Collections Specialist

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Finance
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $56,217 - $70,271
FULL SALARY RANGE: $56,217 - $87,839 (Grade 106)
LOCATION: Hybrid: West St. Paul/Hastings
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 1/29/2025

What You Will Do
The Collections Specialist collects debt owed to the county for a variety of program areas including estate recovery for Medical Assistance; public assistance overpayments; county fees for social services and corrections; adult probation and DWI fees. This position works closely with the Department of Human Services, community partners, and other Dakota County departments.

The current Collections Specialist opening will be assigned to collections for estate recovery and public assistance overpayments and may provide backup support to other staff. The position will rely heavily on collaborating with other departments, including the county attorney for estate recovery actions.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.
Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

. Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field
OR
. Associate's degree OR completion of 90 quarter credits in Human Services, Liberal Arts, Accounting, Paralegal, Legal Secretary or related field AND Two years' experience in collections or working as a Financial Assistance Specialist.
OR
. High School graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND Four years experience as a Financial Assistance Specialist or Child Support Specialist.
OR
- An equivalent combination of related education and work experience in a business or government accounting environment to total four years.
AND
- Candidate must be proficient at keyboard skills including typing at least 35 WPM.

NOTE: Experience must be from a Minnesota County and one year of experience must have occurred in the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum two years' work experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Direct work experience utilizing electronic accounting software or systems.
• Direct work experience utilizing computer databases and records management systems.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Enforce debts and overpayments that are owed, using a variety of collection methods including establishing payment plans, revenue recapture, wage garnishment and judgement entry.
2. Apply federal, state and county statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures to collection efforts. service level agreements to initiate billing for debts.
3. Maintain collections accounts to provide monthly billings, receipt payments, service level agreements, and accurate balances.
4. Analyze cases to determine appropriate collection efforts through speaking with clients and attorneys to implement a voluntary or legal solution.
5. Attend and testify in collections and probate legal proceedings and appeals.
6. Collaborate with internal and external customers to ensure collection revenue.
7. Provide technical assistance and mentoring to less experienced staff.
8. Actively support inclusion, diversity, equity, and access initiatives, including efforts to address racial disparities in program outcomes and address the needs of diverse and underserved populations.
9. Participate in other duties, assignments, and workgroups to improve the functioning of the collection's unit.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1-8 are essential functions.

• Knowledge of public assistance program rules requiring cooperation.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and collections methods.
• Knowledge of general accounting principles.
• Skill in evaluating and documenting data and preparing information for legal proceedings.
• High level of analytical skills with ability to interpret Federal regulations, State Statutes, and County policy and apply them to collection and enforcement of specific court orders or voluntary arrangements.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to operate computerized collection and case management system.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities according to the needs of the case participants and deal efficiently with public contact on a daily basis.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with diverse and underserved populations.

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.
• Excellent work-life balance.
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year).
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday.
• Pension with a generous employer contribution.
• Ability to work from home some of the time.

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions.
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications.
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration.
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer.
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks.