County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

This class specification describes a two-level class series located in the Office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector. Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Specialists, under varying levels of supervision, will have close contact with the public, both by telephone and in person, answering questions related to unsecured and secured property taxes, business license taxes, utility users’ taxes, and hotel and lodging taxes. Unsecured taxes include Current Unsecured and Unsecured Delinquent taxes. Secured taxes include Current Secured, Secure Delinquent and Tax Defaulted Land taxes. Incumbents receive, examine, prepare, process and maintain a variety of documents; assure adherence to legal procedures, collect fees, record, distribute and reproduce copies of documents and perform related duties as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the trainee/entry-level general classification in this flexibly staffed series. Incumbents, under close supervision, are trained in procedures governing Unsecured and Secured Property Tax collections and collections of Business License Taxes, Utility Users’ Taxes, and Hotel and Lodging Taxes by the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office. Incumbents will answer questions relating to the payment of taxes from the public, both by telephone and in person; perform a wide variety of moderately difficult clerical work, requiring the ability to learn to use computer applications related to work and to choose from a limited number of alternatives in solving problems in a training level capacity. Positions at this level require that incumbents have the ability to identify errors in arithmetic in documents which generally are not reviewed for technical detail.

As tasks are learned, direct supervision decreases and the incumbent is expected to demonstrate proficiency on the phone, at the counter and with the clerical work. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Specialist II in that the incumbents of the latter class routinely perform customer service tasks requiring the exercise of initiative and judgment significantly beyond that of the entry level employee. Incumbents in the class of Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Specialist I are expected to promote by supervisory evaluation to level II after six months. Appointment at level I will not extend beyond six months.

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. Assist the public (including stressful contacts with irate persons) with a wide range of customer inquiries in a professional and courteous manner.

2. Using various Tax Collector’s applications, respond to taxpayers’ reports of lost checks, prepare receipts for prior years’ tax payments, establish installment plans, and reconcile bank lists.

3. Explain policies, procedures, ordinances and laws in order to respond to customer inquiries.

4. Research and resolve customer service problems by applying rules, laws, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures and appropriate judgment in order to meet customer needs.

5. Explain and compute charges or preset fees to the public when they have questions regarding procedures.

6. Photocopy microfilm files using computer, photocopier, in order to produce copies for customers or files.

7. Utilizing the Tax Information Call Center, computers and computer equipment, software and programs specifically designed for the Office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of six months of full time experience in the class of Clerk I or in an equivalent or higher level clerical class in Alameda County classified service.

Or II

The equivalent of one year of full time experience in clerical work.

Or III

Completion of a post-high school clerical training program from a business school or vocational training center which would enable the applicant to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed below.

Or IV

The completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university.


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:

• Techniques and practices for dealing with individuals from various socioeconomic and ethnic groups both on the telephone and in person and through correspondence (including stressful contact with irate and hostile individuals).
• Modern office practices and procedures including the use of computer hardware and software and related equipment.
• Laws, regulations, and codes governing the taxation of property.
• Ordinances governing collection of business license taxes, utility users’ taxes, and hotel and lodging taxes.
• Legal terminology applicable.
• Business correspondence, filing, and standard office equipment operations.
• Business arithmetic.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public (including stressful contacts with irate persons), staff, peers, and other agencies.
• Learn and use software applications specific to the Office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector.
• Learn and apply complex laws, regulations and codes governing the taxation of real property.
• Learn and apply ordinances governing the collection of business license taxes, utility users’ taxes and hotel and lodging taxes.
• Prioritize work and coordinate several activities to meet critical deadlines.
• Perform detailed and accurate review of legal documents for completeness of information and conformance with requirements.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining proper work methods and procedures and assembling and evaluating information.
• Analyze, evaluate, and draw logical conclusions.
• Organize and maintain accurate files and records.
• Perform detailed office support work.
• Perform accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Work independently and carry out assignments with minimal supervision.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

BG:pf 7/30/02
Newspecs: 1601-1602-1603.doc
CSC Date: 11/06/02
TB:pf Admin. Change 3/15/04
DRH:cs Revised 8/1/11
CSC Date: 9/21/11
DR:cs Revised 7/12/16
CSC Date: 8/3/16
DRH:jf Revised 3/9/2018
CSC Date: 5/23/18

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) 
• 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
• 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.