DESCRIPTION Recruitments posted as "Continuous" are subject to close at any time following an initial two-week posting period. Upon closing, the applications received will be screened and notices will be sent to the applicants regarding the status of their application. Under general supervision, to perform collection activities and customer billing of City of Ukiah’s utility services including electric, water, sewer, garbage and parking permit program; maintain financial records; provide customer service; and perform related duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTSThese examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.
- Have ability to conduct all phases of billing and be responsible for collection, notification and legal process relative to the City of Ukiah services. Services include electric, water, sewer, garbage, Business License issuance, Airport, Parking Citation and parking permit program.
- Apply City of Ukiah’s collection policies and Federal Fair Debt Collection Laws in negotiating payment arrangements and securing contractual agreements of unpaid open and closed accounts in a professional manner.
- Coordinate the work activities of customer service support staff, schedule their hours and maintain records for budget purposes.
- Assist the Billing and Customer Service Manager with supervising, training and evaluating billing and collection staff.
- Assign accounts to credit bureaus for collection.
- Prepare filings for small claims court, and appear in court as necessary.
- Answer difficult and complex customer inquiries and complaints over the phone and in person using independent judgment to correct, resolve and report situations.
- Maintain schedules in compliance with Municipal and State Regulations for billing statements, delinquent letters, collection notices, final notices, and disconnect instructions for unpaid utility accounts on a weekly basis.
- Produce delinquent letters, collection notices, final notices, and disconnect instructions for unpaid utility accounts.
- Coordinate referrals to and payments from utility assistance agencies on a weekly basis.
- Maintain statistical records for and auditing utility assistance agencies.
- Process new service requests, transfers, past due accounts, and utility disconnections within mandated time frames.
- Maintain and update customer records daily.
- Process returned checks, returned mail and credit balance refunds.
- Coordinate service and meter read requests with utility and other finance staff.
- Analyze, reconcile and process utility meter reading data.
- Apply periodic rate increases and decreases.
- Maintain and reconcile utility deposits.
- Balance customer payments, adjustments and accounts receivable with the General Ledger.
- Operate various office machinery such as personal computer, complex billing computer software, mailroom equipment, ten-key adding machine, typewriter, copier, and fax machine.
- Provide back up for Customer Service positions and “Acting Supervisor” in Billing and Customer Service Managers’ absence.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: - Customer relations techniques.
- Basic accounting principles.
- Customer account analysis.
- Computer operations.
- City utility ordinances and resolutions.
- State of California Public Utility Code.
- Federal Fair Debt Collection laws.
Ability to: - Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Work in a high activity team environment.
- Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Handle difficult and stressful public contacts in an appropriate and professional manner.
- Work well under pressure to meet established deadlines.
- Operate a computer system for up to 50% of the workday and perform rapid and accurate data entry.
- Type at least 40 words per minute.
- Operate a 10 key calculator by touch.
- Operate office and mailroom equipment.
- Independently and accurately process all phases of billing and collection activities.
- Lift up to 40 pounds.
- Maintain harmonious and cooperative working relationships with other City employees and the public.
- Apply and adopt established methods to a variety of collection transactions and problems.
Experience and Education: - Four years of billing or collection experience preferably in a utility or government environment. Customer Service experience in a comparable field is acceptable.
- Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school, with additional coursework in business, accounting, computer science, or a closely related field.
Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license.
SELECTION PROCEDUREApplications must be filled out completely. Resumes submitted in lieu of completing an application will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee and those applicants who appear to be among the best qualified will be selected for the examination process. This process may include a variety of techniques designed to test applicants’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job. An eligibility list will be established by ranking candidates by their overall score and a selection will be made from the candidates on this list. All employment offers are subject to a City-paid physical examination and a thorough reference and background check.
In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 463-6244 so your request may be reviewed prior to the occurrence of the test.
The City of Ukiah is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. Continually working to promote diversity, equity, transparency, and justice through the adoption and implementation of City practices, policies, and procedures. The City of Ukiah offers a competative benefits package to all full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees may receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
To learn more details, contact us at personnel@cityofukiah.com.
