Investigator (Probation Child Support)

About the role

The Bergen Vicinage Probation Division is seeking a reliable, detail-oriented individual interested in making a difference as an Investigator in its Child Support Enforcement Unit. The selected candidate must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, as well as technical competence. Under the direction of the Probation Division Manager (Court Executive 2b) and other supervisory personnel, the selected individual will conduct investigations and gather relevant facts pertaining to cases.

When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8,500-member team that operates with the highest standards of independence, integrity, fairness and quality service. You will be engaged with work that has purpose, meaning and makes a difference in the lives of the public we serve. The Judiciary workforce is improving the lives of countless individuals and families every day, addressing issues such as bail reform, marijuana decriminalization, and recovery court.

Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position. The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to 2 days of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings. To participate in this program, you will be required to have high-speed home internet access and install a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet.

Responsibilities

• Perform investigatory work, including initial intake process
• Manage case flow and/or monitor outcomes of cases, along with completing necessary data entry
• Analyze case histories to monitor and enforce conditions of court orders
• Explain Judiciary policies or procedures to clients/customers
• Identify clients’/customers’ case management needs
• Ensure the timely disposition and entry of all orders and subsequent proceedings
• Conduct client interviews
• Prepare cases for court hearings and make recommendations to the courts
• Establish working relationships with divisions, vicinages, or other outside organizations
• Review documents submitted to the court for compliance with court rules and approved practices
• Ensure all case activities, updates, and interactions are documented through case notes to ensure proper case tracking and/or draft other case-related correspondence
• Advise management and judges on case issues
• Provide cross-training to co-workers
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Two years of paraprofessional experience in casework involving the collection of facts, securing, and verifying socioeconomic data, obtaining information by observing conditions, examining records, interviewing individuals, and/or preparing investigative reports of findings.

Substitution: Applicants may substitute semester hour credits from an accredited college or university for the required experience on a year-for-year basis with 30 semester hour credits being equal to one year of experience.

Qualifications

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong work ethic and technical competence
• Ability to perform work which may require climbing and prolonged standing, stretching, bending, and reaching (for some positions)
• Ability to frequently lift and carry supplies weighing from 30 to 50 pounds and, occasionally, materials weighing up to 75 pounds (for some positions)
• Possession of a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position
• Authorization to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations

Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that will include fingerprinting. All data received will be kept in strict confidence except to inform the individual of the findings and any resulting action.

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), the "New Jersey First Act," all persons newly hired by the Judiciary within one year must establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Exemptions may be requested from the Employee Residency Review Committee on the basis of hardship or employer critical need.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $48,423.30 to $91,649.93 for Schedule A, and $48,423.30 to $82,047.30 for Schedule B.

• For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range.
• For current Judiciary employees, salary upon promotion or advancement will be an increase of 5% of base salary, not to exceed the maximum of the range, or the minimum salary of the band/level, whichever is greater.

Judiciary employees hired prior to August 21, 2014, are considered Schedule A. Newly hired individuals, and Judiciary employees hired on or after August 21, 2014, are considered Schedule B.