Collections Officer Lead

Job Summary

Performs a variety of complex, technical, and professional tasks related to the collection of debts owed the county. Utilizes considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes and extensive understanding of county policies and procedures to increase county revenues. Provides training, direction, and mentorship to all workers within the Collections unit. Prepares reports and coordinates daily activities and group projects for the unit.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Carries a Collections Officer workload and focuses on areas neglected due to capacity. 
• Provides training for all Collections unit employees and ensures consistency of information and procedures and preparation of documents. Develops, updates, and maintains electronic training documentation to ensure correct, timely, and consistent information is given to all staff. 
• Mentors staff by assisting with policy interpretation, resources, and decision making. Works with staff in setting workload priorities and means for efficiency. 
• Oversees the compliance and statutory audit process governing the collection of debt for Health and Human Services.
• Prepares all legal documents for court actions in conciliation, civil, district, and probate court. Provides court with credible documentation, testimony, and facts of cases and represents Scott County Collections in court proceedings. 
• Assists with escalated client disputes and works towards a resolution. 
• Manages and analyzes difficult cases, navigates statutory issues with all involved parties, and negotiates payment compliance agreements and settlements. 
• Ensures Scott County is compliant with all state and federal guidelines, rules, regulations, statutes, policies, and service level agreements governing the collection of debt.
• Prepares reporting for collections tracking, providing data by program areas. 
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires the equivalency of an Associate's Degree and five years of collections experience in a government setting involving estate recovery and court action, and the ability to evaluate and negotiate complex cases involving public assistance, childcare, foster care, out-of-home placement, mental health, and community corrections to arrange payment terms. A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Experience leading a team and providing training to staff are preferred. Financial reporting experience of program areas and knowledge of the functions and use of Microsoft Excel are preferred.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision of the Accounting Supervisor. Work is performed independently according to established procedures and guidelines. The supervisor may occasionally review completed work to ensure adherence to departmental policies and procedures. 

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of General Accounting Principles. 



Knowledge of debt collection guidelines and techniques. 



Knowledge of general county policies and procedures related to taxes, rents, court costs, and human services payments. 



Knowledge of general insurance concepts. 



Knowledge of estate recovery. 



Knowledge of court procedures related to the collection of debt.



Knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes governing the collection of debt. 



Knowledge of financial reporting. 



Knowledge of the use and function of Microsoft Excel.

 

Knowledge and understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, coworkers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.  

Abilities –  Ability to train, mentor, and coordinate activities within the Collections unit. 

Ability to be objective and to exercise sound judgment in working with members of the general public. 

Ability to conduct interviews and investigations. 

Ability to negotiate and enforce payment plans. 

Ability to assemble and maintain written records. 

Ability to prepare and present various written reports. 

Ability to maintain compliance with state and federal laws, both for ongoing collections and for audit purposes. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, law enforcement agencies, public officials, and the public. 

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion. 

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties. 

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.