Collection Agent - I

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO PERMANENT OR
PROBATIONARY PLACER COUNTY EMPLOYEES ONLY.    

This is an Interdepartment Transfer/Voluntary Demotion opportunity only -
this is not a Promotional opportunity.  Applicants must meet
the following criteria in order to qualify for this opportunity.

Interdepartment Transfer/Voluntary Demotion Eligibility Criteria:

• Currently a permanent or probationary Collection Agent - I.
                                   OR
• Currently a permanent or probationary county employee with an equivalent salary to Grade 52*.
• The difference between Step 5 of your current salary grade and Step 5 of Grade 52 is less than 5%, or at any hourly rate above Grade 52 and willing to voluntarily demote.
                                   AND
• Meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

* Salary Schedule/Grades can be found here.

* To check whether or not the top step of your salary is within 5% of the top step of Collection Agent - I, click here. You will need to know the top step of your current salary range (base hourly rate).

The Revenue Services Division of Administrative Services has a current vacancy for the classification of Collection Agent I. Revenue Services is located in the South Placer Justice Center in Roseville. The working hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Collection Agent assigned to this position, once trained, will readily know the answers to frequently asked questions. He/she will develop technical knowledge to add, change, and delete information in file screens, memorize action codes, properly use forms for department networking, use skip tracing methods and, in general, master the collection system to appropriately and effectively work the debts assigned. The Collection Agent will display a professional manner while showing debtors how to pay debts in full. Proper grammar, math, typing, and negotiation skills will assist the agent in finding result-oriented solutions that best resolve issues for all parties.

The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation, investigation, and communication skills with experience working in a collections environment locating individuals and their assets. He/she will demonstrate the ability to work productively and with attention to detail, handling frequent inbound and outbound phone calls to extract and synthesize pertinent information from a variety of individuals. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be highly organized and flexible with workload changes. He/she will be able to maintain accurate case records and will be comfortable using a variety of computer and online software applications.

Bilingual skills (Spanish) are desirable but not required for this vacancy.

To compile and evaluate information needed to collect delinquent accounts; collect delinquent accounts using written, telephone and personal communications; make initial determinations or recommendations of appropriate action in collection cases; to administer collection programs in line departments, appear in court as necessary, and work within a department as assigned.

This is the entry level class in the Collection Agent series.  This class is distinguished from the journey by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgement on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Receives immediate supervision from the Revenue Manager or assigned supervisor and technical and functional supervision from the assigned Senior Collection Agent, or assigned supervisory or management personnel.

• Obtain collections on delinquent accounts through correspondence, telephone communications and personal interviews.
• Confer with Revenue Manager or assigned supervisor and/or staff of the County Counsel/District Attorney regarding the initiation of legal actions; assist County Counsel/District Attorney in providing information needed for legal actions; represent the County at the small claims court and may testify on other legal cases filed by the County Counsel or District Attorney; prepare draft legal documents for review by assigned legal counsel.
• Interview clients to obtain information for completion of financial statements and other information to determine payment schedules on accounts owed.
• Contact businesses, neighbors, credit unions and other leads to trace and contact persons with delinquent accounts.
• Enter information into a personal computer or automated system for the maintenance of records and reports indicating the status of collection activities; maintain case tracking system.
• Prepare statements of amounts due; prepare installment payment receipts; and maintain files and records pertaining to accounts.
• Maintain statistical data as requested.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: One year of responsible collections or accounts receivable experience.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate: May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Financial record keeping.
• Sources of information used in locating persons.
• Methods used for the collection of delinquent accounts.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and/or stand at counter for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist and reach office equipment; write and use keyboard to communicate through written means; communicate clearly by telephone and in person; lift light weight.
• Intermittently, review documents related to Department operations; observe, identify and problem solve office operations and procedures; understand, interpret and explain Department policies and procedures; explain operations and problem solve office issues for the public and with staff.
• Learn the general functions of a collection agency and commercial law applicable to collections.
• Learn, interpret and apply to specific cases, the provisions of laws, rules or regulations enforced or administered by the County.
• Prepare reports and maintain records.
• Analyze situations accurately and take effective actions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Write and speak clearly and effectively.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit

To be considered for this Interdepartment Transfer/Voluntary Demotion opportunity:

• Click the Special Appointments/Transfers/Reinstatements link here or on the JOBS Employment Opportunities page located at jobsatplacercounty.com. 
• Scroll down to the Interdepartment Transfer/Voluntary Demotion Process section.
• Select the Interdepartment Transfer/Voluntary Demotion (Placer County Employees Only) radio button, and click the Interdepartment Transfer /Voluntary Demotion application link bar.
• Follow the instructions provided to select the classification for which you would like to be considered.
• Select the link "Click here to submit a Special Appointments application for this classification", and complete and submit the on-line application.

Department Contact: Virginia Meyers (916) 543-3925

Interdepartment Transfer/Voluntary Demotion applications may be submitted anytime, but

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS RECRUITMENT PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
BY THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2015 at 5:00 PM.