Utility Billing Services Collector

Make a bold career move this year: the City of Boise welcomes passionate and talented people who want to share our vision of creating a city for everyone, demonstrate drive toward fulfilling our mission in the community, and embody the values that are so important to our organization. The Public Works department is hiring for a Utility Billing Services Collector:

• Greets, responds, and contacts customers to collect past monies owed to the city.
• Prepares legal documents for use by legal and law enforcement in involuntary collection procedures.
• Monitors and reports on collection results. 
• Reviews and makes recommendations for service suspension, legal action, assignment to collection agencies, or other appropriate action on uncollected accounts.
• Establishes and maintains customer accounts and processes payments.
• Provides information to customers on billing questions and the next steps for collection of bills. 
• Work is performed under general supervision.

City employees enjoy a top-notch zero-premium healthcare option for you and your family. Plus, a retirement plan that provides a lifetime annuity, investment matching, a cash-incentive wellness program, public employee student loan forgiveness, paid parental leave, and more. Imagine that.  Manages assigned portfolio of delinquent accounts using department collection practices and procedures. Locates and establishes contact with debtors following commercially and legally acceptable collection practices via phone or in-person to compel payment. Interviews debtors to determine ability to pay, negotiates acceptable payment arrangements, and monitors compliance with payment agreements. Coordinates unsuccessful collection efforts with Utility Services Manager to make recommendations for future action.

Sends delinquent letters and notifications. Documents all account activity and maintains records of collections and status of accounts. Researches legal issues involving collection practices and recommends legal action. Prepares legal forms to be used in involuntary collection procedures.

Understands billing cycles and explains billing to customers. Answers account and services questions. Works with billers to improve the accuracy of accounts to prevent improper billing or documentation for citizens.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• 3 years of experience in a business office/utility provider environment involving extensive customer service and cash/payment processing, and dealing with monies, and
• a high school diploma or GED.

Functional knowledge of:

• collection procedures and techniques, process serving regulations and practices and procedures of bankruptcy and district courts; 
• Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act; 
• financial recordkeeping methods including maintaining, adjusting, and making credits and debits to utility accounts; 
• exceptional ability to establish rapport with customers utilizing proper telephone etiquette and customer service techniques; 
• computer operations including contemporary and related software applications; 
• basic accounting and mathematical computations; 
• records, file and general information management.

Ability to:

• operate a computer with demonstrated proficiency using contemporary and related database, word processing, and spreadsheet software applications at an appropriate level for efficient job performance; 
• read, interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; 
• Meticulously follow through to achieve work accuracy and efficiency; 
• review and maintain accounts for accuracy in billings, adjustments and contact information; 
• carry out recurring assignments independently without specific instructions; 
• perform basic to complex mathematical calculations; 
• analyze and interpret mathematical and billing information; 
• deal firmly and courteously with the public and maintain professionalism while dealing with difficult customers; 
• gain cooperation of others in potentially controversial situations; exercise independent judgment in decision-making;
• handle a high-volume workload; prioritize work and effectively deal with frequent interruptions; 
• maintain confidentiality; 
• display an attitude of cooperation and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of City departments, outside agencies, development and design professionals, and the general public; 
• communicate effectively in the English language orally and in writing at a level necessary for efficient job performance; 
• multi-task and work effectively under time constraints and deadlines; 
• utilize a high degree of human relations, communications, analytical and organizational skills; 
• understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance; and 
• perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Associate’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Mathematics, Finance or related field and 4 years progressively responsible experience with first and/or third-part collections; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Ability to converse in Spanish or another second language. Good knowledge of bankruptcy law and related matters. Ability to have or obtain notary certification within first 6 months of employment.

Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:

City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation

Credit History Check

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Also, the employee is occasionally pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds. The noise level is always moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Work in this position also includes close vision. Employees will reach and grasp. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions.
This position works: This position may work in the evenings and Saturdays as necessitated by job demands.

Salary : $19 - $19