MANAGER OF ERRONEOUS EXEMPTION INVESTIGATIONS - Assessor's Office

Cook County•Chicago, IL

3d•$99,058 - $114,881•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Director of Exemption Investigations (Director), the Manager of Erroneous Exemption Investigations (Manager) will assist in overseeing daily operations of the department. The Manager is responsible for supervising the Investigators in the Exemptions Investigation Division and the Erroneous Exemption Specialists - Finance (Specialists). The Manager’s duties include direct oversight of the Investigators’ work performance, assignment of work, ensuring proper workflow, addressing and resolving Investigators’ questions, tracking the progress of Investigators assigned duties, initiating disciplinary action, and ensuring the Investigators and Specialists provide good customer service. The Manager’s duties also include direct oversight of the Erroneous Exemption Specialist- Finance work performance, assignment of work, addressing and resolving questions and initiating disciplinary action. Additional duties include performing investigations regarding fraudulently claimed exemptions, as set forth in the Erroneous Homestead Exemption Act, 35 ILCS 200/9-275. The Manager will be responsible for accomplishing departmental objectives by managing, training and evaluating staff with input from the Director. The Manager may perform field investigations and testify at administrative hearings as required. The Manager serves as a resource to other Investigators and Specialists regarding workflow, complex issues that may arise in an investigation, and as a mentor to less experienced Investigators.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED Certificate.
Five (5) years of full-time work experience conducting and documenting investigations in a county, local, state or federal governmental setting, or working with property tax exemptions.
One (1) year of full-time work experience managing or supervising employees.
One (1) year of full-time customer service experience.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Three (3) years of full-time work experience conducting and documenting investigations in a county, local, state or federal governmental setting, or working with property tax exemptions.
One (1) year of full-time work experience managing or supervising employees.
One (1) year of full-time work experience in customer service experience.
A high school diploma or GED certificate.
Current CCAO employee.
Three (3) years of full-time work experience conducting and documenting investigations in a county, local, state or federal governmental setting, or working with property tax exemptions.
One (1) year of full-time work experience managing or supervising employees.
One (1) year of full-time work experience in customer service experience.
Knowledge of field investigation techniques, policies and procedures, including but not limited to techniques for determining residency, or the ability to quickly attain this knowledge.
Knowledge of the Assessor’s Office procedures, policies, practices and guidelines or the ability to gain such knowledge.
Knowledge of and ability to consistently interpret and apply CCAO policies.
Knowledge of CCAO procedures related to CCAO operations, functions, activities and the property tax system or the ability to gain such knowledge.
Working knowledge of CCAO Employment Plan, Employee Handbook, and any applicable collective bargaining agreement(s).
Skilled in interacting with others to investigate, gather and review sensitive or confidential materials and information.
Ability to effectively interview and obtain information during field investigations and inspections utilizing verbal and written skills.
Ability to analyze, prepare and present investigation findings or conclusions in a concise, logical manner.
Ability to work flexible hours.
Ability to meet Office and departmental deadlines, production goals and effectively utilize time with limited oversight.
Ability to converse knowledgeably and communicate effectively orally and in writing and address complex issues.
Ability to work with others; excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with the public, coworkers and staff.
Ability to interact with the general public and taxpayers, providing guidance and information regarding the Erroneous Homestead Exemptions Act and investigations relating to erroneously claimed exemptions.
Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to perform complex analysis.
Must be computer literate, with skill and efficiency in entering and retrieving data and in generating and modifying accurate investigation reports and explaining results of investigations to others.
Ability to lead and cooperate on specific projects related to the functions of the department.
This position requires travel to work assignments and employees must provide their own adequate means of transportation.
Visual acuity to review and edit written communications for long periods of time.
Walking between to conduct investigations and surveillance of properties.
Repetitive use of hands to handle and/or operate standard office equipment.
Regular use of a telephone to communicate.
Lift and carry up to thirty (30) pounds.
Proof of a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and minimum liability coverage.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of full-time work experience managing or supervising employees.
One (1) year of full-time work experience with property records or property tax exemption records.

Responsibilities

Serves as a resource for Investigators charged with determining the validity of various exemptions claimed by property owners, and documenting improperly claimed exemptions by creating investigation reports.
Identifies the type of exemptions claimed by property owners and how long the exemptions have been claimed.
Supervises Investigators’ use of data supplied by vendors and available from other databases to determine and verify if a property owner has improperly claimed exemptions.
Assist Specialists in reviewing dockets, billing for erroneous exemptions, liens and taxpayer inquiries.
Supervise monthly and annual reporting and reconciliation process with the Cook County Treasurer’s Office.
Compiles, maintains and tracks statistics regarding the division’s docket, including ongoing and completed investigations, investigations resulting in PIN numbers that are billed, investigations resulting in hearings, and monthly collections.
May visit subject properties to determine the identities of the current occupants, if any, establish how long the current residents have occupied the property, and determine if the property is rented or owner-occupied.
Supervises and serves as a resource to Investigators and Specialists regarding strategies for conducting investigations for complex properties. Assigns and manages complex investigations and reviews investigations completed by the Investigators.
May interview witnesses who may have knowledge of a property’s occupants (including neighbors, doormen or association manager) to determine if a property is a rental unit or owner occupied.
Compiles findings and evidence into reports for subject properties, reviews evidence to ensure there is support for conclusions regarding dates and factors used to determine the residency of taxpayers.
Testifies at hearings regarding the results of investigations, if necessary.
Supervises and directs the employees within the Exemption Investigations and Erroneous Exemptions divisions.
Conducts performance evaluations of Exemptions Investigations and Erroneous Exemptions employees.
Ensures Investigators’ productivity and professional development, promotes good morale, and establishes performance measures of reporting staff.
Assists in effectively communicating job responsibilities to staff and provides instruction and training relative to staff job duties and assignments.
Helps to administer office policies and procedures and provides instruction to staff regarding office policies and procedures and maintains confidentiality where appropriate.
Works closely with the Director to ensure work is accomplished and research data is available.