Collections Officer

The City of Oakland has an exciting new opportunity within the Revenue Management Bureau.

We’re seeking someone who is customer service-oriented and enjoys processing paperwork as much as working with people. As a Collections Officer, you will investigate, litigate, and settle claims with debtors or their representatives, such as attorneys or insurance companies. Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will have government work experience in collections and investigative procedures and processes. Desirable knowledge, skills and abilities include: ability to interact with legal professionals, the public and other personnel; knowledge of data processing systems, judicial systems and court procedures; and strong research and analytical, report writing, and public speaking skills.

Join the City of Oakland and be part of an organization that offers employees opportunities for career growth, great benefits, and a rewarding job!

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other vacancies that occur within The City including full-time and permanent part-time positions, if applicable.

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Examples of Duties:
Conduct investigations of circumstances surrounding liability.

Confer with debtors, attorneys, Probation Department, business tax representatives, auditors, or witnesses regarding liability; review medical and police reports.

Confer with the City Attorney’s office regarding claims in excess of small claims court limits; advise them on acceptable monetary settlement.

Enforce judgments on claims; conduct order of examinations of assets in Small Claims or Superior Court.

Represent the City in Small Claims Court and on appeal of Small Claims Court matters in Superior court, as appropriate.

Collect for City departments when collection efforts fail.

Keep staff informed of evidence organization and testimony prior to trial.

Prepare all legal documents required at each stage of the collections process, such as Claim of Plaintiff, Order of Examination, Writ of Execution or Subpoena Duces Tecum(s).

Research appropriate ordinance(s), statute(s), police report(s), and civil procedure(s) to develop case summaries and evidence for court presentation.

Meet with judge(s), court commissioner(s), administrator(s) and appropriate parties to clarify statute, civil code, or city ordinance interpretations.

Issue requests for bench warrants, work with the County of Alameda Sheriff’s Department in locating defendants with outstanding warrants or make recommendations pertaining to the release of debtors on their own recognizance, or to hold in custody until posting of bail.

Trace telephone, credit and other records to locate delinquent debtors; identify assets for liquidation to satisfy city debts.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements for Application:
Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications is acceptable . Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Experience: Two years of collection experience.

License or Certificate:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is desirable.

Knowledge of:
Court procedures in Small Claims, Municipal and Superior Courts.

Laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and procedures governing collections activities.

Effective revenue collections techniques; data processing systems.

Judicial system and court procedures; paperwork preparation for court; effective public relations methods.

Appropriate techniques necessary for claim resolution, prior to litigation. Ability to:

Apply effective collection techniques; prepare and present reports, and testify in court or at bankruptcy proceedings; post and maintain official journals and control ledgers.

Organize data and information; interpret laws, rules, and regulations; use sound judgment based on available information; apply laws, rules, and regulations appropriate to the present situation.

Write legibly and accurately; speak clearly and distinctly; maintain effective public relations under difficult circumstances.

Interact with judges and attorneys; work well with the public.

Understand and carry out written and oral instructions; work within laws, rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

Supplemental Information:
The Selection Process

Stage I: The first stage in the selection process will consist of a review of each applicant’s employment application, resume (optional), and supplemental questionnaire for minimum qualifications (weighted pass/fail). Applications submitted without all required materials will not be given further consideration.

Stage II: The second stage will consist of subject matter experts evaluating and rating the completed supplemental questionnaires. Applicant responses to the supplemental questions must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities listed in the qualifications section of this announcement. The evaluation of supplemental questions may be weighted 100% of an applicant score (before residency and/or veteran points) and may determine rank on the eligible list. If a sufficient number of quality application packets are received, the supplemental screening may be followed by a third stage and the most qualified applicants will be invited to the next stage. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement to Stage III

Stage III: The third stage may consist of an oral examination that may be preceded by a brief written exercise (weighted 100%) and that will test the knowledge, skills and abilities listed in the qualifications section.

The ranked eligible list may be developed directly from the supplemental screening OR the results of Stage III. Candidates must earn a scale score of 70 in this examination process to be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration.

The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.

How to Apply Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least an hour to submit your application if you are a new user on the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm

If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also work stations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Work stations are available during regular business hours (normally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Our on-line application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Help Desk at (877) 204-4442.

You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information.

Tentative Date of Examination:
Week of May 29, 2017

Advisories

Immigration and Reform Control Act: In compliance with the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986 the City of Oakland will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Exam Access Accommodation: In compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the City of Oakland will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must do so no later than five working days after the final filing date for receipt of applications, otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Such requests should be addressed to the Department of Human Resources Management, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612-2019 or call (510) 238-3112 or TDD (510) 238-3254.

The City of Oakland is an EEO/ADA Employer.