Garnishment Specialist

ExtensisHR • Iselin, NJ

13d

About The Position

The Garnishment Specialist owns end-to-end processing and compliance for wage garnishments, income withholding orders, and levies across ExtensisHR’s PEO client base. Working with Legal & Compliance and Payroll, the role validates incoming orders, implements withholding accurately, remits payments on time, and maintains documentation in accordance with federal and state law. The specialist handles orders involving child support, tax levies, creditor garnishments, student loans, and bankruptcy, and must identify conflicting or unclear orders and escalate them appropriately. The position requires clear communication with clients, employees, courts, and agencies while protecting confidential information.

The role also partners with Payroll, Finance, Legal & Compliance, and outside counsel as appropriate to coordinate processing, reconcile accounts, manage compliance risks, and improve procedures. It includes maintaining current knowledge of applicable laws, developing process documentation and training materials, producing compliance and workflow reports, and using AI tools ethically and effectively to enhance productivity and decision-making.

Work is primarily office- or remote desk-based, with extended computer use. Workloads may peak around payroll cutoffs and month-end, and occasional extended hours or travel may be required. The role may be performed in a hybrid or remote setting depending on business needs and employee accommodation. The work environment is typically quiet and climate-controlled, with standard office equipment.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in garnishment processing, payroll compliance, or a related function.
• Working knowledge of federal and state garnishment laws, including the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA), child support withholding rules, IRS levies, and bankruptcy-related withholding.
• Strong analytical and math skills, including accurate disposable earnings calculations and application of priority rules.
• Experience with payroll systems and the interaction between payroll processing and deduction setup.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain legal requirements to non-legal audiences.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organization, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and a high volume of orders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and document management or case management tools.
• High level of discretion in handling sensitive personal and financial information.
• Ability to meet statutory and payroll deadlines consistently and to identify when to apply a rule, ask for guidance, or escalate.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing desk-related tasks; prolonged computer, keyboard, and mouse use involving repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift and carry office supplies or equipment up to 20 pounds; occasional bending, reaching, and twisting; and ability to walk throughout the office.
• Ability to focus for extended periods and communicate effectively in person, by phone or video, and in writing.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a PEO, payroll service bureau, or multi-state employer environment.
• Experience working in a co-employment or PEO environment with many client entities.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), or equivalent credential.
• Paralegal certificate or legal/compliance background.
• Experience with automated garnishment platforms or electronic order exchange, such as e-IWO.
• Familiarity with multi-state tax and withholding requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, human resources, legal studies, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Receive, log, and review garnishment orders, income withholding orders, tax levies, and related notices from courts, agencies, creditors, and attorneys.
• Validate orders for authenticity, jurisdiction, proper service, and completeness before implementation.
• Identify the correct employer of record and coordinate with clients when orders are misdirected or contain errors.
• Meet statutory response deadlines, including employer answers and acknowledgment forms.
• Calculate withholding based on disposable earnings, federal and state limits, and order type; apply priority rules and allocate withholding among competing orders.
• Coordinate with Payroll to set up, update, suspend, or release deductions before each pay cycle.
• Review pre-payroll and post-payroll reports, confirm correct application, and resolve exceptions.
• Process garnishment adjustments for terminations, final pay, leaves of absence, multi-state employees, and lump-sum payments; escalate unusual or unclear situations to Legal & Compliance.
• Remit payments accurately and on time to agencies, state disbursement units, courts, and payees.
• Reconcile garnishment liability accounts with Payroll and Finance; research and correct misapplied or misdirected payments and process refunds or adjustments as needed.
• Maintain current knowledge of garnishment laws, withholding limits, fee allowances, and employer obligations across relevant jurisdictions.
• Identify and escalate potential employer liability exposure to the SVP, Legal & Compliance.
• Escalate complex matters, disputes, and exemption claims to Legal, and coordinate with outside counsel when needed.
• Maintain complete, audit-ready documentation for orders, calculations, and remittances; support audits, client inquiries, and agency requests.
• Communicate garnishment status, requirements, order details, deduction schedules, and required actions to HR and payroll contacts, clients, and employees.
• Respond promptly and compliantly to employee, agency, attorney, and creditor inquiries while protecting confidentiality; notify employees of withholding and direct them to the appropriate party for disputes or exemption claims.
• Partner with the Sr. Director of Payroll and payroll team to align processes with payroll calendars, cutoffs, and system capabilities.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, job aids, state-by-state reference guides, and training materials.
• Identify opportunities to improve accuracy, turnaround time, and automation, including electronic order intake and e-remittance.
• Produce regular reports on volume, aging, deadlines, exceptions, and compliance metrics for Legal & Compliance and Payroll leadership.
• Use AI tools ethically and effectively, maintain awareness of relevant emerging AI applications, and continue developing AI proficiency.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support efficient department and organizational operations.

Benefits

• Progressive paid-time-off program, including time off for volunteering and life events.
• Group medical, dental, vision, and life insurance available from day one.
• Pretax spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses.
• 401(k) and IRA retirement plans with employer contributions.
• Professional development programs.
• Employee discounts on retail and entertainment.
• Social and community outreach committee with in-office events and networking opportunities.
• Diversity, Inclusion and Equity committee and employee engagement initiatives.
• Complimentary coffee and snacks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed