Collections Specialist

COLLECTIONS SPECIALIST TRAINEE / I / II Metro, Revenue Recovery Department – 024 This regular, full‑time recruitment closes on 5:00 PM, August 3, 2026. Salary Trainee: $18.75 – $22.89 per hour Level I: $21.24 – $25.93 per hour Level II: $23.82 – $29.08 per hour Position Summary This is the trainee, entry, and journey level of the Collections Specialist flexible classification series at the Superior Court. Incumbents who successfully complete one year of employment and meet the employment standards may be promoted to Superior Court Collections Specialist I without further examination. Promotions to Collections Specialist II are considered on a merit basis subject to recommendation of the division supervisor and approval of the Assistant Court Executive Officer – Administration and the Human Resources Manager. Responsibilities Analyze accounts to determine and implement effective collection methods. Interview debtors to determine their ability to pay financial obligations owed to the court. Conduct background investigations of debtors, researching current addresses, employment, and assets to assess payment ability. Review and verify for accuracy financial information obtained through public or private agencies and commercial credit bureaus. Develop and implement debt‑payment agreements with debtors per court procedures. Receive, post, and reconcile receivables to accounts and journals; issue receipts and balance cash drawers. Follow up on delinquent payment‑plan accounts. Recommend adjustments to accounts for undue financial hardship, and, with approval, make adjustments. Recommend and initiate legal action to enforce collection of debts; represent the court in legal proceedings to present evidence and information. Respond to inquiries from the public, explaining collection processes and legal actions to debtors and their attorneys. Maintain records of work performed including financial records, reports, correspondence, and other documents related to collection accounts. Input, manipulate, verify, and retrieve data associated with collection and processing of delinquent debts. Prepare routine correspondence and reports. Utilize a personal computer and court‑related software. Perform other job‑related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications At the Trainee level: One year of full‑time paid clerical experience. At the LevelI: One year of full‑time paid experience in collections, including determination of financial assets and initiation of legal collection proceedings. At the LevelII: Two years of full‑time paid experience in collections, including determination of financial assets and initiation of legal collection proceedings. Typing certificate verifying a net speed of at least 35 words per minute. Basic knowledge of entry‑level credit collection methods and techniques; legal terminology related to debt collection; proper cashiering methods; interviewing techniques; financial record‑keeping procedures; customer service practices; proper office methods and procedures; and proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. General knowledge of the methods and procedures used to collect and process monies on delinquent accounts; knowledge of laws, codes, and regulations governing credit collections; interviewing techniques; financial record‑keeping procedures; customer service procedures; and proper English. Ability to collect and process monies; analyze information and make determinations on information received from clients; research, apply, and explain laws, rules and regulations; represent the court in legal proceedings; maintain accurate records; receive payments and balance cash drawers; use tact and diplomacy when dealing with the public, attorneys, staff, and private agencies; handle difficult and tense situations; interview clients; accurately enter, manipulate, and retrieve data using a computerized record‑keeping system; follow oral and written instructions; effectively communicate in both oral and written forms; type at a minimum rate of 35 net words per minute; operate standard office equipment; and establish and maintain effective work relationships in the performance of required duties. Typing certification can be obtained from Online typing/keyboarding certificates will not be accepted. Benefits Superior Court of California, County of Kern offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes but is not limited to medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; prescription coverage; life insurance; a defined benefit retirement plan and additional deferred compensation option; and Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Equal Opportunity Employer Superior Court of California, County of Kern is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr