens, the position will work out of the Grand Haven Courthouse located at 414 Washington Ave. Grand Haven, MI 49417. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

When ordered by the Court to do so, investigates cases relative to the review and modification of child support, parenting time and custody. Analyzes case data to determine, within established guidelines, the need for legal action to establish, enforce, or modify orders for support. Prepares reports of facts and findings and presents recommendations to the Court on custody and/or parenting time. Applies the child custody factors as set forth in the Child Custody Act and conducts home studies, as appropriate. Initiates enforcement actions through show cause motions, notice of income withholding orders, orders to seize assets, and filing liens on bank accounts and real property. Conducts extensive investigations to identify true income and financial and real assets of delinquent payers, employing a variety of search engines and research tools. Present petitions, prepares evidence and testifies in court as necessary. Conducts pre-hearing conferences with clients and/or their attorneys to resolve contested issues and delinquent support payments through mediation; prepares stipulated orders resulting from successful mediation for the court. If ordered as the result of a contempt finding by the court, may supervise a non-payer of support as to specific terms and conditions of probation. Upon the filing of an ExParte motion to change custody or parenting time, shall immediately review and provide background information and history to the court to allow an informed decision to be made. Assists the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Child Protective Services in the filing of a motion to change custody or suspend parenting time based upon affidavit of CPS worker. As assigned, conducts Facilitative Information Gathering meetings “FIGS” to address issues and complaints pending final entry of the Judgment. Assesses special needs of families and provides appropriate referrals to community agencies. May interview minor child(ren) to assess impact of custody changes or parenting time schedules and evaluate emotional, physical, and developmental needs of child. Mediates issues with respect to custody, parenting time and support during the period of separation in order to maintain a reasonable level of family functioning and limit the adverse impact of the dissolution of the marriage on minor child(ren). Absent an agreement between the parties, recommends interim orders for custody, support and parenting time; notifies parties of their statutory rights to file objections and seek modification of the interim order within the specified objection period. Explains rights and obligations, statutory requirements, court rules, available services, and procedures for working with the Office of the Friend of the Court. Provides written information, web addresses, and other hardcopy and digital reference materials to clients. As assigned, may serve as Interstate Investigator with a specific focus on interstate enforcement. In this capacity, the investigator will enforce orders issued by other states but applicable to parties residing in Michigan, ensuring the orders are properly filed and identifying the state with Continuing Exclusive Jurisdiction. Collaborate with other states to enforce Michigan orders applying to non-resident parties. Serves as a staff resource on interstate issues and update interstate manual as laws and processes change. As assigned, may serve as Bench Warrant Investigator as part of Bench Warrant Team. Coordinates the resolution of outstanding civil warrants with the team through the use of various location and enforcement tools, including booting vehicles, location and arrest by Warrant Officer assigned to the FOC, providing FOC, providing evidence to the Prosecuting Attorney for the prosecution of felony non-support charges, and providing testimony in criminal cases if subpoenaed. May provide work direction to FOC Warrant Officer in the form of locate and/or service of process requests. As assigned, may serve as the medical enforcement investigator with a specific focus on Medical enforcement. In this capacity, the investigator will assist clients in settling disputes regarding unpaid health care expenses or health insurance related issues through mediation and, in the absence of successful mediation, in hearings before the court. Ensures that employers and third-party administrators comply with National Medical Support Notices issued to them in cases involving their respective employees/plan participants. As assigned, my serve as the establishment investigator with a specific focus on establishment of paternity and child support. In this capacity investigates IV-D eligible cases to establish paternity and set support for minor children commencing legal action when appropriate. May also schedule and conduct DNA testing, mediate custody, parenting time issues, and child support and submit recommendations to the court when parties cannot agree on issues. May participate in hearings related to paternity establishment and initial Judgments regarding child support, parenting time and custody. Manages special projects to improve court processes and/or improve Federal Performance Measures in an effort to increase earned Federal incentive monies and reduce County General Fund contribution. May perform other duties as assigned. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, sociology, legal studies, or other relevant field combined with two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in domestic relations case management, criminal justice or court administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Master's Degree in criminal justice, sociology, legal studies or other relevant field strongly preferred. Required Knowledge and Skills:

Thorough working knowledge of family and domestic relations law. Thorough working knowledge of Social Security Act, Title IV, Part D; the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (UCCJEA) and other federal statures pertaining to child support enforcement, child custody and the rights of non-custodial parents. Thorough working knowledge of the SCAO Michigan Child Support Formula Manual. Thorough working knowledge of the Michigan Court Rules and State Court Administrative Office rules, regulations and requirements. Thorough working knowledge of Michigan Office of Child Support rules, regulations and requirements. Thorough working knowledge of case management practices and principles. Thorough working knowledge of the practices and principles of mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Thorough working knowledge of domestic violence protocols. Computer literacy and familiarity with word-processing, spreadsheet, database management and other applications software. Excellent working knowledge of health insurance plans, health savings accounts and business practices. Thorough working knowledge of the MiCSES operating system. Good working knowledge of internet search engines and databases and other research tools for identifying non-custodial parent sources of income and assets. Knowledge of public and private community resources available to clients. Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to interact positively and objectively with custodial and non-custodial parents, Child Protective Services representatives, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, officers of the court, State auditors, and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying levels of interpersonal communications skills.

Note: Verbal and written fluency in Spanish, Cambodian, Lao or other language commonly spoken by one or more demographic groups represented in the population strongly preferred.

Licenses and Certifications: Must complete Domestic Relations Mediation Training specified in Friend of the Court Act MCL 552.513 and MCR 3.216 within twenty-four (24) months of the date of hire.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a normal office environment and in the courtroom.

Ottawa County is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr