Case manager relies on versatility in helping others collect child support

By Jackie Benton
Special Sections Writer
Austin American Statesman
Sunday, March 19, 2006

Roberta Crumm finds herself wearing a lot of hats during her regular fast-paced business day. First, she's a negotiator. Then she's a salesperson. Then she's alternately a psychologist, conunselor, and even legal mediator.

Crumm is an enforcement specialist and a case manager with Supportkids, a private agency dedicated to collecting child support from non-custodial parents. Supportkids offers professional and confidential child support enforcement services for families across the nation, and works within the existing child support guidelines.

Helping custodial parents obtain the means necessary to provide a better life for their children is an enormous perk for Crumm.

"I'm a champion of sorts, for single parents and their kids. The support decided upon by the courts goes toward providing for these children. At Supportkids, we provide a service for parents who have no where else to turn." says Crumm.

Crumm says that the parents who come to Supportkids for help have already tried to find relief from thier state's Attorney general office only to find it is overburdened with similar cases. The other legal alternative, hiring an attorney, is too costly for many single parents who are already strapped trying to make ends meet.

"Thats where we come in," explains Crumm. "We're an affordable option , because we charge a nominal percentage of what we actually collect and don't expect payment upfront."

Crumm recalls a single mother who worked in food service at a school cafeteria. The woman had raised her two daughters on her modest salary, and enlisted the help of Supportkids after her kids were enrolled in college.

"It was a great feeling to tell this mother who had scrimped to get by and provide for her children that we had a check for $40,000 for her."

She does admit, however, that the job can have it's difficulties.

"The issues that you're calling about - namely children and money, are very emotionally charged," she says. "You have every kind of response, and not all of them are pleasant."

Team support helps take the edge off the stress that can often accompany her work with Supportkids.

"There is an incredable team rapport at Supportkids that I just haven't found anywhere else," Crumm smiles. "The first year of employment can be so edgy, but you're assigned to a team, You have a coach in addition to two assistant team leaders. We make sure that our people are taken care of."

In addition to the the team atmosphere, Supportkids also offers flexible schedules and a causal open work environment. An enforcement specialist's income includes a base salary plus a bonus.

"Being an enforcement specialist is great for people who are very goal-oriented," Says Crumm. "But mostly, the one thing we all have in common is that we all are 'people persons' who treat others with dignity and respect. We're interested in making sure the right things happen for the right people for all of the right reasons."