Position Title:
Collections Officer
Job Description:
Reporting to and working under the general direction of the Collections Manager, incumbent performs office work in support of collection of past due accounts, including court fines, delinquent payment plans and other bad debt accounts. Ensures compliance with State Statutes and City Codes and is responsible for maximizing the collection, tracking, and reporting of associated revenues. Duties are performed with considerable independence within established policies and procedures and require the exercise of judgment in resolving known and potential problems. A minimum of 50% of the time in this position involves public contact performing difficult collections work for which tact, patience, understanding and skill in handling volatile situations are required. This position may require a shift which extends beyond normal working hours.
This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:
- Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)
- Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
- Paid vacation and personal leave
- 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available
- Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
- A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
- Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
- Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services
TYPICAL DUTIES:
- Reviews reports of outstanding accounts, and initiates collection proceedings. Utilizes various research sources including site visits to Department of Motor Vehicles for computer records, Polk Directory, Credit agencies, skip/trace information, etc., to locate violators and their employer’s or banking institutions accordingly.
- Responds to and resolves defendants concerns about collection activities, billing disputes, and payment options. Collects defendant’s information on social security number, bank account, employment, address, phone, and verifies all information. Negotiates with defendants to resolve debts in the manner most beneficial to the City.
- Makes collection calls, issues Notices for Failure to Pay, and issues Orders to Show Cause to defendants that are delinquent on their payment arrangements. Renegotiates pay orders with defendants unable to meet terms established in previous pay agreement; Follows up on delinquent payment plans, taking necessary action to ensure payment; phone calls, letters, wage garnishments, writs of execution and garnishment of income tax refunds.
- Processes payments received on bad debt accounts and prepare them for posting by calculating principal, interest, and fees, and breaking down funds between accounts. Records transactions and inputs data, journal entries, and other adjustments into computerized system.
- Works with programmer on a daily basis facilitating the updating of computer programs and interfaces with outside collection agencies, credit reporting agencies, and updating of new address information.
- Establishes and maintains a good working relationship with hearing officers, court clerks, accounting department, judges, and other court related personnel.
- Authorizes the impoundment or immobilization of vehicles for the Parking Enforcement Office.
- Ensures compliance with applicable laws governing collections. Interprets city codes, state statutes and explains court procedures to the public.
- Coordinates with Accounting Division to verify revenue and associated reports are in place and accurate.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalent plus six months paid customer service work experience.
- Current certification in or the ability to obtain the Utah Bureau of Criminal Investigation DLD/MVD system certification within 3 months of hire and hold or obtain Notary certification within 6 months of hire.
- Demonstrated proficiency with computer hardware and software and the ability to communicate to programmers the required updates and changes needed to maximize the collection of revenue and the processing of associated reports.
- Ability to deliver world class customer service to the general public, supervisors and co-workers, often under adverse circumstances.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of Salt Lake City traffic and parking rules and regulations.
- Progressive experience in skip tracing and collections: preferable in a court setting.
- Bilingual in Spanish.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Great mental effort is required due to daily pressure resulting from adverse interactions with the public on a regular basis.
- May be required to work non-traditional hours.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
POSITION TYPE
Full-Time
POSITION SALARY RANGE
$22.74 -$36.88
DEPARTMENT
Finance
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
Scheduled Hours:
40