Collections Specialist

Full Salary - $51,852 - $59,986

Hiring Range - $51,852 - $66,114

Collections Specialist is an Open-Competitive Onondaga County Civil Service position and if hired, continued employment will be contingent on qualifying for, successfully passing, and reachability off the applicable Onondaga County Civil Service Exam.

After a conditional offer of employment, a favorable background check, verification of education and work history, and illegal drug screening must be completed prior to starting employment. Proof of identity and legal work authorization will also be required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for coordinating Central Office management services to several Asset Management Projects in order to enforce Syracuse Housing Authority rules, regulations and lease provisions for residents. An employee in this class maintains and coordinates the operation of the public housing applicant wait list, coordinates activities related to the collection of delinquent tenant rent payments, and receives, investigates and coordinates the resolution of tenant complaints. This employee also coordinates all Section 504 requests for “reasonable accommodation” by public housing applicants and tenants. Work assignments are received from and supervised by an administrative superior through conference or written directives allowing for some latitude by the employee in their implementation. Supervision is not exercised by this class. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Coordinates and performs Central Office activities related to the collection of delinquent rent from tenants, including tenant notifications, repayment agreements, preparation of legal documents, Housing Court appearances, and eviction proceedings.

Reviews delinquent resident accounts and prioritizes accounts requiring intervention.

Contacts residents by telephone, email, letter, and other approved methods regarding outstanding balances and works directly with residents to identify the reason for delinquency and appropriate next steps.

Coordinates with Property Managers regarding delinquent accounts, rent adjustments, recertifications, disputed balances, repayment agreements, and other issues affecting resident account balances.

Establishes, processes, and tracks repayment agreements consistent with SHA policies and procedures and follows up on missed payments or noncompliance.

Maintains detailed documentation of resident contacts, payment commitments, account activity, repayment agreements, and collection efforts in Yardi.

Obtains and reviews resident complaints and account disputes related to rent compliance and collection and refers matters to appropriate SHA departments for resolution when necessary.

Prepares required notices, legal documents, and supporting documentation for delinquent accounts proceeding to legal action.

Coordinates with SHA staff and legal counsel regarding delinquent accounts, Housing Court proceedings, and eviction matters.

Represents SHA in Housing Court as required.

Assists residents in resolving issues contributing to delinquency, including coordinating with appropriate SHA departments and referring residents to available outside resources when appropriate.

Prepares and maintains regular reports regarding delinquent balances, collections, repayment agreements, aging, legal referrals, and collection outcomes.

Performs other related duties as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the policies and operations of the Syracuse Housing Authority.

Good knowledge of the practices and procedures of credit and account collection.

Working knowledge of the techniques normally employed in preparing legal correspondence and documents related to delinquent rent collection and eviction.

Working knowledge of the legal requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act regarding reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective inter-personal relationships with staff and residents.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to prepare accurate correspondence, reports and legal documents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Baccalaureate Degree in criminal justice, human services or resources, or a closely related field, and two (2) years of professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, involving direct client contact in providing, community services, human services, property management services or complaint resolution services to low income adults; or,

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s Degree in in criminal justice, human services or resources, or a closely related field, and four (4) years of professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, involving direct client contact in providing, community services, human services, property management services or complaint resolution services to low income adults; or,

C. Six (6) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, four (4) years of which must have been professional level work experience involving direct client contact to provide, community services, human services, property management services, or complaint resolution services to low income adults; or,

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as described by the limits of (A), (B), and (C) above.