County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

This class specification is 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 taxes. Unsecured taxes include Current Unsecured and Unsecured Delinquent taxes. Secured taxes include Current Secured, Secure Delinquent and Tax Defaulted Land. 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 advanced journey level classification in the series.  Whereas the lower classification of Treasurer Tax Collector Specialist I & II are flexibly staffed, the Treasurer Tax Collector Specialist III position is appointed through competitive examination.   Incumbents, under general supervision, perform the most complex duties involving property taxation and/or secured and unsecured bankruptcy.  The Treasurer Tax Collector Specialist III differs from the lower classifications of Treasurer Tax Collector I and II in that the duties are characterized by incumbents having frequent public contact, either in on the telephone or in person, which requires extensive research, independent decision-making and judgment and a thorough knowledge of the most complex procedures, rules, codes, policies and computer applications of the Office of the Tax Collector. 

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. Research various Tax Collector’s applications to respond to trouble mail, title company requests for demands on liens, adjusted bills, adjusted assessments, bankruptcy filings and payments from trustees, debtors and other taxpayers.

3. Estimate and calculate taxes for the title demands processed. Maintain accurate accounting for processing and using general accounting practice, request funds to be applied to new accounts once enrolled in the tax system, and pre-petition charges for bankruptcy account filings.

4. Explain complex policies, procedures, ordinances and laws in order to respond to more complex or difficult customer inquiries.

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

6. Dispense, receive, and record official documents; examine for accuracy and completeness according to specific legal guidelines in order to provide service/process documents in the Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office.

7. Explain and compute charges or preset fees to debtor, plaintiffs, and attorneys; explain to the public when they have questions regarding procedures.

8. Verify and review file information using manual files, computerized system, or logbook in order to check or match files for complete/accurate information or to route to appropriate party for corrections, further investigation, or processing.

9 Perform entire archival protocol using scanning and microfilm technology.

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

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

12. Conducts title searches to determine parties of interests and understand the chain of title by researching, reading and comprehending legal documents such as deeds, affidavits, decrees, agreements, contracts, leases and other non-tax related legal documents; prepares legal correspondence related to tax defaulted property such as Notices of Power to Sell and Rescission Notices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 
The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the class of Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Specialist II or in an equivalent or higher level class in Alameda County classified service, which must have included duties similar to those of Treasurer-Tax Collector Specialist II.

Or 

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience performing duties of a complex and technical nature in applying legal statutes and rules requiring expertise and special knowledge, independent interpretation, problem-solving, and research of complex legal documents.

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.
• 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.

·        Perform extensive research of Tax Collector, Assessor and Clerk-Recorder files/records to compile reports and formulate responses.

·        Prioritize work and coordinate several activities to meet critical mandated 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
DRH:jf Revision 2/26/2018
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.