Collector I

Tulare County Superior Court•Visalia, CA

About The Position

The Collector I manages a caseload involving money owed to the Court, including delinquent fines, Public Defender fees, and overpayments from other services and programs. The position investigates delinquent accounts, communicates with debtors and other parties about payment and possible legal action, assesses ability to pay, negotiates repayment schedules, and maintains accurate case records. The Court Collector Supervisor or a higher-level manager provides general supervision. The role also prepares account audits, memos, letters, and reports using computers and related software; may assist with special assignments such as verifying bank accounts and property ownership; and attends work-related meetings and continuing education opportunities. The employee represents the Court and is expected to interact courteously, tactfully, considerately, and discreetly with Court community members and the public. Related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
One year of experience involving routine collection activities.
Knowledge of basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, and spelling.
Ability to communicate verbally and explain information to people from varied socioeconomic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
Ability to read, interpret, and explain laws pertaining to collection practices.
Ability to write clear, concise, grammatically correct case narratives, reports, records, and letters.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to use patience, tact, and courtesy when dealing with people from varied backgrounds and under emotional stress.
Ability to use filing systems and maintain systematic, accurate records.
Ability to verify information obtained from clients and maintain resource information.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and materials.
Ability to research, collect, and organize information.
Ability to perform mathematical computations for payment schedules.
Ability to prioritize work to meet deadlines.
Ability to operate a variety of computer and office-related equipment.
Regular ability to sit at a desk and/or in front of a computer display, twist and bend the neck, perform repetitive hand movements for computer data entry and writing, move within the department, bend and reach below shoulder height, and push or pull desk or file-cabinet drawers.
Frequent ability to grasp, lift, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds and tolerate moderate noise.
Occasional ability to grasp and move items weighing up to 50 pounds and tolerate mild exposure to dust.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload involving collection of delinquent fines, Public Defender fees, and other money owed to the Court.
Locate and interview individuals with delinquent accounts who may be avoiding payment.
Investigate nonpayment through telephone calls, interviews, letters, and other investigative methods.
Explain earnings withholding and other legal actions to defendants, attorneys, employers, and debtors.
Prepare audits of delinquent accounts to pursue legal recourse.
Contact individuals by telephone or mail to inquire about reasons for nonpayment.
Verify conflicting information concerning delinquent-account nonpayment.
Document actions taken and record received payments in case records.
Determine debtors’ ability to pay and negotiate repayment schedules.
Explain case actions and processes to debtors with questions.
Assist with special assignments, including verifying bank accounts and property ownership.
Prepare memos, letters, and reports using computers, case management systems, word processing programs, and spreadsheets.
Operate a personal computer and software related to Court collection functions.
Attend staff and other work-related meetings, workshops, seminars, and continuing education opportunities.
Represent the Court with courtesy, tact, consideration, and discretion in interactions with the Court community and public.
Perform related duties as assigned.