State of Iowa

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Community Access and Eligibility Division, Child Support Services, is seeking an Administrative Assistant 1 to join our Cedar Rapids team to help Iowa families successfully navigate the child support process. As part of our team, you will play a crucial role in establishing, enforcing, and monitoring child support and medical support orders, as well as encouraging families to provide financial and emotional support for their children.

The Administrative Assistant 1 position provides legal support to office attorneys. Some of the duties include the preparation of files for hearings, preparing legal correspondence, typing legal documents, preparing, assembling, and sending documents for legal process service, maintaining electronic and hard copy legal files, uploading and filing documents with the Clerk of Court using an electronic filing system, managing attorney calendars, as well as other legal support duties as assigned. This position requires strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of community partners including human service agencies, attorneys, clerks of court, county sheriffs, employers, corrections, and other related entities to achieve the goals of the Child Support Program.

Responsibilities include performing specialized clerical duties with an emphasis on legal support. Provides information and responds to questions from case parties. Assists Case Managers and Attorneys with establishment and enforcement tasks. May assist with location duties by utilizing the internet, databases, and various automated systems. The position requires a highly motivated, organized individual with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and significant proficiency in Microsoft office programs (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook), Adobe, and a wide array of computerized child support functions. Experience/aptitude for learning and using multiple electronic systems is critically important for success in this position.

The position requires a highly motivated, organized individual with excellent written and verbal communication skills. To thrive in this position, you must possess the ability to comprehend and apply complex instructions, including federal, state, and local laws, policies, and procedures specific to child support. You must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications. Experience/aptitude for learning and using multiple electronic systems is critically important for success in this position.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage assigned caseload and demonstrate critical thinking skills required to complete complex tasks independently.
• Comprehend and adhere to the confidentiality provisions stated in the Code of Iowa.
• Produce work that requires extreme accuracy.
• Prioritize complex tasks and time to meet established performance goals and critical deadlines.
• Perform mathematical calculations needed to accurately reflect support obligations and balance computations.
• Provide complete and accurate program information when dealing with internal and external customers. Represent the Department in a professional, cooperative manner so CSS’s goals and credibility are maintained.
• Interact with employees and customers in a manner consistent with quality customer service delivery.
• Resolve problems/issues by using good listening and positive conflict resolution skills.
• Adjust and adapt to work pressures, change or difficult situations impacting people or groups without unusual stress reactions.
• Work productively in a team environment; build, foster & maintain partnerships at a variety of levels.
• Accurately retrieve, upload and index mail from Electronic Mail System.
• write clear, concise, and accurate letters that are grammatically correct.

What we provide:

• Office located in downtown Cedar Rapids in a newly renovated historic building
• Within walking distance to multiple restaurant options
• Hybrid work environment after full training period and manager approval
• A growing and diverse team-focused environment

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Applicants may attach a resume/cover letter to the online application.

Additional Qualification Requirements:

• Position requires successful completion of a level 5 criminal background check including FBI fingerprinting.
• Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in any field.
2. A total of four years of education (as described in number one) and/or full-time experience in accounting, secretarial, or office support work collecting, compiling, reporting, examining and/or editing numerical data; coding and qualifying people for benefits, licenses, or other transactions; preparing and keeping budgetary accounts and projections; organizing and implementing office support operations; advising on procedural processes; or other work that provided direct support and exposure to substantive agency programs, where one year of full-time experience is equal to 30 semester hours of education.
3. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 12 months of full-time work as a Secretary 2, Clerk Specialist, Public Service Supervisor, Accounting Technician (any level), Purchasing Assistant, or Human Resources Technical Assistant

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description (Download PDF reader).

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

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