City and County of San Francisco

Senior Investigator, Tax Collector (#4335)

$46.40-$56.43 Hourly / $8,043.00-$9,780.00 Monthly / $96,512.00-$117,364.00 Yearly


Definition

Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Bureau of Delinquent Revenue, supervises, trains and evaluates staff in the collection and investigation of delinquent accounts and enforcement duties for the Treasurer/Tax Collector’s Office; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features

This is the journey level in the Investigator series.  It is distinguished from the 4334 Investigator by its supervisory duties and responsibility for performing more difficult and complex investigative work.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1.       Supervises investigators, evaluates and monitors field/in-house collection/investigation activities by reviewing reports and records of investigators’ activities to ensure that collection goals are met and correct procedures are followed; provides feedback and performance appraisals; and helps supervise collection unit(s) as needed.

 

2.       Trains new investigators in the field/in-house collection/investigation unit by instructing them on the relevant tax ordinances, license codes, procedures, forms, software applications, and databases currently in use.  Provides instructions on field activities, surveys, procedures, safety measures, lien, seizure, citation and other enforcement activities; and may involve small claims court (SCC) and SCC post judgment collections.

 

3.       Enforces collection of delinquent taxes or debts by assignment to either small claims court, liens, citations, seizures, summary judgment or other enforcement remedy procedures to ensure payment of back taxes and other debts owed the city and county .

 

4.       Compiles collection/investigation reports and records on individuals and businesses delinquent in their obligations by reviewing investigators’ reports, researching tax files and records for the performance measures, department’s attorney, and senior management.

 

5.      Develops and implements projects relating to various sources to find unregistered businesses; compiles list and assigns follow-up for business tax registration review.

 

6.      Monitors the service of legal documents, such as subpoenas and summons through the mail or in person in conformity with federal, state and city regulations to ensure safe, reliable and correct methods of service.  Also appears as expert witness for the City & County of San Francisco.

 

7.       Negotiates payment plans with debtors, attorneys or agents; exercises sound judgement and discretion in compromising accounts; documents files for audit purposes; researches all available databases for compilation of obligations and for skip tracing purposes.   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of : Codes & ordinances, investigation techniques, collection methods, practices and legal procedures; and escrow, bankruptcy, small claims, post-judgment creditor remedies, and summary judgments.

 

Ability to : Assign, train, supervise, and evaluate work of investigators; plan and organize work; problem solve and make recommendations; interpret pertinent laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations; navigate the computer; establish and maintain effective working relationships; speak and write in a clear, concise, and understandable manner.

Experience and Training

These minimum qualifications are to be used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which may be required for employment in the class.  Although these minimum qualifications are typical of the class, additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the job announcement.
1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, management, business administration, public administration, or a related field;  AND
2. Two (2) years of verifiable full-time delinquent collection experience, which must have included the gathering, tracing and locating of information concerning an individual’s ability to pay.  One (1) year of the required experience must have been in field collection/investigation.  This experience must have been gained within the past ten (10) years;  AND
3.  Possession of a valid driver license (must be presented at the time of appointment).

SUBSTITUTION:
Additional qualifying experience in field collection/investigation (as listed under minimum qualification #2) may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis.  One year of verifiable experience is equivalent to thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units.

Notes:
1. Investigation is defined as utilizing a variety of sources to obtain and verify information relating to an individual’s whereabouts, employment, earnings, real properties, liabilities, personal assets, and ability to pay delinquent accounts.
2. Field collection/investigation involves work-related duties performed outside an office environment, such as face-to-face discussion with the subject/agent and may include appearances at judicial or administrative hearings.

License or Certificate

Possession of a valid driver license

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CLASS: 4335; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 6/27/2008;