Salary: $22.65 - $30.27 Hourly

Location : Medford, OR

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 8440

Department: Finance

Division: Taxation

Opening Date: 05/20/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

Jackson County Employment Opportunity.

The Taxation Office seeks an energetic person with excellent customer service and office skills. This position is part of the Finance Department and works with a team of 4 regular and several extra-help employees. Jackson County strives to recruit, hire and retain the best employees!

Pre-Employment Requirements and/or Preferences

The job description includes a wide variety of work in this office.
The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, be able to multi-task, and maintain a positive attitude.
Accounting experience is helpful but not required.
Bi-lingual, Spanish-speaking preferred.
This is a full-time, flexible-schedule position.
Pass a criminal background check prior to hire.
Submit an acceptable DMV certified court print prior to hire. click on the following link to review
Pass a pre-employment drug screen, which includes screening for Marijuana. Click on the link to review
This position is represented by union group SEIU

Job Duties and Requirements

I. Position Summary
Performs a broad variety of complex clerical and accounting duties in the collection, correction and recording of property tax payments; prepares ownership changes to manufactured structures; conducts field inspections; leads, plans, and coordinates the promotion and conduct of public auctions; collects other County fees; processes and maintains various records and documents; and, provides customer service.

II. Examples of Essential Position Duties (The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.)

Provides customer service in person, on the telephone, by email, and by fax to other departments, outside agencies, and the general public; provides information related to property taxes and assessments; answers inquiries; computes interest and discounts; provides pay-off information; searches records for information; and, provides written verification of property tax information to various government agencies.
Receives and posts payments and prepayments made from various sources such as by cash, check, and electronic methods; handles money in accordance with County policy and proper accounting and cash handling procedures; issues receipts; completes daily balances of cash drawers; prepares bank deposits; assembles complex financial data; and, prepares necessary detailed reports, statements, and summaries.
Processes refunds due to overpayments and/or orders received; sets up refund files; contacts affected parties; sets up refund batches; calculates interest, if applicable; balances records; and, posts refunds to accounts.
Performs collection of delinquent personal property accounts, real property foreclosures, overpayment or duplicate payment research, and taxpayer notifications; may conduct field site visits to gather data, post notices, and interact with and educate taxpayers on applicable laws and potential aid programs.
Performs a broad variety of basic and complex processes, filings, record-keeping, quality control, verification, examination of records, research activities, etc. for assigned specialized property tax functions including but not limited to tax exemptions; senior/deferrals; permits; ownership, property rights, and addressing; manufactured structures and changes to titles; title reports and sales confirmations; bankruptcies and liens; tax warrants; foreclosures; value appeals supports; uncollectable accounts; and business personal property records.
Navigates, reviews, creates, calculates, documents, and modifies data using several complex software applications.
Develops and prepares notices and letters, including but not limited to delinquent taxes, pending tax foreclosures, and foreclosure redemption expiration.
Processes returned mail and researches address corrections; maintains and continually updates taxpayer address changes from multiple sources.
Conducts inspections of properties, including site visits; determines possible liabilities and mitigation steps necessary to proceed with the disposal of property; works positively with local code enforcement jurisdictions to mitigate violations; determines availability for sale and appropriate sale methods; advertises and promotes properties available for sale.
Trains and monitors other employees to process payments, maintain records, and answer complex taxpayer questions.
Adheres to regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures required for training, and safe work practices.
Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships at all levels.
Has regular and reliable attendance. Overtime may be required.

III. Minimum Requirements (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following requirements, physical demands and/or working conditions)

Education and Experience

High School diploma or equivalent AND an Associate's Degree in business, finance or accounting AND two years of work-related experience; OR
Any combination of training, education, and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the job.

License, Certificate or Other

Requires possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

IV. Other Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of general Oregon property tax laws, rules, and regulations governing real and personal property, specifically in regards to planning, organizing, and scheduling mailings, data exchange processes, lien warrants and foreclosures, bankruptcy proceedings, or other tasks required by law; public and customer service techniques, data processing hardware and software applicable to department operations; modern office methods, procedures, and equipment; business math; accounting and bookkeeping practices, specifically in regards to accurate recording tax monies, calculating interest owed and amortizing delinquent taxes; cash handling methods and procedures; documents, records, and legal terminology relating to property ownership including real property legal descriptions and mapping; lead work techniques; principles of record keeping and records management. Highly skilled with performing a variety of clerical accounting functions to support County operations using various software and computer systems; entering data and information into a computer system with speed and accuracy; following and developing effective workflows of procedures, policies, and guidelines. Ability to prioritize work to meet established deadlines and work with constant interruptions; communicate effectively in both oral and written form and make oral presentations and testify in public hearings related to bankruptcy proceedings; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and the public; diffuse angry or disgruntled individuals visiting the office.

Physical Demands (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands)

Ability to work in a standard office environment; requires the ability to perform on-site field visits including exerting a moderate amount of physical effort; may require some light lifting, bending, fingering, grasping reaching, standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, stooping, kneeling and some climbing; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing, filing, data entry, and/or use of calculators, ten-key adding machine, or other office equipment or supplies. Requires driving.

Working Conditions (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following working conditions )

Work is generally performed in an office environment. Incumbents may be exposed to adverse weather, including extreme temperatures, rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Incumbents are also exposed to dangerous or unpleasant conditions and substances, including noise, traffic hazards, biohazards, noxious plants, and wildlife. May include exposure to disruptive people.

VI. Additional Information

This classification description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, knowledge, skills, abilities, or requirements, as any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of these duties, in addition to other duties not explicitly listed here. The various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may be unevenly balanced and change from time to time based upon matters such as, but not limited to, variations in the shift, work demands, seasons, service levels and management's decisions on how to best allocate department resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing of these assigned duties, responsibilities and/or assignments does not constitute a change in the job classification. The County shall schedule employees and determine FTE consistent with its determination as to efficiency of operations, financial advantages to the County, and/or effective service to the public.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JACKSON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Upon request, special accommodations and/or assistance will be gladly provided for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory impairments. Because of the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, persons hired by the county must be able to present acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States. For a copy of Jackson County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, visit our web site at or call 541-774-6036.

Jackson County Benefit Summary - SEIU

Jackson County provides an excellent, generous and comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their dependents, as applicable.

This overview provides highlights of the comprehensive benefits package Jackson County SEIU employees receive. If any statement conflicts with the applicable plan documents, Codified Ordinance, Jackson County policies, and/or collective bargaining agreement, the applicable documents will govern.

Insurance

Health Insurance - As of July 1, 2023 Regular full-time employees and their eligible dependents receive medical insurance, including prescription and chiropractic, dental, and vision coverage at a cost to the employee of $22.82 per paycheck ($49.45 per month) toward the monthly composite premium. Regular full-time employees may not waive coverage . Regular part-time employees may enroll in the full plan, with a prorated composite premium depending on their full-time equivalent (FTE), or may elect to waive benefits. Coverage begins on the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.

Hinge - Provided through Regence, Hinge is an online virtual Physical Therapy benefit for all employees and their dependents enrolled in the health insurance plan. This online virtual service will work around your schedule in the comfort of your own home, and there is no cost to the employee.

Wellness Center by CareATC - In addition to health insurance, certain primary care medical services, lab services, and prescription medications are offered at no out-of-pocket cost for the employee who is enrolled in the County's health insurance plan, and their eligible dependents at the wellness center.

Group Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment - Fully funded for regular full-time employees (prorated for regular part-time employees), employees are eligible the first of the month coinciding with 30 days from date of hire. The benefit is equal to two times the employee's annual salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, to a maximum of $500,000. Insurance in excess of $50,000 is a taxable benefit.

Long-Term Disability - Fully funded for regular full-time employees (prorated for regular part-time employees), employees are eligible the first of the month following date of hire. The benefits are payable after a waiting period of 60 days at a rate of 66 2/3 percent of base salary, up to a maximum monthly benefit of $12,000.

Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment - Regular employees may choose to participate in additional AD&D coverage through payroll deduction, and have the choice of plan and coverage amounts.

Voluntary Life Insurance - Regular employees may choose to participate in additional Life Insurance coverage through payroll deduction, and have the choice of coverage amounts.

Leaves

Vacation - Regular full-time employees earn vacation leave at a rate of 15 to 27 days annually depending upon years of County service. Regular part-time employees earn vacation leave on a prorated basis. Employees can carry forward up to two times the annual vacation accrual (prorated for part-time employees). Vacation leave cannot be used during the first six full months of regular employment. Twice per fiscal year, employees may request to be paid for vacation accruals, provided specific requirements are met.

Years of Service Annual Vacation Accrual
0 to 5 years 15 days (4.62 hours/pay period)
Over 5 through 10 years18 days (5.54 hours/pay period)
Over 10 through 15 years21 days (6.47 hours/pay period)
Over 15 through 20 years24 days (7.39 hours/pay period)
Over 20 years 27 days (8.31 hours/pay period)

Sick Leave - Regular full-time employees earn sick leave at the rate of 3.70 hours per pay period (12 days annually), which starts to accrue during the first pay period. Regular part-time employees accrue sick leave on a prorated basis. Accrued sick leave may be used as soon as it is accrued.

Holidays - Regular full-time employees receive ten paid holidays annually (prorated for regular part-time employees), New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Holidays that fall on a Saturday will be observed on the previous Friday and holidays that fall on a Sunday will be observed on the following Monday.

Personal Leave - Each fiscal year on July 1, full-time regular employees receive one personal leave day (eight hours; prorated for regular part-time employees based on the position's FTE as of July 1). Employees must be employed on July 1 to be eligible to receive the personal leave day. Personal leave is used in 15-minute increments. If it is not used, it does not roll over to the following year.

Retirement

Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System - Jackson County participates in the State of Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). PERS has Tier One, Tier Two, and the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) pension programs, as well as the Individual Account Program (IAP). Tier One covers members hired before January 1, 1996; Tier Two covers members hired between January 1, 1996 and August 28, 2003; and OPSRP covers members hired on or after August 29, 2003.

IAP contains all member contributions (6% of covered salary, currently County-paid) made on or after January 1, 2004. The legislature created the IAP in 2003 to provide an individual account-based retirement benefit for new workers hired on or after August 29, 2003, and for Tier One/Tier Two members active on or after January 1, 2004. The IAP benefit is in addition to the member's other retirement program benefit (i.e., Tier One, Tier Two, or OPSRP). Employees are automatically vested in their IAP account when their account is established.

IAP Redirect - Per Senate Bill 1049 (2019) contributions remain at the rate of 6% however, a portion of that 6% is redirected to the Employee Pension Stability Account (EPSA). 2.5% is redirected for the Tier 1 and Tier 2 members and 0.75% is redirected for OPSRP members. The rest of the county-paid contribution is directed to the employee's IAP. Employee's may choose to make voluntary contributions for the amount of the redirect through the Oregon PERS Online Member Services (OMS) at

Salary Limit - Beginning January 1, 2020, SB 1049 changed the definition of "salary" for PERS purposes and created new limitations on annual and monthly "subject salaries." Your salary is used to determined member Individual Account Program (IAP) contributions, employer contributions to fund the pension program, and the final average salary used in calculating retirement benefits under formula methods. The 2022 limit $210,582 per year. The limit is prorated when members work fewer than 12 months in a calendar year.

OPSRP is designed to provide approximately 45 percent of an employee's final average salary at retirement (for a general service member with a 30-year career or a police and firefighter member with a 25-year career).

OPSRP General Service : Unless employees are in a police or firefighter position, they are considered a general service member. In addition to other retirement programs or any social security benefit, when employees retire, if vested, PERS will calculate monthly benefit using the following formula:

1.5 percent x years of retirement credit x final average salary. Normal retirement age for general service members is age 65, or age 58 with 30 years of retirement credit.

General Service Benefit Calculation Example (employees can estimate benefits using any number of years and any final average salary):

Final average salary: $45,000
Retirement credit: 30 years as an OPSRP member
30 (years) x 1.5 percent = 45 percent
45 percent x $3,750 (final average monthly salary) = $1,687.50
Single Life Option monthly benefit = $1,687.50 ($20,250 annual benefit)

Other Benefits

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program - Jackson County offers regular employees the option to enroll in IRS Section 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans. The employee defers compensation through voluntary payroll deductions into this supplemental retirement plan. The 457 plan is a separate retirement plan from PERS.

Voluntary Direct Deposit - An employee may choose to have their payroll check automatically deposited into their bank account. Employees can choose up to four accounts to receive direct deposit funds. Most banks allow participation of this program.

Voluntary Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Section 125 Plan - The FSA is a tax-free regular employee-funded account. Regular employees may choose to participate in pre-tax health insurance premiums, out-of-pocket unreimbursed eligible health care expenses, dependent care expenses, and qualified transportation expenses, in order to have "before-tax" dollars deducted from their paychecks.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - The County has a fully-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to offer. The EAP is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL benefit that can assist you and your eligible family members with personal problems, large or small. The EAP provides confidential services to help people privately resolve problems that may interfere with work, family, and life. The EAP is offered to regular employees, their dependents, and any household members. Services include up to four face-to-face counseling sessions per year, 24/7/365 access to crisis counselors, and convenient access to on-line consultations with licensed counselors.