Under general supervision, processes the more complex work related to ad valorem property tax exemptions and/or change in ownership in the Assessor's office; applies laws, rules and policies pertaining to the Revenue and Taxation Code; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the first certified level in the Assessment Specialist series. An employee in this class follows established procedures to identify and process documents pertaining to the more complex property tax exemptions and/or changes in property ownership, working from copies of deeds and other legal documents and interpreting and applying rules and laws pertaining to exemptions and/or ownership for assessment purposes.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Receives copies of all deed transactions as contained in a variety of recorded documents, verifies recording sequence and initial screening for type of transaction, types of deeds, property transactions, property tax exemptions and ownership change.
Conducts field inspections of locations for initial exemptions filings in accordance with program regulations and requirements; determines if exemption(s) is granted based on inspection findings.
Confirms parcel numbers from legal descriptions on recorded documents, matches system ownership and makes ownership changes from the information regarding title transfers and applicable property exclusions.
Applies pertinent laws, codes, ordinances, and policies to determine if property is subject to reappraisal or if any exclusions apply; determines exemptions and/or transfers or partial interests of property and maintains ownership records; codes documents appropriately for appraisal.
Clarifies conflicting ownership information and resolves discrepancies by searching assessment records and recorded documents and by contact with title companies, attorneys and governmental agencies.
Assists property owners or their agents with explanation and completion of exemptions and/or ownership change forms; determines need for additional information and sends appropriate correspondence.
Answers inquiries from the public concerning property tax exemptions, property ownership, values and assessment procedures.
May assist with responding to assessment appeals as a representative on behalf of the County before courts, appeal boards, and other legislative bodies.
Conducts field inspections of locations for initial exemption(s) filings in accordance with program regulations and requirements; determines if exemption(s) is granted based on inspection findings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: One year of experience as an Assessment Specialist Trainee in San Joaquin County or a comparable classification from a County Assessors' Office.
Certificate: Possession of a valid State of California Board of Equalization’s Permanent Assessment Analyst Certificate: Exemption, Change in Ownership, or Combination.
License: For specified positions, a valid California Driver license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel.
KNOWLEDGE
Procedures in analyzing deeds and other documents pertaining to property tax exemptions and/or changes of ownership; State and local revenue and taxation laws governing the preparation of assessment rolls in the assessment of property; general terminology and concepts of assessment; methods of researching, gathering, organizing and reporting data; personal computer systems and general office computer software; public relations techniques; principles of planning and organizing work; arithmetical operations related to advanced clerical/technical/financial processes.
ABILITY
Read and interpret legal property descriptions; read, understand, interpret, and apply laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations relating to the recording of titles and maintenance of assessment records; trace title chains; utilize advanced office procedures and equipment; gather, organize, input and maintain program-specific data; follow complex oral and written procedures and directions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; communicate effectively with others; write clearly and legibly; perform advanced arithmetical operations.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility—frequent operation of a data entry device, repetitive motion, sitting for long periods, walking; occasional standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing; Lifting—frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual—constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Hearing/Talking—frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person; Emotional/Psychological—frequent decision making, concentration, and public contact; Special Requirements--some assignments may require working weekends, nights, and/or occasional overtime; Environmental—occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.