POSITION SUMMARY:

The Conference Officer I is an entry-level establishment officer position. The officer learns and performs the duties of a conference officer with supervision, including conducting support conferences with clients and attorneys to determine a recommended amount of support by applying the Pennsylvania state guidelines and all applicable federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and laws. The Officer learns to manage a caseload effectively and efficiently with the goal of independently handling all officer duties.

The following applies to all employees of the Domestic Relations Section serving the 23rd Judicial District of Pennsylvania: Employees must assist in maintaining high program performance standards through efficient work practices and by active engagement in process improvement and training, which occasionally requires travel. Employees must diligently maintain a safe and secure working environment for employees and the public through compliance with all safety and security procedures. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

1. Conducts support conferences with clients and attorneys to resolve support complaints and petitions using accurate application of the Federal and State Rules. This includes analyzing parties' financial documents, calculating the support amount, entering the interim or final order on the state-wide computer system, and completing all summaries and system updates.
2. Prepares agreement orders of support for modification, credit, suspensions, and terminations through walk-ins and written or phone requests from clients and attorneys.
3. Analyzes and takes appropriate action on child support cases that are referred for problem resolution or other necessary action.
4. Does locate and personal service work on cases where the defendant fails to appear for a scheduled conference.
5. Responds to client and attorney case inquiries and concerns by telephone, mail, email, and Internet on more complex case issues.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in social services, social sciences, public relations, law, psychology, or a related field. 
• Experience in dealing with the public through service-oriented organizations or businesses preferred.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to express ideas clearly and accurately.
• Negotiation and decision-making skills.
• Ability to learn and apply the federal, state, and local rules and statutes governing the child support program.
• Ability to quickly and accurately assess problematic situations and provide concrete direction toward resolution.
• Basic mathematical operations in order to accurately calculate child support guidelines and yearly net incomes.
• Ability to read individual's financial information, including pay stubs and tax returns. 
• Ability to thrive in a stressful, fast-paced team environment.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sitting and typing for extended periods of time is commonplace with the advent of personal computers and electronic means of correspondence. Articulating keyboards with attached mouse pads are used to alleviate some of the stress on the hand and back muscles. Screen glare guards or modernized low-glare CRTs are used to reduce eye strain.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The office conditions are typical for an office environment with the occasional climate control system discomfort. The stress of using a computer, especially the stress on the hand and back muscles, can be problematic when performed for extended periods of time.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding e ployment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

About Us

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

About Us:

Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other ?county information, this is the place to start.

About the Team

Mission Statement:

It is the mission of Berks County government and all County employees to administer and deliver services to the citizens of the County in the most effective, efficient and professional manner possible within the constraints of the financial resources available.