County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, this position is responsible for the investigation, sale and administration of tax-defaulted properties. Directs the work of support staff and other related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a one-position class located in the Tax Collector’s Department reporting to the Chief Deputy Tax Collector. This position differs from the Collection Enforcement Deputy class in that it requires specialized knowledge of tax and legal matters. This position works independently.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Determines properties subject to the Tax Collector's Power of Sale. Conducts title searches or arranges for title searches.

2. Directs and reviews the work of staff in regards to properties to be offered for sale, including legal descriptions and legal documents for recordation. Schedules overtime as needed to meet deadlines during peak seasons.

3. Determines minimum bid for selling tax-defaulted properties. Meets with other agencies for examination and exchange of records and information necessary to enforce collection. Develops individual case summaries and meets with taxpayers and attorneys for a variety of issues, such as collecting legal documentation, discussing financial abilities, documenting hardships, probates, explaining the legal penalties for nonpayment, etc. Initiates and enforces collection on promissory notes. Uses a wide variety of sources to confirm ownership, occupancy, locate parties of interest or next of kin of a deceased property owner.

4. Serves and posts notices on tax-defaulted properties (residential, commercial and vacant land) of intent to sell. Inventories condition of the property and assesses occupants' status or prepares statements from tenants.

5. Conducts sealed bid sales in compliance with the State Tax Code. Prepares and submits resolution for approval from the Board of Supervisor's and State Controller. Meets with and assists City Attorneys and staff on correctly initiating Chapter 8 Sales by Agreement. Also, notifies public agencies. Responds to inquiries by telephone, in person and by mail. Meets with the County's legal staff on judgments, sales by agreement, bankruptcies, and legal procedures. Reviews individual case summaries and makes recommendations to the Tax Collector and Chief Deputy for possible withdrawals, further legal action, or enforced sales of property.

6. Coordinates sheriff deputies and cashiers, unit supervisors and other staff at public auction and sealed bid sales; performs as auctioneer; develops procedure for public auction, including money handling, security, rejection of bids, disqualification of bids, finalizing and preparing legal ownership deeds to the successful bidders.

7. Monitors the progress of rehabilitation or construction of dwellings. Represents the Tax Collector and Chief Deputy at city meetings on the initiation of Chapter 8 Sale by Agreements.

8. Computes, prepares and distributes financial settlements and disposition statements upon conclusion of property sales.

9. Establishes new procedures and updates procedures in follow-up collection on promissory notes. Sends collection notices. Revises contracts and agreement packages to conform with any legislative changes in the State Revenue and Taxation Code. Monitors Amendments in assembly bills pertaining to tax-defaulted land and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of two years’ full-time experience in the class of Collection Enforcement Deputy II in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.) One year of experience must have been spent working with real property tax data.

OR II

The equivalent of five years of full-time experience involving the collection or investigation of delinquent accounts.

OR III

The equivalent of five years of full-time experience interpreting and applying real property tax data. Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a closely related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for four years of the above experience.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Modern office methods and procedures and the use of standard office equipment.
• Methods and procedures used in collecting delinquent taxes on real property.
• Principles of training.
• Relevant portions of the Revenue and Taxation Code pertaining to the collection and processing of real property taxes.
• Real estate terminology.
• Assessor's records and map books to interpret applications to be performed.
• Technical terminology used in drafting legal descriptions of property tax deeded to the State of California.

Ability to:

• Interpret tax laws for the public.
• Plan and organize.
• Decision making, judgment.
• Analyze, problem solve, initiative.
• Examine delinquent property tax records to determine status of property.
• Leadership.
• Compute arithmetic accurately.
• Assume independent responsibility for the performance of difficult clerical work.
• Communicate effectively orally.
• Communicate effectively in writing.
• Secure cooperation in the collection of delinquent taxes.
• Coordinate efforts of other agencies.
• Interpersonal sensitivity.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: SP:lm
Typed: 8/96
1302H.doc
New document: Jobspecs/1446
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BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.