Collections Officer

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.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• 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.  
• Negotiates and enforces statutory issues with all interested parties, including attorneys in private meetings and court processes. Negotiates payment compliance agreements and settlements or enforces judgments and liens in court.  
• Maintains, evaluates, and negotiates complex cases involving public assistance, child care, foster care, out-of-home placement, mental health, and community corrections to arrange payment terms favorable to the county. 
• Ensures collection efforts are in compliance with county, state and federal guidelines, rules, regulations, statutes, policies, and service level agreements governing the collection of debt.  
• Determines financial information to complete appropriate adjustments setting a sliding fee to reconcile account balances for multiple departments within the county. 
• Analyzes cases to determine appropriate collection efforts through speaking with clients and attorneys to assess a solution whether voluntarily or through legal action.  
• Writes legal documents for MA estate recovery/probate cases that require analysis, trade, and sale of personal property for cash due to the County.
• Utilizes skip tracing software to research and/or locate updated client residence or location.
• Resolves problems that arise with client billing and receipting for multiple program areas involving various fees from several computer systems. Allocates revenue generated by department to county, state, and federal agencies.  
• 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 equivalency of a high school diploma/GED and 4 years collections, finance, or accounting experience. A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field may substitute for experience. Preference given for collections experience in a government setting or experience with court actions or interpreting statute. A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

Supervisory Controls
The employee is under general supervision of the Accounting Supervisor with guidance from the Collections Lead. Work is performed according to established procedures and guidelines, but discretion, independence, and judgment are regularly required to analyze, evaluate, and make decisions, sometimes involving complex facts and conditions.

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 insurance concepts. 

 Knowledge of court procedures related to debt collection. 

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

 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 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 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.