Collector I

Tulare County Superior Court; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Tulare County Superior Court is seeking a Court Collector to manage a caseload involving the collection of money owed to the Court for delinquent fines and related fees. You will locate debtors, interview, verify information, and pursue repayment through lawful channels, while maintaining accurate records.

Ideal candidates have strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to explain processes clearly to defendants and others involved.

Qualifications

• Requires ability to interview delinquent accounts and negotiate repayment.
• Proficient in basic math and records maintenance.
• Ability to communicate legal processes to defendants.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload involving the collection of money owed to the Court as a result of delinquent fines and Public Defender fees.
• Locate and interview individuals with delinquent accounts who may be avoiding payment.
• Investigate non-payment of accounts via telephone, letters and other methods.
• Explain earnings withholding or other legal actions to defendants, attorneys, employers and debtors.
• Prepare audits of delinquent accounts to pursue legal recourse.
• Document all action taken and record the receipt of payments onto the case record.
• Determine defendant’s ability to pay and negotiate a repayment schedule.
• Explain case actions to debtors with questions regarding process.
• Assist with special assignments such as verifying bank accounts and property ownership.
• Prepare memos and letters using computers and case management systems.

Skills

Effective communication

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Numerical accuracy

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

To manage a caseload involving the collection of money owed to the Court in the area of delinquent fines, or overpayment from other services and programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• The Court Collector Supervisor, or higher-level manager provides general supervision

(Essential duties may vary from position to position within this classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the Court to be appropriate under applicable law.)

1. Manage a caseload involving the collection of money owed to the Court as a result of delinquent fines, and Public Defender fees.
2. Locate and interview individuals with delinquent accounts who may be avoiding payment of monies owed to the Court
3. Investigate non-payment of accounts via telephone calls, interviews, letters and other investigative methods.
4. Explain earnings withholding or other legal actions to defendants, attorneys, employers and debtor
5. Prepare audits of delinquent account in order to pursue legal recourse
6. Contact individuals by telephone or mail to inquire about reasons for nonpayment
7. Verify conflicting information concerning non-payment of delinquent account
8. Document all action taken and record the receipt of payments onto the case record
9. Determine defendant debtor’s ability to pay amount owed
10. Negotiate a repayment schedule to satisfy obligation
11. Explain case action to debtors with questions regarding process
12. Assist with performing special assignments such as verifying bank accounts and property ownership
13. Prepare memos, letters and reports utilizing computers and related software such as case management systems, word processing programs and spreadsheets.
14. Operation of a personal computer and software related to Court Collection functions
15. Attend staff and other work-related meetings, workshops, seminars, and other continuing education opportunities.
16. Serve as a representative of the Court, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Court community and with the public

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of

• Basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Correct English usage including correct grammar and spelling

Skill/Ability to

• Verbally communicate sufficiently to explain information to people of various socio-economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds
• Read, interpret, and explain laws pertaining to collection practices
• Write clear, concise, grammatically correct case narratives, reports, records and letters
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Use patience, tact and courtesy in dealing with people from various socio-economic backgrounds under various circumstances and under emotional stress
• Utilize filing systems and keep systematic and accurate records
• Verify information obtained from clients
• Maintain resource information
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and materials
• Research, collect and organize information
• Apply mathematic computations for payment schedules
• Prioritize work in order to meet deadlines
• Operate a variety of computer and office related equipment

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

• Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Experience: One year of experience involving routine collection activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met or are encountered by an employee while successfully performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly Required:

• Sit at a desk and/or in front of a computer video display terminal
• Twist and bend neck
• Repetitive hand movement while performing computer data entry as well as writing
• Traverse within department
• Bend and reach below shoulder height
• Push and/or pull drawers of desk and/or file cabinets

Frequently Required:

• Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Tolerate moderate levels of noise

Occasionally Required:

• Grasp and move items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Tolerate mild exposure to dust