Child Support Attorney I - MADERA COUNTY, CA : Job Details

Salary : $88,277.40 - $108,570.06 Annually Location : Madera, CA Job Type: Full-Time Department: Child Support Services Division: Child Support Services Opening Date: 07/29/2025 Closing Date: 8/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: PGLPR Under general supervision performs a variety of professional legal duties in support of the child support program and the establishment and enforcement of paternity and support orders; represents the department and litigates civil cases in courts of law; researches, analyzes, interprets, and applies state and federal statutes, regulations, case law, policies and procedures; provides professional legal advice and assistance to department staff related to the child support program; and performs related duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from the Director of Child Support Services. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Examples of Duties The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I level) and second working level (II level) positions.

• Provides legal counsel, advises, and represents the department in a variety of legal activities related to the child support program and the establishment and enforcement of paternity and child support orders.
• Appears in court on behalf of the department to litigate parentage/support cases originating from the department's filings; meets with participants in preparation for court to obtain necessary information, discuss proceedings; and/or attempt to resolve issues without court involvement.
• Appears in court on behalf of the department to assist with issues relating to child support and parentage on cases in which the department is involved; as an officer of the court, assists with support and parentage issues prior to formal department involvement to promote consistency, build relationships with justice partners, and encourage participants to utilize department services.
• Observes, documents, and appears in court proceedings involving custody, visitation, guardianship, juvenile, probate, and/or civil issues which could potentially have an impact on child support cases; documents outcomes and follows up to ensure appropriate action is taken related to child support case.
• Advises department staff, custodial and non-custodial parents, and witnesses regarding legal issues related to paternity and/or support actions.
• Researches, analyzes, interprets, and applies state and federal statues, regulations, case law, policies and procedures related to the child support program and legal actions taken on behalf of the department.
• Prepare liens, claims, and petitions, and appears in state, federal, and administrative courts to enforce court orders for the collection of support arrears in civil, probate, bankruptcy, and workers compensation matters.
• Reviews and signs legal documents including, but not limited stipulations, motions, and subpoenas.
• Prepares motions requiring special legal research or factual analysis.
• Provides work direction, training, and assistance related to the legal aspects of child support work to child support case workers and office support staff.
• Prepares a variety of legal documentation, including reports, correspondence, and opinions related to client cases.
• Maintains accurate records and files and compile reports of work performed.
• Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on the child support program and recommends appropriate action.
• Attends and participates in a variety of meetings, trainings, and conferences related to the child support program and legal activities.
• Observes and complies with County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards / Minimum QualificationsKnowledge of:

• Principles and procedures of civil and administrative law.
• Child support program goals, laws, policies, and procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct.
• Negotiation techniques.
• Legal case management procedures and techniques.
• Standard legal office policies and procedures.
• Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records, and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.
• Court process and legal terminology.
• Principles and practices of legal research, tools, methods, and citations.
• Pleadings, practices, and effective techniques in the presentation of court cases.
• County government organization, structure, and functional responsibilities.
• Methods and techniques for communicating with diverse populations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to the work performed.

Ability to:

• Research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to the child advocacy program and cases.
• Uphold and ensure departmental compliance with legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct.
• Participate in implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide sound legal advice, direction, and counsel to department staff.
• Make effective court and hearing presentations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Conduct effective negotiations.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity, display empathy, and remain accountable to the public.
• Research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to complex child support law and child support issues.
• Prepare and present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly, logically, and persuasively.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, legal documentation, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to the work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to a Juris Doctorate from a school of law.
• One (1) year of professional legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of family law.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate California driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in a standard office and court settings and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 15 pounds. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees work in an office and court environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Application Process The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training and experience relative to the required knowledge and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible. Only the most qualified applicants, who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the examination process which may be administered by a written examination, oral interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application. Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for the assessment listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section. THE APPRAISAL EXAM (100%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2025. To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our websiteAll job postings are also included via the TDD phone at 559-###-#### and the 24-hour job line at 559-###-####. Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded), licenses and certificates to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application. Those applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 form along with the application. Candidates who attain ranking on an eligible list and are involuntarily called to active duty may be considered for eligibility reinstatement upon their return. Placement on Eligible List: The Civil Service Commission may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the examination process. If two or more candidates have the same total final score on an examination, they shall be ranked in order of their scores in that portion of the examination which has the greatest weight. The names of two or more eligibles having final ratings which are identical shall be grouped on the eligible list as tie names with equal rank for certification and appointment purposes. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligible list, in rank order based on a calculation of their total score from the examination process. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of six (6) months or one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to section 6-4 (b) and may be extended for up to an additional year by the Commission. Benefits of employment with the County of Madera include:

• 14 paid holidays per year;
• 1 sick leave day per month (unlimited accrual);
• 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year, vacation accrual increasing thereafter with years of service (45 days maximum accrual);
• Membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), with an enhanced 2.7% @ 55 retirement benefit formula (based on the highest 12 months with the employee paying 8% toward the retirement cost) for those individuals with current or prior qualifying public sector service that establishes eligibility as a classic member pursuant to the provisions of California's 2013 Pension Reform Act (Act) and CalPERS Regulations. Individuals with no current or prior qualifying public sector service, and who are defined as new members or new employees under the Act, will be eligible for the 2% @ 62 retirement benefit formula (based on the average compensation over 36 consecutive months with the employee paying 7.75% toward the retirement cost);
• County participates in the Public Employees' Retirement System Health Benefit Program and for certain selected health plans, the County pays 95% of health insurance premium for employee and 50% for either two-party or dependent coverage;
• Additional salary increases after 10, 15, and 20 years of service.

01 Do you possess or have the ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California?

• Yes
• No

02 Do you possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law or its equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03 Do you have one (1) year of professional legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of family law?

• Yes
• No

04 I understand that I must indicate the specific time period and distinct job title in the applications work experience section. I understand that I am required to describe, in detail, my qualifying experience on my application.

• Yes, I understand.

Required Question