Govt. Housing - Collections Compliance Specialist

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; Kincheloe (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians seeks a Collections Compliance Specialist to oversee receivables for Rental and Homeownership programs across 500+ homes.

The role includes monitoring utility accounts, initiating legal actions when necessary, and managing court procedures for non-payment or non-compliance. Responsibilities include preparing legal docs, coordinating with utility companies, negotiating payment agreements, and referring cases to social services as appropriate;

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Associate Degree in Business or Legal studies preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of two years of experience working in accounts receivable, collections, or legal field.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Excellent public relations/customer service, communication, organization, and confidentiality; must work well under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and complete legal documentation for non-payment of rent and utilities.
• Research and track employment and address information for collections of vacated accounts.
• Coordinate and negotiate with utility companies on shut-offs, move-outs and move-ins.
• Authorize and negotiate payment agreements for current and vacated accounts.
• Act as the plaintiff in housing authority court proceedings within the 7-county service area.

Skills

Public relations

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Word processing

Spreadsheet software

Database software

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree in Business or Legal studies

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet software

Database software

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Collections Compliance Specialist assumes the role of overseeing the collection of account receivables for both Rental and Homeownership programs, encompassing current and vacated accounts across a portfolio of 500+ homes. This multifaceted position entails diligently monitoring utility accounts to ensure ongoing compliance and initiating legal proceedings when necessary. The Collections and Compliance Specialist role encompasses comprehensive management of all aspects pertaining to court actions for instances of non-compliance and non-payment, spanning both current and vacated accounts. This encompasses meticulous attention to detail and adherence to legal protocols throughout the entire process, underscoring the critical importance of this role in maintaining the financial integrity of the housing programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Initiate and complete legal documentation for non-payment of rent and utilities and non-compliance of Lease Agreement for current and vacated accounts.
• Research and track employment and address information for collections of vacated accounts.
• Coordinate and negotiate with utility companies on shut-offs, move-outs and move-ins.
• Authorize and negotiate payment agreements for current and vacated accounts.
• Act as the plaintiff on behalf of the Housing Authority in court proceedings located within the 7-county service area.
• Invoice maintenance charges, late fees, process server and court filing fees.
• Monitor payroll deductions.
• Conduct home visits to address non-payment, non-compliance and unreported income.
• Make referrals to Social Service agencies on behalf of residents.
• File legal documents for garnishments and taxes.
• Assist with move-out process.
• Prepare and serve notices.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, customers and outside vendors/service providers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work environment characteristics 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.

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office. Position sedentary with primarily sitting/lifting of maximum of 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant sitting, use of near vision, typing; frequent use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision, bending, driving; occasional standing, walking, carrying/lifting, pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, manual handling, use of smell. Working conditions include frequent exposure to noise, vibration, air quality; occasional exposure to weather, extreme heat/cold and wet/humidity. Potential hazards include constant client contact and computer use.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Associate Degree in Business or Legal studies preferred.

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience working in accounts receivable, collections, or legal field.

Certification/License: Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver's license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with the Sault Tribe's Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must have excellent public relations/customer service skills and be able to exhibit friendly and positive attitude and establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers and supervisors. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory personnel, coworkers and the general public. Must have excellent organization skills; organizing work, prioritizing tasks and managing time. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be able to work under pressure and handle difficult situations. Knowledge and ability to use word processing and spreadsheet and database software preferred. Knowledge of Housing program and policies preferred. Knowledge of Landlord/Tenant court procedures in Tribal and State court preferred. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

STHA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, or any other protected status. We believe that all persons are entitled to equal opportunity. Equal employment is extended to all persons in all aspect of the employer-team-member relationship.

Preference:

• Sault Tribe Member
• Other Native American
• Sault Tribe Member Spouse/Dependent
• Other (Non-Native)

Any applicant claiming preference for 1, 2, or 3 must submit documentation verifying his or her preference status.

Job descriptions are used primarily to assist in the identification of the core duties and responsibilities of a position and to be used in determining the level of compensation for the position. Other duties and responsibilities may be added or removed at the discretion of the company.