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9501
CHILD ADVOCATE LEGAL ASSISTANT
Nature of Work
Under general supervision, assists an attorney in the
rendition of professional services in connection with the
establishment and enforcement of paternity and support. Assists
the attorney with research of legal resource material, including
reported decisions and opinions, statutes, rules and regulations,
with the preparation and drafting of pleadings or other
documents, and with the review and assessment of case files by
preparing summaries and reports of pertinent facts, and by
compiling information as directed. Develops necessary
information to implement methods of child support enforcement.
Supports and assists in publicizing the Child Advocate program
throughout communities to which assigned, and may assist in
delivering services on an as-needed basis in more than one
regional office. Performs related work as required.
Examples of Work
Completes applications, explains agency regulations as they
relate to provision of services of the Child Advocate
Office.
Locates obligors and employers of absent parents by all
appropriate means available.
Investigates absent parent resources to determine ability to
pay.
Reviews child support cases for the purpose of making
referrals to state and federal tax agencies for
interception of tax returns for the purpose of offsetting
arrearages owed for child support.
Prepares and maintains proper documentation on cases.
Writes abstracts of evidence presented to the Family Law
Master or Circuit Court hearings and summaries of information
on hearings or claims.
May direct clerical personnel in the typing and preparation of
briefs, pleadings, and other documents.
Maintains records of all cases before counsel including briefs
submitted, rulings and opinions, and all cases appealed to
the Supreme Court of Appeals.
Attends hearings before the Family Law Master, Circuit Court,
or the Supreme Court of Appeals, with attorney, to assist
as appropriate.
Keeps abreast of changes in agency or departmental laws, rules
and regulations as well as state, federal and local laws
relating to the area of assignment.
Reviews and assesses case files, under the guidance of an
attorney, to assist in determining the legal remedies, if
any, appropriate for that case and to assist in preparing
the case for legal action.
Compiles such information as may be needed to develop the
case, by inquiries and referrals to appropriate agency
personnel, interviews, conferences with obligees, obligors,
or others, review of public records, or development of other
sources.
Prepares summaries and reports of pertinent facts and
information.
Utilizes the public records of the Circuit Court, the county
commission, and other sources.
Files legal documents at the direction of an attorney,
including abstracts of judgments.
Composes routine correspondence.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of Child Support Enforcement Program guidelines and
procedures and state and federal laws governing the
program.
Knowledge of the broad principles and application of law,
evidence, pleadings, and judicial procedures in West
Virginia.
Skill in the preparation of legal documents.
Ability to complete required forms and documents needed to
establish and enforce child support.
Ability to maintain financial records and other necessary
documentation for resolution of nonsupport cases.
Ability to investigate social and financial background of
clients and to locate absent parents.
Ability to perform fundamental mathematical calculations.
Ability to gather and interpret pertinent statutory and
regulatory provisions and case law, and present findings in
a logical and persuasive written form.
Ability to communicate well with others and to compile and
assess information from many sources.
Ability to analyze and organize facts and present such
materials in a clear and logical form.
Ability to supervise personnel engaged in clerical duties.
Ability to understand and follow government organizational and
operational policies.
Minimum Qualifications
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Training:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or
university.
Substitution:
Full-time or part-time equivalent experience in
the following areas: (1) Experience in a legal setting which
required performing legal research, reading and interpreting
laws, preparing legal documents, and assisting in the prepara
tion and assessment of case files, under the supervision of an
attorney, may substitute for the required training on a year
for-year basis, or (2) debt collections, credit investiga
tions, criminal investigations, law enforcement, or an
Economic Service Worker, may substitute for the required
training on a year-for-year basis, or (3) completion of an
approved Paralegal Assistant program may substitute for two
years of the required training, or (4) any combination
thereof.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Availability of a car for continuous use
may be a requisite of employment.
Established: 8/20/92
Effective:
9/15/92