Child Support Attorney II

Salary : $88,691.20 - $113,817.60 Annually
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: MSS06285
Department: Child Support Services
Division: 206 - Child Support Services
Opening Date: 11/04/2026
Closing Date: 11/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DEFINITION

This is a County of Humboldt job position, however the job application is submitted through Merit System Services. To apply for this position, click on this link to the Merit System Serviceswebsite. If the link is not working for you, go to and search for positions in Humboldt County to submit your application for this job.
Performs a variety of professional legal work in child support civil and criminal cases; provides legal advice and assistance in child support issues to Department and law enforcement staff; advises clients and the public on legal procedures regarding child support; may be the attorney of record in all legal actions and proceedings filed on behalf of the Department with the courts and administrative law agencies; and performs related work as required.

Child Support Attorney I

Working under close supervision, Child Support Attorney I is the entry/trainee level in the Child Support Attorney series. Employees at this level receive in-service training, and are given detailed instructions in the performance of routine duties related to legal work in child support civil and criminal cases. As requisite skills and knowledge are developed, greater independence and the full scope of responsibility are exercised. Employees are expected to promote to Child Support Attorney II after one year of satisfactory performance at the trainee level.

Child Support Attorney II

Working under general supervision, Child Support Attorney II is the journey level in the Child Support Attorney series. Employees at this level require specific child support legal experience and less supervision and review to complete assignments. Positions may be permanently allocated to level II due to the nature of the work. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level of Child Support Attorney I, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Investigates, researches, and prepares child support cases for litigation or prosecution.
• Interviews and advises complainants, law enforcement personnel, and the public in regard to prosecuting child support cases.
• Litigates or prosecutes cases in all courts of the county.
• Negotiates with attorneys regarding the disposition of civil matters and/or modification of charges in specific cases.
• Assists other attorneys in the investigation, research, and preparation of the more complex cases.
• Advises Department staff on questions of law and procedure in particular cases.
• Prepares briefs and opinions concerning the law as applied to matters within the department.
• Assists in preparing filings and prosecuting cases before Appellate Courts.
• May give presentations to law enforcement agencies and public groups on child support legal issues and processes.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge Of:
• California civil and criminal codes related to child law.
• Principles of civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law.
• Trial and courtroom procedures and practices.
• Administrative law procedures.
• Legal research methods.
• Rules of evidence.
• Standard legal office practices and procedures.
• Negotiating techniques relative to child law, criminal law, and child support issues.
• Ethical and professional standards of conduct.

Ability to:
• Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to child law and child support issues.
• Prepare and present statements of law and fact.
• Argue clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form on child law and child support issues.
• Prepare and present cases in Municipal and Superior courts.
• Negotiate settlements.
• Manage an assigned caseload and perform quality legal work under pressure of deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
• Understand and accept differences in human behavior, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Prepare and maintain clear, concise and comprehensive records, reports and correspondence.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)
Child Support Attorney I: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited law school.
Child Support Attorney II: One (1) year of experience as a general practicing attorney.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ALL LEVELS
Active membership in the State Bar of California.

DRIVER LICENSE REQUIREMENT
Some positions in this classification may require possession of a valid California driver's license. Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver's license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the appointing authority.
Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

RETIREMENT
The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program: Employees fall into one of the following tiers based on the date you first start working for the County or any other employer that uses CalPERS for retirement.

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.

COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE
Our generous benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance
  • Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS
  • County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage
• Additional Insurance Coverage
  • Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents
  • Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• County-Provided Benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Longevity Pay
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits
Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:

• Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION
1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)
4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)
11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)
16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)
21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS
Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

CONTINUING EDUCATION EXPENSES
Travel and tuition fees are reimbursed for education courses required to maintain CA attorney license.
Bar Dues: Paid by County for employee.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
10 days of administrative leave per fiscal year.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.
Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.