Deputy Treasurer - Collections

Summary This position independently conducts the collection process for delinquent real property and personal property tax account receivables and payment plan set-up and administration.
Working in conjunction with the Island County Prosecuting Attorney's office, conducts formal tax collection procedures.
When efforts are futile, she/he conducts real property foreclosure and personal property distraint proceedings accordingly.
The Collections Deputy is also responsible for managing accounts that are involved in bankruptcy proceedings and developing the budget for the Treasurer's M&O.
Performs a variety of other clerical duties to assist in the efficient operations of the Treasurer's Office and backs up.
This description reflects the general concept and intent of the classification and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all of the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.
Job Duties Reviews outstanding delinquent tax account receivables, prepare and conduct formal and legal procedures to collect taxes.
As needed, forecloses on real property or distrains personal property when taxes are deemed uncollectible.
Prepares records for cases involving litigation.
Testifies for the County on cases as needed Understands and applies Washington State statutes pertaining to property tax foreclosure, personal property distraint, and property tax billing and collection.
Works closely with State, local, and legal authorities in order to reconcile tax account issues.
Provides complex research and record keeping.
Orders title searches.
Researches and traces property ownership and property liens and reviews legal descriptions for accuracy.
Conducts legal research and compiles information related to the collection of real and personal property taxes subject to distraint or foreclosure.
Requires close contact with other public agencies and private entities involved in the properties in question.
Makes all necessary and available contacts with taxpayers, including phone, mail, and in-person, utilizing skip-tracing methods when necessary to provide taxpayers all available means to discuss tax payments.
Reads and interprets Title reports, legal descriptions of property and various documents associated with foreclosures; drafts letters and email communications, prepares legal documents, statements and notifications for mailing, organizes, prepares, and maintains records and reports to ensure that work is accomplished in accordance with objectives, procedures, and State law.
Issues Delinquent Notices.
Coordinates efforts with the Prosecuting Attorney's office.
Posts and publishes legal notices, posts and advertises property sales and prepares sale documentation including minimum bid lists, and provides pertinent documents to the Prosecuting Attorney's office to be filed with the County Clerk.
Coordinates the annual foreclosure and distraint auctions.
Distributes the monies generated from auctions to proper funds.
Issues and records Treasurer's deeds and administers any payment of surplus funds to the owner or other lien holders.
Maintains minimum bid lists, tax title property lists, and surplus listings for website posting.
Files bankruptcy proof of claims and insures the County's claim by monitoring and communicating with the bankruptcy court and processing follow-up documentation.
Cross-trained as backup for other Treasurer's Office staff.
Maintains records and composes department correspondence relating to the duties of the job.
Attends and participates in staff meetings.
Provides input and recommendations to improve own work processes and the general operation, performance and services provided by the department.
Attends training and consults other experts to enhance skills and knowledge.
Performs tasks as directed.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Must have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously work with extremely distraught taxpayers and other county employees requiring services.
Able to develop and maintain good working relations with other county employees and agencies.
Able to work well independently as well as a member of the team.
Able to manage and perform work in a multi-task environment.
Must be organized in order to complete work under date/time deadlines.
Able to work under pressure and handle stressful situations in a calm manner.
Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing in a professional business manner.
Able to maintain confidentiality.
Able to maintain high standards of accuracy, ethics and efficiency in handling money transactions.
Able to effectively operate a personal computer, with intermediate skills in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, accounting, and specialized software applications.
Able to operate an electronic posting and receipting system.
Able to operate standard office equipment such as fax, adding machine, copy machine, and multi-line phones.
Demonstrated strong knowledge of property tax collection, foreclosure, distraint, bankruptcy and Washington State Public Records statutes or ability to attend training and learn and apply applicable statutes.
Must be able to pack boxes with annual records to be archived.
Must be able to lift 20 pounds.
Education, Experience & Certifications Required: an A.
A.
in Legal/Paralegal or Business with a financial or government emphasis and/or equivalent experience.
Required: Must have a valid driver's license.
Required: Must be bondable.
Background in reading and interpreting legal descriptions and verifying chain of title.
Title company experience or real estate knowledge would be helpful.
Prior collections experience is desirable.
Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.