Location: Hickory,NC, USA
Description
For doers and makers seeking a well-rounded community, Hickory is a bridge between Asheville and Charlotte at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Interstate 40, where a collective spirit of craftsmanship strengthens any endeavor with detail, artistry and quality.
Hickory, North Carolina, is a three-time All-America City on the Catawba River approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte. More than 40,000 residents call Hickory their home and Hickory is the hub of a 350,000 metropolitan area. Hickory has outstanding school systems, seven recreation facilities, two libraries, several golf courses, theaters, art museums, and eighteen gorgeous parks. Beautiful Lake Hickory is over 4,000 acres and has many public access areas. Please check out Hickory at www.hickorync.gov/employment or www.hickorywellcrafted.com for a web portal all about Hickory and the surrounding areas and what makes Hickory a Well Crafted City.
Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non-job related medical condition or disability. U.S. Law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S.
All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a post-offer functional prework screen and a drug screen. This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves, or others. All applicants are subject to a background check.
This position requires customer service skills and knowledge of the water and sewer utility services, fees and billing procedures or similar utility services. Ability to accurately operate and balance a daily cash drawer to collect all City revenue is required. Processes additional payments using bank lockbox system and online payment center on the City's website. Assists Finance and Collections Supervisor in answering utility billing complaints. Processes service work orders for utility activations and terminations. Researches all returned mail for both Billing and Collections divisions. Assists with billing reports as needed. Experience in utility and/or local government preferable. Demonstrated ability to be assertive as a customer advocate required when dealing with Finance, Water and Sewer, and other City departments as needed. Ability to learn numerous City regulations/policies/procedures quickly, and demonstrated ability to analyze procedures and suggest improvements which would benefit citizen/customers. Pleasant, outgoing personality and ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing required. Experience with personal computers including knowledge of the capabilities of database and spreadsheets. Ability to read maps and calculate fees, requires facility with math including percentages, decimals, and formulas, and may be tested in basic math. Calculates and explains fees, using rate tables for utility fees, facility fees, and other related charges. This position rotates between the Collections counter and drive-up window on a weekly schedule. SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS: Must have good customer service skills, good data entry skills and knowledge of accounting practices. Skill in use of PC, credit card machines, typewriter, calculator, AS400, fax, copier, etc. Preferred applicant will have an Associates degree in Accounting or Business Administration; Notary Public. Must possess a high school diploma or GED. Minimum age of 18. Must possess a valid Class C driver's license from North Carolina.
Major Duties
* Collects payments for water bills, dumpster rentals, parking tickets, civil citations, returned checks, water and sewer taps, bus tickets, fire permits, and cemetery plots.
* Processes privilege license payments.
* Accepts customer requests for seasonal watering adjustments.
* Answers customer telephone calls; answers customer questions or refers to appropriate personnel.
* Opens and distributes mails; processes all payments received.
* Updates and maintains files.
* Generates work orders to activate, terminate services, and maker repairs; contacts technicians via radio.
* Operates and maintains cash drawer; balances receipts daily.
* Processes returned mail and researches customers.
* Processes deposits from other departments.
* Assists supervisor by working with customers to make payment arrangements.
* Assists customers with re-read requests, leaks, and pressure reducing valve problems; assists customers with seasonal watering adjustments.
* Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Qualifications
* Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
* Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
* Knowledge of modern office principles and practices.
* Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
* Knowledge of billing and collection procedures.
* Skill in the operation of computers and other standard office equipment.
* Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.
* Skill in oral and written communication.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light or heavy objects.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Finance and Collections Supervisor assigns work in terms of somewhat general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES: Guidelines include department standard operating procedures, and relevant city, state, and federal codes, laws, and regulations. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related customer service duties. Uncooperative customers contribute to the complexity of the position.
SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to perform customer service duties. Successful performance results in satisfied customers.
PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, and the general public.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.
The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package, in addition to salary:
* 11 paid holidays
* 12 paid sick leave days per year
* Paid vacation
* City-paid individual health insurance (H.S.A.)
* Low-cost dental and vision insurance
* Employee Assistance Program - 5 FREE visits
* 13.6% contribution per employee to the NC Local Government Retirement System
* Up to 5% matching contribution to 401k
* Free Life insurance of 1.5 times salary up to ($125,000)
* Tuition Assistance Program
* On-site Wellness Clinic
* A selection of voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, dependent life, Short-term disability insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance; All at very competitive rates.
* Benefits package valued at over ($12,500) annually.
* Employees working in seasonal/part-time positions are not eligible for benefits.*
01
Do you have a valid North Carolina Driver's License or the ability to obtain a valid NC license within 30 days of beginning work?
* Yes
* No
* No, I have driver's license from another state.
02
Do you have a minimum of a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate (such as GED, Task, HiSet etc.)?
* Yes
* No
03
Are you at least 18 years old?
* Yes
* No
04
Describe your customer service skills and philosophy.
05
Describe, in detail, a time when you successfully handled a difficult customer, coworker or situation.
06
Describe your cash handling experience and/or education as it relates to this position.
07
The work hours are typically from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday - Friday. Occasionally there are other times that are required. Are you willing to work other hours as needed?
* Yes
* No
08
Do you have any relatives currently employed by the City of Hickory? Two members of a family (relatives as defined below) shall not be employed if such employment will result in an employee directly or indirectly supervising a member of his/her family, or if one member occupies a position which has influence over the other's employment, promotion, salary administration or other management or personnel consideration. Relative is defined as spouse, parent, child, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, first cousin, grandchild, grandparent, (including corresponding half, step, in-law, and adopted relationships), or any member of the employee's household. The term also includes domestic partners (a person with whom the employee's life is interdependent and who shares a common residence), and, a daughter or son of an employee's domestic partner.]
* Yes
* No
Required Question
Agency City of Hickory
Address 76 North Center Street
Hickory, North Carolina, 28603
Phone 828-###-####
Website