Legal Financial Obligation Collector

Summary

Are you ready to make a difference by helping individuals fulfill their court-ordered obligations while empowering victims to collect their restitution Join our collections team and become an essential part of the journey toward progress as we help people meet their financial responsibilities and ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve. Together we blend accountability with compassion to inspire clients throughout the process and foster positive outcomes.

The Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) also known as the Superior Court Clerks Office is an innovative forward-looking agency using technology to help perform tasks better more efficiently and reliably. DJA performs a variety of services for the Court litigants and the general public. DJAs mission is to provide professional high-quality Superior Court record services and justice system programs while ensuring access to justice and integrity in the process.

The primary functions of the Legal Financial Obligation (LFO) Program staff is to assist with monetary collections of court ordered restitution and/or non-restitution LFOs assist individuals to establish payment plans and enforce established payment plans. This position requires case management production of judicial documents reviewing of financial records and handling difficult customers. Staff work as part of a small team and are responsible for ensuring that the team meets its objectives. Important aspects of this position include the attention to detail and the ability to exercise public relation skills in the delicate situations of collecting monies owed to victims and the court.

The Legal Financial Obligation (LFO) Program staff continually strive to provide the highest level of collections services. We strive to ensure debtors are aware of the status of their debt and that victims receive their court ordered restitution as quickly as possible. This position actively supports and upholds the Countys and DJAs stated mission vision and values.

WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to all qualified King County employees and the general public; preference will be given in that order. DJA values diverse perspectives and life experiences and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

WORK LOCATION: This position is based at the King County Courthouse 516 3rd Ave Room E609 Seattle WA however reporting at the Maleng Regional Justice Center located at 401 4th Ave N Room 2C Kent WA may also be required.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is overtime eligible and is scheduled to work a 40-hour workweek; Monday through Friday.

FORMS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED:
A King County application form
Letter of interest detailing your background and describing how you meet or exceed the requirements listed in this job announcement.

Contact information: If you have questions about this position please contact Brittany Hagen Crosser or

The primary duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Utilizing excellent customer service skills with internal and external customers requiring discretion patience etiquette and professionalism.
• Managing a caseload of collection accounts setting up payment schedules and examining changes in financial status; maintaining accurate and detailed database notes on accounts analyzing financial statement and legal documents; using various collection databases to verify and/or update debtors address income and investigating assets of responsible parties.
• Filing appropriate paperwork and establishing collection files; maintaining historical records tracking payments non-payments and delinquencies monitoring with appropriate follow up procedures including warning letters and legal channels. Using skip trace techniques to locate information (e.g. address employment earnings/assets and bank records).
• Interviewing debtors to determine ability to pay; obtaining and reviewing confidential personal financial information from debtors on assets income and monthly expenses; preparing payment schedules.
• Counseling debtors on the importance of making payments on time and consequences of failure to pay.
• Implementing and/or recommending appropriate enforcement action in the case of delinquent accounts preparing and filing claims for wage garnishment or attachment of assets for collection of delinquent accounts; notifying garnishee defendant when judgments have been satisfied.
• Testifying in court relative to the enforcement and collection of accounts; preparing court documents; preparing reports for presentation in court.
• Providing comprehensive assistance and explaining complex policies guidelines and standard practices both verbally and in writing.
• Maintaining close interactions with Department of Corrections personnel Superior Court Judges staff from the Prosecuting Attorneys Office and other agencies as required.
• Performing related duties as required or as assigned.

• Four years of recent experience where conducting collections is the primary job function.
• Knowledge of collection methods and techniques used in collecting delinquent accounts.
• Skill in conducting collection activities tactfully but firmly and effectively at all levels.
• Experience working with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds equitably; supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all.
• Strong oral and written communication skills including understanding and executing complex verbal and written instructions.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and accounts; accurately organizing and maintaining paper documents and electronic files.
• Skill in tactfully enforcing complex rules regulations policies and procedures.
• Experience explaining complex policies and processes in laymans terms.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Skill in interpreting and applying financial assessment data and court procedures involved in the collection of accounts.
• Ability to learn the court methods policies procedures rules state statute legal terminology court case/financial management system and use Court resources effectively and efficiently.
• Conduct interviews under sometimes difficult conditions.
• Experience in independently performing and efficiently completing work assignments timely.
• Knowledge in debt collections laws regulations and practices