Description

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 80 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;
• 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.

The 2023 starting hourly rate range is $23.97 to $27.84 (depending on qualifications)
coupled with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance,generous paid time off, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, amongst many otherbenefits. Employee well-being is promoted through a balanced work-life culture and through anexceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to helppromote an employee's wellness and health, including an on-site health & wellness clinic.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with an opportunity to telecommute 1-2days/week in accordance with the County's Telecommute policy. (Per County Policy, telecommuting is an option after a year of service or when staff has demonstrated a level of competency within the position. Telecommuting is also contingent on staff meeting Collections Division revenue and productivity standards.)

Prior to hiring, the successful candidate will need to pass a background investigation conducted by the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department.

• Debt Resolution Specialist is within the County's Collections Specialist classification

Example of Duties

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

• 
  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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Drafts and processes collections correspondence, notices, and/or responses.
• Serves as a liaison with County departments, municipalities, attorneys, and the courts.
• Provides testimony and information to the Courts as needed.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of detailed documents, information, and reports to be used to justify and pursue litigation.
• 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.
• Reviews accounts for discrepancies in amounts owed and reconciles accounts.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Knowledge and Abilities

• Working knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures used in securing information from legal and financial records, agencies, and individuals.
• 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.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of modern collection methods, techniques, and procedures including skiptracing.
• Working knowledge of litigation processes, legal methods of enforcement, and required court documents and filing requirements.
• Working knowledge of computerized department program software, Internet access, and processing programs.
• Ability to obtain information through interviews, research and investigation and securing of documents; analyze and organize information; and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to investigate and identify potential assets of referred accounts and interpret and analyze financial information.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and by using persuasive techniques to overcome objections and unwillingness.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to answer inquiries and confer with attorneys, private agencies, citizens and public officials regarding the laws, policies and regulations governing collections.
• Ability to work independently and exercise discretion and judgment.
• Ability to prepare, present, and maintain accurate reports and records.
• Ability to utilize word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to utilize, telephone, computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:

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

Supplemental Information

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 café 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.

For further information visit: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/administration/collections/

Waukesha County's pay plans, group insurance programs, and other benefit policies comprise a package that is highly competitive and satisfies the needs of its employees. This is intended to give only a brief summary of the employee benefit package. Additional information will be provided at the time of hire. Benefits for part-time positions are pro-rated.

Health Insurance
High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment (not to exceed ninety (90) days). Dependent upon participation in a health risk assessment, employees may be eligible for an employer contribution to their Health Savings Account.).

Waukesha Employee Health & Wellness Center
Employees of Waukesha County and their dependents (ages 2+) who are enrolled in health insurance have access to an onsite medical clinic operated by Everside Health. The clinic is located at 615 W. Moreland Blvd in Waukesha. Patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance as all staff are employees of Everside Health. Providers of the clinic include a Board-Certified Physician, three Physician Assistants, one Physical Therapist, and one Health Coach.

The clinic is open Monday - Friday and has early morning to evening appointment times. Patients should be able to schedule same day or next day appointments for service. Services available include: health coaching, preventative/wellness care, non-preventative (illness/injury visits), immunizations, lab work, disease management, physical therapy, medication dispensing, and work-related injuries.

Office Visit Fees Cost
Preventative Care Free
Non-Preventative Care $28.00 per visit (After Deductible Met Copay is $0)
Physical Therapy $28.00 per visit (After Deductible Met Copay is $0)
Medication No separate charge
Medication Refill Appointments No Cost
Health Coaching No Cost
Office visit fees are applied towards health plan deductible and out-of-pocket maximums.

Employee Wellness Activities, Program and Fitness Center
24/7 access to a wealth of health tools and information on the wellness portal. On-going education programs, fitness challenges and classes. On-site fitness center.

Health Care Flexible Spending Account
This plan allows you to make pre-tax payroll contributions to use for the reimbursement of qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. The 2023 contribution limit is $3,050. This benefit is not available for employees enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
This plan allows you to make pre-taxed payroll contributions to use for reimbursement of your dependent care expenses. The IRS allows you to contribute up to $5,000 per year from your paycheck for child and/or elder care. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Dental Insurance
Waukesha County offers you a choice of two dental insurance plans. Coverage will begin on the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Vision Insurance
Coverage will begin the first of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.

Premium Option Plan
Employees are automatically enrolled in this pre-tax option. This plan allows you to pay your share of the health, dental, and vision insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. This means you pay less state, federal, and FICA taxes, thus saving you money. You can elect to pay on a post- tax basis if you prefer.

Vacation
Waukesha County’s vacation plan provides you with paid time off from work. Regular full-time employees are credited with forty (40) hours of vacation upon hire. Thereafter vacation is earned in one calendar year to be used in the next calendar year.

Full-Time Vacation Accrual Schedule

Holidays
Employees are eligible for eleven (11) paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, The Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day, and Two (2) Floating Holidays that are earned on February 1 and June 1 of each year.

Sick Leave
The Sick Leave Plan is designed to provide you with salary continuation in the event of personal injury or illness. Regular full-time employees earn sick leave at the rate of eight (8) hours for each month of work up to a maximum of nine hundred sixty (960) hours.

Long-Term Disability
Waukesha County pays the full premium on employee’s behalf for this benefit. The long-term disability insurance plan provides for a monthly income in the event of a disabling injury or illness which renders you incapable of performing your job. Coverage will begin the first of the month after hire date.

Life Insurance
Waukesha County pays the full premium cost on your behalf. You will be insured for an amount equal to one (1) times your prior year gross wages rounded to the next higher thousand dollars. In addition, you are insured for Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefits. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Voluntary Worksite Benefits
Waukesha County offers supportive voluntary benefit options for Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance. These benefits help pay for unexpected medical costs and other expenses. Each offering is ala carte so you can select the plan that is right for you and your family. Monthly payroll deductions for the Voluntary Supportive benefits are only offered as after-tax deductions, so any benefits received under these plans are tax-free.

Dependent Life Insurance
You may choose to elect dependent life insurance for your spouse and/or eligible dependents. Employees pay the full premium cost for dependent life insurance. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance
You may choose to purchase additional supplemental term life insurance. Employees pay the full premium cost for supplemental term life insurance. Coverage will begin the first of the month following six (6) months of employment.

Wisconsin Retirement System - Pension Plan
As a full-time employee, you will automatically be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System. This pension is administered by the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
You will be required to pay the employee’s share of contributions to the fund, while Waukesha County contributes the employer’s share. Employees are vested in their portion of contributions immediately and after five years of creditable service for the employer contribution.

Deferred Compensation
Waukesha County offers access to a 457 Deferred Compensation program that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This completely employee funded. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time. Employees may contribute on a pre-tax or Roth basis.

Payroll Roth IRA
Waukesha County offers access to a payroll Roth IRA that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This completely employee funded. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time.

Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan
This is a benefit funded by Waukesha County. Waukesha County will contribute up to $550 ($400 for Waukesha Deputy Sheriff’s Labor Union represented employees) per year into an employee’s RHS account. Funds are available to the participant following separation of employment and can be used for reimbursement of qualified medical expenses or qualified insurance premium payments that occur post-employment. Contributions begin the first month after date of hire. Contributions for employees represented by the Waukesha Deputy Sheriff’s Labor Union will begin the first of the month after twelve (12) months of employment with Waukesha County).

Social Security
During your working years, you regularly contribute a certain percentage of your income toward Social Security. Waukesha County matches your contribution, dollar for dollar.

Electronic Direct Deposit Program
Employees will be required to have their paychecks electronically deposited into the financial institution and account of their choice. Participants will receive a statement of earnings each payday as opposed to a payroll check.

Worker’s Compensation
As an employee of Waukesha County, you are protected under the Worker’s Compensation Act, which provides for hospital, medical, surgical care, and income loss payments for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Jury Duty & Witness Service
In the event you are subpoenaed for jury duty or subpoenaed to serve as a witness in connection with an incident occurring while at work, you will be eligible for paid leave.

Funeral Leave
In the event of a death in your immediate family, you will be allowed up to twenty-four (24) hours of leave with pay to attend the funeral.

Employee Assistance Program
Waukesha County offers access to a free confidential Employee Assistance Program for all employees and members of their household. The program provides a helping hand with such problems as stress, family & relationship concerns, alcohol or drug dependency, workplace conflicts, work life balance, depression and anxiety, parenting concerns, grief or loss, crisis situations, child or elder care resources, and convenience resources. Participants can receive up to eight (8) visits in person or telephonically with an EAP Provider per clinical issue per 12 months at no cost.

Tuition Assistance Program
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees who have passed a 6-month employment period are eligible for this program. The County will reimburse 75% of eligible educational costs up to $400 per semester (up to $800 per calendar year). Courses must be job-related and of direct benefit to the County or in a designated program to qualify.

Employee Discount Programs
Waukesha County offers discounts on Dell products, cellular service through U.S. Cellular, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, and discounted rates on Microsoft 365 through Microsoft Home Use Program.

Pay for Performance
Employees are eligible for performance based merit awards with exceptional and commendable performance ratings.

Student Loan Forgiveness
Employees may qualify to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Special Programs - MyFedLoan).