Collection Specialist (937) [Extended}

Northern Valley Indian Health; Liguria; In loco; EUR 36.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading health organization is seeking a Collection Specialist to manage student accounts, focusing on providing guidance and resolving financial issues for students. This role involves collaborating with various departments, ensuring adherence to policies, and maintaining thorough documentation of all interactions and agreements. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication and analytical skills, along with relevant experience in collections or customer service.

Competenze

• One (1) year of collection experience or similar.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and processes.
• Working knowledge of office technology including Word and Excel.

Mansioni

• Manage student account receivables and provide guidance on repayment options.
• Counsel students with delinquent accounts and set up payment agreements.
• Maintain detailed records of counseling and collection activities.

Conoscenze

Customer Service

Communication

Judgment

Mathematics

Problem Solving

Formazione

Bachelor’s Degree

Strumenti

Excel

Descrizione del lavoro

Find your Career at Northern Illinois University!

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

Northern Illinois University ( NIU ) is a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world. NIU’s vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach. Our mission is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning as we pursue knowledge, share our research and artistry, and engage communities for the benefit of the region, state, nation and world.

The Office of the Bursar is a support service department in the Division of Administration and Finance. Within the Office of the Bursar there are four key areas of operation: Accounts Receivable, Cashiering, Account Counseling and OneCard ID Services. Each of these operations provides services and support to NIU students, commercial customers and other NIU departments.

Position Summary

The Collection Specialist in the Office of the Bursar is responsible for managing student account receivables, supporting timely resolution of outstanding balances, and providing exceptional service to students and families. This role plays a key part in supporting the university’s financial operations and retention goals by helping students navigate repayment options and financial challenges in compliance with institutional, state, and federal guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Account Counseling/Collections

• Serve as a friendly and knowledgeable point of contact for students, parents, and staff who have questions about student account balances, charges, payments, financial holds and repayment plans through phone, email, and in-person communication.
• Review, contact and counsel students with delinquent or defaulted accounts; explain financial obligations, and research and explore tailored repayment solutions based on individual financial needs for collections on outstanding debt.
• Coordinates collection efforts for monthly payment agreement accounts
• Negotiate and set up payment agreements; track deadlines and review payment progress to support account resolution; follow up on missed payments.
• Collaborate with external financial resources as needed to assist with resolving student outstanding balance.
• Maintain detailed and confidential records of all counseling, collection activity, and repayment arrangements in accordance with FERPA , university policies, and state/federal rules and regulations.
• Determine and document the most appropriate collection process for resolving account issues, including temporary hold releases for registration.
• Exercise judgment and empathy in navigating sensitive financial conversations, offering tailored solutions based on student’s financial position.
• Proactively contact students with unpaid balances who may be eligible to return; offer support and connect them to financial aid or other financial resources.
• Help students navigate their path back into the university by providing information on financial aid and other resources that can reduce financial barriers and support re-enrollment and retention.
• Work closely with Financial Aid, Registrar, Housing, and other departments to resolve account issues.
• Participate in Orientation events to inform incoming students and families about important Bursar related information and deadlines.

Recordkeeping and Compliance

• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly reporting on account status, payment activity, and collections outcomes.
• Keep accurate, confidential records of all student interactions and payment plans ensuring that all documents are securely stored and recorded in collection system.
• Follow university policies, FERPA guidelines, and federal financial aid regulations (Title IV).

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

• Any one or any combination of the following, totaling one (1) year (12 months), from the categories below:
• college course work that included courses in finance, accounting, business administration, or business management, or a closely related field:
  • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
  • Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
  • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
  • Bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
• collection, consumer credit, or business experience that required knowledge of collection methods and procedures
• One (1) year (12 months) of collection experience comparable to Collection Representative level or in other positions of comparable responsibility

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

• Knowledge of customer service (the principles and processes for providing customer and personal services; customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for service, and evaluation of customer satisfaction).
• A working knowledge of office technology (word, excel, and necessary databases).
• Knowledge of Federal and State regulations pertaining to all collection programs and of the resources available to research complex issues.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Mathematics and calculation skills.
• Judgment and decision-making skills (he or she can consider the costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one).
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations from within and outside of the University.
• Ability to handle a large volume and a variety of details accurately and set priorities.
• Ability to adapt in an ever-changing environment.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

None

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

• 2-3 Years of collection experience
• Proficient in excel

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Additional Requirements (SPS)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

None

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 7/1/2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

Percent of Staff Year 1.00

Standard Hours Per Week 37.50

Working Hours

Working Hours M-F; 8 am-4:30pm, one-hour lunch

Salary $35,880 annually

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

Earn Type

Earn Type Hourly

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Required Procedures:

• Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.
  • If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.
• After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.
• Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from [e-mail] and [e-mail] . Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.
• Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination:

• The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant’s/employee’s education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.
• Click on Collection Specialist for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
  • Note: Applicants who may assume that they do not meet the exact minimum qualifications are invited to still apply and provide qualifications and speak to how their background and experiences satisfy those requirements.
• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:


Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
[e-mail]
815-753-5560

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at [e-mail] .

• List of at least 3 Professional References

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Cover Letter

List of at least 3 Professional References

• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have specific work experience implementing advanced tools to skiptrace debtors forwhom returned mail has been received and/or current phone numbers are unavailable;monitoring the success of skiptrace results making departmental recommendations regarding themost effective tools to be used for this purpose?
  • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
  • My work experience relevant to the job function was performed under guidance.
  • My work experience relevant was performed independently.
• Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have specific work experience coordinating collection efforts for monthly payment agreement accounts; reviewing files of loan customers for completion and assigning follow-up activities; conferring with lenders or creditors to determine alternatives in resolving account problems; corresponding with or making personal calls to persons with delinquent accounts; handling patient accounts for services rendered?
  • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
  • My work experience relevant to the job function was performed under guidance.
  • My work experience relevant was performed independently.
• Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have specific work experience approving the percentage of payment by customers following an investigation and analysis of the customer's personal financial situation; preparing weekly and monthly reports for a department?
  • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
  • My work experience relevant to the job function was performed under guidance.
  • My work experience relevant was performed independently.
• Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?
  • Yes
  • No
• * What is the highest level of education attained?
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • PHD
• * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
  • 0-1
  • 1-3
  • 3-5
  • 5-7
  • 7+
• If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
  • Yes
  • No
  • Not Applicable