Office Support IV (Tax Claim Department)

County of Berks; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Berks is seeking a detail-oriented administrative professional to support the Treasurer and Tax Claim offices. The role requires handling customer service, payments, licensing tasks, and filing duties in a fast-paced office.

Essential functions include maintaining cash drawers, processing payments, issuing licenses, preparing tax files, and supporting office staff. Strong communication skills and basic math are important, with bilingual ability preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• One course at or above high school level in English Grammar, General Office Practice, Typing, Shorthand
• One year’s general experience OR three years advanced clerical experience involving Real Estate Tax Law
• Any equivalent combination of education and training

Responsibilities

• Customer Service—answering phones, serving the public at the counter
• Maintain cash drawer
• Process over-the-counter payments for Treasurer and Tax Claim
• Assist with issuance of Dog, Doe, Fishing, and Hunting Licenses at the counter
• Prepare and maintain Tax Claim files, including notifications
• Operate office equipment: PC, calculator, fax, copier, printer
• Assist with statutorily mandated public tax sales three times per year
• Respond to Treasurer and Tax Claim inbox messages
• Prepare Sheriff Services for tax sale properties
• Prepare deeds for properties sold through tax sales
• Support Treasurer and Tax Claim Office staff
• Prepare 3-year expired files for review
• Attend monthly Sheriff’s Sale and document properties sold
• Document and file bankruptcy proofs of claim for review
• Manage Clean and Green breach matters
• Track Tax Deferral Program for Senior Citizens
• Prepare returned check letters for Tax Claim
• Additional tasks as needed to support offices

Job description

• New Hires Hourly Starting Rate -$24.48
• 35 Hours Per Week

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs work for the Treasurer or department head; general office functions requiring application of various complex work methods and procedures, through knowledge of the laws and regulations controlling the employing department and with department functions, policies, and procedures. Considerable amount of independent judgment. This class is characterized by the independence of action in the disposition of routine problems. Work is performed under the general supervision of the elected official or department head.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Customer Service-answering phones, waiting on customers at the counter, assisting the public.
• Maintain cash drawer.
• Process over-the-counter payments for Treasurer and Tax Claim.
• Assist with issuance of Dog License, Doe License, Fishing License, and Hunting License received over the counter.
• Prepares and maintains Tax Claim files such as, but not limited to, additional notifications.
• Operates office equipment: PC, calculator, fax, copier, printer
• Assists in statutorily mandated public tax sales three times per year at which delinquent taxpayers’ property is exposed to auction for payment of delinquent taxes.
• Respond to Treasurer and Tax Claim inbox messages.
• Prepare Sheriff Services for tax sale properties.
• Prepare deeds for properties sold through tax sales.
• Support both Treasurer and Tax Claim Office Support personnel.
• Prepare 3-year expired files for review.
• Attend monthly Sheriff's Sale, document all properties sold; prepare proof of claim to be filed
• Document, manage, and track all Bankruptcy filings; prepare proof of claim for review and Tax Director approval and signature; then file proof of claim
• Manage all Clean and Green breaches.
• Maintain, track, and manage the Tax Deferral Program for Senior Citizens
• Prepare returned check letters for Tax Claim.
• Additional tasks as required to ensure the mission of the Treasurer and Tax Claim offices are complete.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or possession of a G.E.D. Certificate
• One course at or above the high school level in each of the following: English Grammar, General Office Practice, Typing, Shorthand, and one year’s general experience; OR
• A minimum of three years of advanced clerical experience involving Real Estate Tax Law
• Any equivalent combination of education and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to perform routine office support work.
• Basic elements of English language usage, spelling and arithmetic
• Ability to utilize work processing equipment
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Knowledge of the law as it pertains to County Government
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties, to include all other employees.
• Knowledge of office methods, practices, and procedures and ability to make arithmetical calculations.
• Ability to defuse upset customers
• Ability to maintain composure in a fast-paced environment.
• Bilingual preferred but not required.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift and carry files and office documents up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal cubicles or own workstation, small office environment. Work is primarily performed during regular business hours. The position may require working in moderately noisy to loud environments, including cubicles and communal workspaces, and participating in frequent collaborative team meetings. The work environment may include a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and interactions with employees, the public, and other stakeholders.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.