Tax Collection Specialist (#RB2010)
$27.83-$33.83 Hourly / $4,824.28-$5,863.94 Monthly / $57,891.42-$70,367.38 Yearly

Under general supervision, performs specialized clerical and administrative technical work pertaining to the collection of delinquent personal property taxes and provides support for a variety of related tax collection processes; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This class describes specialized office and field collections and related activities within the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office. Duties primarily involve the collection of delinquent taxes on unsecured personal property, though tax collection duties pertaining to secured property may also be assigned. On a day-to-day basis, an incumbent is expected to apply a moderate amount of initiative and independent judgment to perform a varied range of duties within established policies. When working in the field, an incumbent is expected to organize the work and develop plans and process to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. An incumbent in this class does not directly supervise other employees but may serve as a lead worker by assigning and reviewing the work of subordinate employees.

• Performs office and fieldwork to collect delinquent taxes in accordance with Revenue and Taxation Codes, County policies and other requirements. 
• Researches and contacts public and private sources, using skip tracing and/or other techniques to find debtors and obtain information regarding the location or ownership of personal property; makes field visits to residences, businesses or other sites to seek payment from debtors and/or verify property location/ownership. 
• Communicates with debtors by mail, telephone, telegram, electronic communications, in person, or other means regarding tax delinquencies; conducts investigations and interviews debtors to determine assets and debtors’ financial ability to pay; offers and sets up payment plans as appropriate. 
• Prepares and sends required correspondence and other documents; prepares financial, statistical and operational reports as assigned. 
• Locates and secures evidence for court proceedings; testifies in court; assists with the preparation of court papers and reports, including bankruptcy documents. 
• Reviews new legislation, regulations and court decisions and provides input regarding the impact on tax collection operations; recommends and implements new and revised field tax collection procedures and controls as needed. 
• Participates in and/or coordinates the seizure, security and sale of delinquent property in accordance with state codes and departmental policies and procedures.

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible clerical work, including at least three years of journey-level collections work with primary responsibility for contacting debtors to obtain payments on delinquent accounts. Some experience collecting delinquent taxes is highly desirable.

Principles and practices of researching and investigating delinquent accounts and locating debtors; advanced methods and techniques used to determine financial assets; methods and techniques of setting up repayment plans and receiving/accounting for payments; advanced interviewing techniques; standard office practices and procedures; standard clerical accounting methods and practices; principles and practices of organizing and reporting data; personal computer systems and general office computer software; standard filing and record keeping systems.

Research, interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, court orders, policies, procedures pertaining to tax collection activities; provide/obtain detailed information from others, even in difficult situations; gather and evaluate data and evidence; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; utilize standard office equipment, including computer hardware and software, to accomplish tasks; establish and maintain procedures, records and files.

Mobility-Frequent walking, sitting, operation of a data entry device; occasional standing; Lifting-Frequently five pounds or less; Visual-Constant good overall vision and reading/close up work; frequent use of eye/hand coordination and vision for driving a vehicle (peripheral and depth vision); Dexterity-Reaching, grasping, repetitive motion and writing; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing/talking in-person and hearing/talking on the telephone; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent decision making, concentration and public contact; Special Requirements-Some assignments may require working weekends, nights and/or occasional overtime; Environmental-Occasional exposure to varied outdoor weather conditions.