Clerk Specialist

Salary : $36,628.80 - $53,788.80 Annually
Location : Clinton - 52733 - Clinton County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-02619
Agency: 400 Health and Human Services - Community Access Eligibility
Division: Health and Human Services - Community Access Eligibility
Opening Date: 03/18/2025
Closing Date: 3/30/2025 11:59 PM Central
Max Number of Applicants: 999
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Melissa Fry & Ann Clark - melissa.fry@hhs.iowa.gov & ann.clark@hhs.iowa.gov

Job Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Community Access and Eligibility Division, Child Support Services, is seeking a Clerk Specialist to join our Clinton team to help Iowa families successfully navigate the child support process. As part of our team, you will play a crucial role in establishing, enforcing, and monitoring child support and medical support orders, as well as encouraging families to provide financial and emotional support for their children
The State of Iowa offers a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Below are some of the benefits the State of Iowa offers:

• Hours 8-4:30, Monday - Friday
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Package
• IPERS Retirement package and option for deferred compensation
• Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Employee Discount Programs
• Vacation
• Sick Leave (with no cap on hours that can carry over)

The selected candidate will work with customers to establish, modify or pay child support orders. Clerk Specialists provide legal support to office attorneys. Some of the duties include the preparation of files for hearings, preparing legal correspondence, typing legal documents, preparing, assembling, and sending documents for legal process service, maintaining electronic and hard copy legal files, uploading and filing documents with the Clerk of Court using an electronic filing system, managing attorney calendars, as well as other legal support duties as assigned. This position requires strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of community partners including human service agencies, attorneys, clerks of court, county sheriffs, employers, corrections, and other related entities to achieve the goals of the Child Support Program.
Responsibilities include performing specialized clerical duties with an emphasis on legal support. Provides information and responds to questions from case parties. Assists Case Managers and Attorneys with establishment and enforcement tasks. May assist with location duties by utilizing the internet, databases, and various automated systems. The position requires a highly motivated, organized individual with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and significant proficiency in Microsoft office programs (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook), Adobe, and a wide array of computerized child support functions. Experience/aptitude for learning and using multiple electronic systems is critically important for success in this position.
In addition, candidates must have the ability to:

• Manage assigned case work and demonstrate critical thinking skills required to complete tasks independently.
• Knowledge of basic office practices, legal forms and format, the maintenance of complex records and the use of guides and reference materials.
• Prepare motions, letters, and legal documents for office attorneys.
• Prepare legal files for attorney use in Court.
• Organize and maintain files and records of a confidential, complex, or otherwise sensitive nature.
• Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions accurately and efficiently.
• Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Work with minimal supervision. Demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail.
• Read and comprehend complex instructions including federal, state, and local laws, policy and procedures applicable to the Child Support Program and apply it to child support casework.
• Comprehend and adhere to the confidentiality provisions stated in the Code of Iowa.
• Produce work that requires extreme accuracy.
• Prioritize tasks and time to meet established performance goals and critical deadlines.
• Perform mathematical calculations needed to accurately reflect support obligations.
• Interact with employees and customers in a manner consistent with quality customer service delivery.
• Resolve problems/issues by using good listening and positive conflict resolution skills.
• Adjust and adapt to work pressures, change or difficult situations impacting people or groups without unusual stress reactions.
• Maintain high attendance as excessive absenteeism negatively impacts the Child Support Program.
• Work productively in a team environment. The ability to manage group processes; encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity, fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
• Accurately enter, retrieve, file, generate and correct case folders and/or information from ICAR and various data base systems.
• Accurately sort and scan physical mail; index and retrieve electronic mail from an electronic mail system.
• Write clear, concise, and accurate letters that are grammatically correct.
• Travel occasionally when work is required outside of the office.

Additional Qualification Requirements:

This position requires the completion and successful passing of a level 5 criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to fully complete ALL employment and education fields within the online application. The application is the primary record for determining your eligibility for employment. Do not use SEE RESUME in the application fields. We encourage you to attach a resume and cover letter to provide information in a different format, but your resume should never include information that is not contained in the application fields. Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits

to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks
Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Experience equal to three years of full-time clerical or closely related work;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting graduation from high school, G.E.D. equivalency or satisfactory completion of a recognized correspondence or formal job-related training course at the high school or equivalent level such as that offered by WIN, OEO, CEP, CIVEC or similar programs, for one year only of the required experience;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting nine months or thirty semester hours coursework in an accredited business school, college or university for each year of the required experience;
OR
certification from the State of Iowa Administrative Assistant Certificate Program will substitute for six months of the required experience;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of eighteen months of full time experience as a resident treatment worker or Clerk-Advanced.

For additional information, please click on this
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority
01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

How many years of experience in full time clerical or closely related work AND education do you have? Nine months or thirty semester hours of coursework in an accredited business school, college or university may substitute for one year of the required experience.

• No education/experience to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years or more

04

If you have completed the certification from the State of Iowa Administrative Assistant Certificate Program: How many years of experience in full time clerical or closely related work AND education do you have? Nine months or thirty semester hours of coursework in an accredited business school, college or university may substitute for one year of the required experience.

• N/A
• No education/experience to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 2 1/2
• 2 1/2 years or more

05

How many years of experience do you have of full-time employment in clerical or closely related work?

• No experience to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years or more

06

If you have a high school diploma/GED - how many years of full time clerical or closely related work do you have? NOTE: Satisfactory completion of a recognized correspondence or formal job-related training course at the high school or equivalent level such as that offered by WIN, OEO, CEP, CIVEC or similar programs would substitute for high school/GED completion.

• No experience to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years or more
• Not applicable - I do not have a high school diploma/GED or equivalent

07

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch): How many years of full-time work experience in the state executive branch do you have in the classification of either a Resident Treatment Worker or Clerk-Advanced?

• No experience to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 1 1/2 years
• 1 1/2 years or more

Required Question

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