Debt Resolution Specialist (Dept of Administration-Collections Division)

Are you an achiever? Someone always looking for a challenge and who excels individually while working with a team to accomplish a common goal? Do you possess the skills to negotiate and enjoy working with others to bring resolution to an open matter?

If you appreciate working in a fast-paced environment, this position situated in the Department of Administration Collection Division is suited for you! Want to know more about who we are and our vision?

Waukesha County Collection Division is a first party collector and governed under State statute which separates us from third party collection agencies, we specialize in government debt and are looking to add an individual whose values align with our business plan and complement our team qualities.

The Collection Division partners with over 90 government agencies on debt resolution, both internal to the county and external, throughout the State of Wisconsin. The specific types of debt collections the team collects include but not limited to: fines and forfeitures, court obligation from Family, Probate, Juvenile, Criminal and traffic, Health and Human Services obligations, Sheriff's Department Huber and jail fees, fees assessed by school districts, ambulance service obligations and other government debt.

The ideal candidate will have:

• strong computer literacy skills;
• familiarity with HIPAA and PCI compliance regulations and collection practices;
• attention to detail to ensure processes and procedures are being met;
• experience collecting the types of collection obligations noted above; and
• ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing while using persuasive techniques to overcome objections and unwillingness.

Applicants who meet the minimum training and experience requirements will receive an email invitation to participate in an online Customer Service Interaction and Outlook assessment. Please check your email regularly for status updates and instructions on next steps. The online assessments must be completed no later than 4:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025.

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Under supervision, to affect collection of delinquent accounts for county internal departments and external municipalities; and to perform other duties as required.

1. Initiates communication with debtor to affect payment in full of accounts due the County and contacts insurance companies, attorneys, responsible parties, employers, and/or other public and private entities to affect collection.
2. Analyzes and researches debtor's financial statements and resources using public records and other sources; and determines and negotiates re-payment schedules based on this information.
3. Evaluates status of accounts including total cost of collection, and makes recommendations for compromise settlements, litigation, write-off, or referral of accounts for outside collection.
4. Conducts skiptrace and investigative work to locate debtors with unpaid or delinquent accounts using credit bureaus, neighbors, government agencies, the Internet, and other related sources.
5. Conducts on the spot ability to pay determinations for adjudicated and/or incarcerated individuals; establishes payment plans; and makes recommendations to the court regarding re-payment of debt.
6. Recommends and prepares litigation request form for supervisor to execute and release liens against property and/or promissory agreements to protect the County's financial interests, including issuing debtors tax intercept letters.
7. Drafts and processes collections correspondence, notices, and/or responses.
8. Serves as a liaison with County departments, municipalities, attorneys, and the courts.
9. Provides testimony and information to the Courts as needed.
10. Prepares and maintains a variety of detailed documents, information, and reports to be used to justify and pursue litigation.
11. Provides information, responds to inquires and disputes, and explains the statutory provisions relating to liability for payment to debtor, attorneys, insurance companies and/or other parties.
12. Reviews accounts for discrepancies in amounts owed and reconciles accounts.
13. Establishes and maintains effective working relations with County departments, State of Wisconsin agencies, insurance companies, legal community, local agencies and institutions, and other private and public sector entities.
14. Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Knowledge and Abilities

1. Working knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures used in securing information from legal and financial records, agencies, and individuals.
2. Working knowledge of the statutory recovery provisions relating to human services, institutions, legal settlements, guardianship, public defender fees, probate, guardian ad litems, return checks, fines and forfeitures, and other collections.
3. Working knowledge of collection law including the Wisconsin State Statutes and Administrative Code, the Federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Practices Act, and the US Bankruptcy Code.
4. Working knowledge of modern collection methods, techniques, and procedures including skiptracing.
5. Working knowledge of litigation processes, legal methods of enforcement, and required court documents and filing requirements.
6. Working knowledge of computerized department program software, Internet access, and processing programs.
7. Ability to obtain information through interviews, research and investigation and securing of documents; analyze and organize information; and make appropriate recommendations.
8. Ability to investigate and identify potential assets of referred accounts and interpret and analyze financial information.
9. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and by using persuasive techniques to overcome objections and unwillingness.
10. Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles.
11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with County Departments, State of Wisconsin agencies, insurance companies, legal community, local agencies and institutions, and other private and public sector entities.
12. Ability to answer inquiries and confer with attorneys, private agencies, citizens and public officials regarding the laws, policies and regulations governing collections.
13. Ability to work independently and exercise discretion and judgment.
14. Ability to prepare, present, and maintain accurate reports and records.
15. Ability to utilize word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs.
16. Ability to utilize, telephone, computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
17. Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships.

You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. Two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience involving independent research, investigation, paralegal work, financial collections, or closely related activities.

About Us
Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"

Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.

Location
Located in the City of Waukesha, our office provides an on-site cafe and fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks.

The County does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.