Collections Specialist - Metro, Revenue Recovery - 004

Under general supervision, to receive and process fines and fees collected; to obtain information in the location of persons responsible for payments and to pursue collection of delinquent accounts through legal channels.

This is the trainee, entry, and journey level of the Collections Specialist flexible classification series at the Superior Court. Superior Court Collections Specialist Trainees perform a variety of routine, repetitive collection tasks following established court procedures. The Collections Specialist I performs routine collection tasks and is expected to become proficient in the full range of collection duties. The Collections Specialist II performs the more difficult collection duties. It is distinguished from the Collections Specialist  I by its' responsibility for the broader and more difficult collection tasks.

Incumbents who successfully complete one year of employment and meet the employment standards, may be promoted to Superior Court Collections Specialist I without further examination. Promotions to Collections Specialist II are considered on a merit basis subject to the recommendation of the division supervisor and the approval of the Assistant Court Executive Officer - Administration and the Human Resources Manager.

Analyzes accounts to determine and implement effective collection methods.

Interviews debtors to determine their ability to pay financial  obligations owed to the court.

Conducts financial resources background investigations including the research and location of current addresses, employment and assets information to determine debtors ability to pay.

Review and verifies for accuracy financial information obtained through public or private agencies and commercial credit bureaus.

Develops agreements with debtors and implements debt payment plan in
accordance with established court procedures.

Receives and post receivables to accounts and journals; issues receipts and balances cash drawers.

Follows-up on delinquent payment plan accounts.

Recommends adjustments to accounts when issues of undue financial hardship occur; and with approval, makes adjustments to said accounts.

Recommends appropriate legal action to enforce collection of debts; initiates legal action, with approval; and represents the court in legal collection proceedings to present evidence and information on behalf of the court.

Responds to inquiries by the public; and explains collection processes and legal actions to debtors and their attorneys.

Keeps and maintains records of work performed including financial records and reports, correspondence and other documents relating to collection accounts.

Inputs, manipulates, verifies and retrieves data associated with the collection and processing of delinquent debts owed to the court.

Prepares routine correspondence and reports.

Utilizes a personal computer and other court related software.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

At the Trainee level: One (1) year of full-time paid clerical experience.

At the I level: One (1) year of full-time paid experience in collections including, the determination of financial assets and the initiation of legal collection proceedings.

At the II level: Two (2) years of full-time paid experience in collections including, the determination of financial assets and the initiation of legal collection proceedings.

Typing Certificate verifying a net speed of 35 words per minute.

To view approved agencies to obtain a typing certification visit the link below:
https://www.kern.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/typing_certificates
Online typing/keyboarding certificates will not be accepted. 

Basic knowledge of entry level: credit collection methods and techniques; legal terminology relative to debt collection; proper cashiering methods; interviewing techniques; financial record-keeping procedures; customer service practices; proper office methods and procedures; and proper English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

General knowledge of the methods and procedures used to collect
and process monies on delinquent accounts; laws, codes and regulations governing credit collections; interviewing techniques; financial record-keeping procedures; customer service procedures; and proper English.

Ability to collect and process monies; analyze information and make a determination on information received from clients; research, apply and explain laws, rules and regulations; represent the court in legal proceedings; maintain accurate records; receive payments and balance cash drawers; use tact and diplomacy in dealing with the public, attorneys, staff, public and private agencies; deal with difficult and tense situations; interview clients; accurately enter, manipulate and retrieve data using a computerized record keeping system; follow oral and written instructions; effectively communicate in both oral and written form; type at a minimum rate of 35 net words per minute; operate standard office equipment; and establish and maintain effective work relationships in the performance of required duties.