Tax Foreclosure Specialist I

Basic Function

Perform technical, administrative, and clerical tasks involved with the tax foreclosure process. Provide assistance to the public and various borough departments in explaining tax foreclosure and other related inquires.

SALARY:

10A

REPORTS TO:

Assistant Treasury & Budget Manager

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:

None

SCHEDULE:

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical Duties

1. Maintain tax foreclosure property filing system, including some confidential information, in accordance with borough policy and department procedures.

2. Provide information to taxpayers on the foreclosure process. Make calls to tax foreclosure property owners to coordinate payments and gather information pertinent to properties.

3. Create and provide required notices and documents to delinquent taxpayers and lien holders. Prepare documents and deeds for conveyance of tax foreclosure properties. Prepare certificates of redemption to release judgements on delinquent properties; maintain database for certificates of redemption. Assist with preparation of tax deeds. Prepare other documents associated with the tax foreclosure process. Assist with the preparation of ordinances for Assembly review/approval and required property owner notifications for pending public hearings and outcomes.

4. File documents with the Alaska Court System and record documents with the State Recorder’s Office.

5. Update certified mail database and annual foreclosure database. Maintain and update the tax foreclosure web page.

6. Maintain accurate records of all actions taken on each property associated with the tax foreclosure process.

7. Review litigation reports on delinquent properties to determine parties to be notified, verify legal descriptions, and research land title issues, as needed. Prepare customized output from the borough’s geographical information system to define and print location maps for foreclosure property.

8. Review Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) files for tax delinquent properties.

9. Provide information to taxpayers on the foreclosure process.

10. Conduct and/or assist with property site inspections on tax delinquent properties for potential environmental contamination, public safety, new construction, vandalism, etc. and ensure properties are properly posted with notice of impending sale.

11. Interpret and apply state statues and borough ordinances pertinent to borough revenues with emphasis on those pertaining to borough tax collection and fees and fines.

12. Prepare for, conduct, and/or coordinate tax foreclosure auctions.

13. Assist with property management functions on tax foreclosed properties. Assist with contractor oversight when applicable.

14. Work on other Treasury/Budget Division functions and on special projects.

15. Assist with updating the desk manual for the tax foreclosure function.

16. Assist with the annual tax foreclosure budget to include compiling and calculating tax foreclosure fees.

17. This position may require overtime and field work and has a variable work schedule.

Position Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent. Three (3) years progressively responsible office experience is required. One (1) year of relevant experience with a title company, real estate office, public land management agency, residential mortgage or commercial real estate lending office, other entity involved with land foreclosure, or with the compliance aspects within a municipal property tax office, or as a paralegal. An Associate’s degree or two years coursework in finance, land management, or other related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

2. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer. Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Access required; knowledge and experience with ArcView preferred. Ability to type/perform data entry at a proficient level and be able to use a 10-key adding machine by touch. Ability to operate a variety of office machines (copier, scanner, fax, multi-function phone, printers, etc.).

3. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and to meet insurance standards and maintain insurability under the Borough’s insurance program. If personal automobile is used for Borough business, proof of insurance at statutory limits must be provided. (A CURRENT COPY OF DRIVING RECORD WILL BE REQUIRED UPON REQUEST.)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Must possess strong attention to detail, with the ability to work in an environment which is intermittently fast-paced.

2. Ability to interpret and apply State statutes, Borough Code, and follow policies and procedures.

3. Must possess excellent customer service skills. Demonstrated ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the general public and outside entities on a continual basis while maintaining confidentiality of information and to maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with other employees. Customer contact for this position is extensive.

4. Ability to read plats, maps, and property descriptions and interpret aerial photographs. Ability to locate properties in the field.

5. Prefer general knowledge of government regulations affecting real property. Ability to perform title research and to understand litigation reports and knowledge of land survey, subdivision, and land use regulations and requirements in the State of Alaska.

6. Demonstrated ability to understand and execute verbal and written instructions and to use independent judgement in applying guidelines to varied situations.

7. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

8. Physical ability to perform site inspections and field work is required.

OTHER

1. A PROFICIENCY TEST MAY BE ADMINISTERED.

2. This position requires a criminal and credit history background check.

Additional Information

JOB CONTACTS:

Frequent interdepartmental business contact; frequent routine public contact and contact involving outside organizations/agencies.

JOB RESPONSIBILITY:

See typical duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

General office where conditions are pleasant; while in the field, subject to unimproved terrain and somewhat disagreeable conditions with minor accident/hazard probability; requires short periods of moderate lifting, pushing or pulling (26-50 lbs.). Field work typically occurs during the spring and summer months.

This position falls under the Borough’s Blood Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Control Program as it is reasonably anticipated that infrequent exposure to blood or other bodily fluids may occur while performing some job duties.