We are currently looking for a(n) Obligation Specialist - HS Child Support Services located at the Office of Child Support.
JOB SUMMARY
The Obligation Specialist is responsible for managing child support obligations and ensuring data is accurately entered, maintained, and in compliance with tribal, state, and federal requirements. This role includes analyzing court orders and legal documents, verifying payments and balances, calculating arrears, and building obligations within the child support case management systems and verifying within other agency systems. The specialist completes audits, prepares documentation upon request, resolves customer account discrepancies, and collaborates across units to ensure financial integrity. The position plays a vital role in maintaining accurate child support accounts to promote stability for children and families.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Legal and Case Review Analyzes and interprets legal documents, including court orders, custody records, judgments, offset calculations and transmittals. Identifies jurisdictional authorities (Cherokee Nation, State of Oklahoma, or other tribal/state agencies). Obligation Management Reviews, builds and updates child support obligations including current support, arrears, judgments, and intergovernmental balances within child support case management system. Ensures obligations are aligned with language in court orders and interest accruals are correctly applied. Creates and maintains Records of Payment (ROP) for assigned cases. Completes obligation updates and adjustments based on new legal orders or payment history. Data Review and Auditing Performs audits of child support cases to ensure accuracy, utilizing Excel and other tools. Researches and resolves discrepancies across systems, including Child Support case management systems and other agency systems. Reviews & processes direct payments, canceled checks, manual adjustments, and interest accruals. Maintains and prepares payment records for customers, court proceedings, and intergovernmental agencies. Monitors payment allocations to ensure compliance with disbursement hierarchy. Reviews Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) balances and related documentation to ensure proper charging. Identifies and communicates with assigned case manager to retrieve case documentation such as legal filings, custody changes, transmittals, waivers and payment affidavits to ensure obligations are complete and accurate. Maintains detailed notes and documentation within case files to support audits and future reviews. Customer Support and Resolution Educates clients about understanding child support balances and payment records, ensuring they understand payment history and account adjustments. Addresses and resolves balance disputes with customers in person and over the phone. Participates in court proceedings and delivers financial analysis support to clients, internal teams, and the presiding judge. Collaboration and Compliance Staffs with case managers and attorney(s) to resolve complex obligation or payment issues. Communicates with other tribal or state agencies to verify balances and ensure accurate cross-jurisdictional payment records. Ensures compliance with Title IV-D regulations, tribal codes, state statues, and best practices. Participates in staff training, brainstorming sessions, and continuous improvement efforts. Other· Prepares monthly reports. Performs other duties, tasks, or services consistent with this position as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, accounting, business management, behavioral science, legal studies, human
services, related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
COMPETENCIES
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Intermediate math and accounting skills
• Analytical mindset
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Strong customer service skills
• Data software skills
• Interpretation skills for court and legal
documents
• Ability to work with sensitive financial data in a
confident and professional manner
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently
required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop,
kneel, crouch, or crawl and may taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Commerce Services requires the employee to lift up to 25 pounds.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a driving history verified through a motor vehicle report that meets
requirements for Cherokee Nation underwriting rating.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• The employee must not be and will not be under sanction by the United States Department of Health and Human
Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or by the General Services Administration (GSA) or listed on the
OIG's Cumulative Sanction Report, or the GSA's List of Excluded Providers, or listed on the OIG's List of Excluded
Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• Must meet and maintain pre-employment and periodic background investigation and adjudication for childcare.