Court Investigator

DUTIES:

Conducts investigations, undertakes enforcement related activities and makes recommendations concerning appropriate establishment and payment of support.

Investigates the financial ability, occupation and earning capacity of parties involved in domestic relations cases; establishes and enforces payment schedules.

Conducts interviews with clients and gathers information regarding employment, ability to work and ability to pay.

Assists in the collection and distribution of support payments to payees.

Assists law enforcement agencies in locating delinquent payers and instructs payers to be brought before the court in cases of delinquent payment.

Prepares and maintains records using the MI Child Support Enforcement System. Updates information, including party addresses and employers. Verifies accuracy of information obtained through communication with parties, employers and social service agencies.

Receives and responds to inquiries regarding payment, enforcement and/or modification of support.

Prepares court orders to start, stop or modify child support.

Testifies in court as requested.

May serve legal papers for the Court such as summonses, show causes, bench warrants and subpoenas.

This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of experience related to collection investigations or investigative law enforcement experience.

Additional course work or experience in Psychology, Criminology, Business, Accounting or related field is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license throughout the course of employment.

Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical, including drug testing prior to employment.

A background check will be performed and employees will be fingerprinted.

Employee may not have any felony convictions.

May be subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

Friend of the Court employees must possess an ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with individuals from a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds.

Employees may be exposed to clients in various emotional states who may be verbally abusive or hostile and must be able to de-escalate highly charged situations.

Knowledge of mainframe and personal computer applications, data collection and automated information systems preferred.

TO APPLY ONLINE, CLICK HERE:

TO APPLY VIA EMAIL, FAX, MAIL OR IN PERSON:

If you prefer not to apply online, you may download a Berrien County Job Application and send it to our Personnel Department via email, fax, mail or in person. A Berrien County job application must be submitted in order to be considered for employment.

Submit by Email
Fax: (269) 983-5788
Address: Berrien County Administration Building, Personnel Department, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085