Job Specifications

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

Under direction, compile and evaluate information needed to collect delinquent accounts; recommend and initiate legal proceedings on enforcement actions; make field collections; and perform other duties as required.

Positions in this class are assigned to collect delinquent accounts from a number of sources. The work entails extensive contact with debtors, responsible relatives, attorneys and a variety of public and private agencies to obtain information on debtors' assets, ability to pay and location. Incumbents are responsible for assessing actions to be taken in each case and recommending and initiating legal actions. Positions in this class perform field work to make collections, including the seizure and sale of unsecured personal property to settle accounts.

Receive accounts and review to determine assets, ability to pay and location of debtor or responsible relatives; contact originating department for additional information as needed; contact debtors by phone, correspondence and personal contact to determine willingness and ability to pay, explain legal requirements and obligations, obtain payments, establish payment schedules, renegotiate payment schedules, or to obtain funds through responsible relatives or other means; consult standard sources to locate debtor or property; make phone calls and request information from a variety of individuals and private and public agencies to locate debtor and determine assets or secure payments; maintain account records, including contacts, correspondence, payments, documents, and legal actions initiated or taken; gather and assemble necessary supporting documents; input and operate computer terminals to access and print information to maintain and update files; enforces grant of lien and promissory notes; recommend legal actions to be taken for outstanding accounts; forward file and recommendation to supervisor for review and approval; appear in small claims court of behalf of the County; request writs of execution; verify status of account; initiate action to return uncollectible accounts to originating department or to place in inactive status; perform field work as directed to obtain payments; collect delinquent unsecured personal property taxes; explain delinquent unsecured tax laws to the public; locate parties and obtain information on the location or transfer of personal property; recommend seizure of property to collect accounts; seize and secure property for sale to settle accounts; testify in court; request and conduct orders of examination through the Municipal and Superior Courts; research information to have claims placed in probate estates and bulk transfers; may provide vacation and other temporary relief for supervisor or for other classes as required; may orient and train new employees.

Working knowledge of:

• Interviewing techniques to obtain factual information.
• Office practices and procedures and record keeping practices.
• Methods and techniques used to analyze the financial conditions of debtors and to make collections.
• Fair Debt Collection Act and of the basic laws pertaining to the collection of funds.

Some knowledge of:

• Human motivation and behavior;
• Small claims court procedures.

• Exercise resourcefulness and ingenuity in gathering needed information from a wide variety of sources.
• Establish effective rapport with debtors, responsible relatives and other parties to obtain information and elicit cooperation.
• Independently evaluate information and initiate action within prescribed guidelines.
• Establish and maintain accurate records and files.
• Understand, apply and explain pertinent laws and procedures concerning collections and the seizure and sale of personal property.
• Compose correspondence.
• Make arithmetic computations.
• Type at a moderate rate of speed.
• Learn computer applications and to accurately input and access information on an on-line, real-time system.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Negotiate agreements and settlements within established guidelines.
• Gather and present information in legal proceedings to procure legal judgments.

Two years of responsible credit collections or similar experience, which would directly relate to the knowledge and abilities listed above. One year of the required experience may be journey level accounting clerical work, which involves substantial accounts receivable and public contact.

License, Certificate, Registration, Professional Membership Requirements: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License, or the incumbent must provide suitable transportation approved by the department head.

Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 03

Occupational Grouping: 07

Workers' Comp Code: 0285

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