Statement of Duties

Under the direction of the Chief Assessor and clerical or other employees of higher grade, performs, according to standard office procedures, a variety of clerical duties requiring a degree of decision and knowledge of the functions of the Assessing Department. Examines documents for correctness; prepares forms and other documents; answers taxpayer inquiries at counter, telephone, or by e-mail regarding excise, residential exemptions, statutory exemptions, personal property, abatement, C.P.A. and all general assessing questions. Examines and reviews expanded Accurint print out information containing list of possible deceased persons and owners with other addresses to determine potential fraud regarding residential exemption status. Reports discrepancies to Chief Assessor or clerical staff of higher grade. If instructed, changes computer record for residential exemption from “yes” to “no.”, helps identify which fiscal year exemption removal should apply. Reviews returned tax bills from Treasury for homeowners now receiving residential exemption to determine status. Assists Revaluation Staff by printing deeds and death certificates. Files documents pertaining to assessing and related office documentation. Maintains files in vault. Assists taxpayers by explaining and/or abating excise tax bills. Assists, reviews and enters statutory exemptions Res-Ex, C.P.A. applications and denials in MUNIS if requested and meets with taxpayers on a one-to-one basis to explain tax deferral and other programs assists, reviews and enters residential exemptions in Vision and Munis and processes denial letters. Assists with incoming mail and external mailings. Answers telephones. Performs data entry. Assists as needed, other departmental staff. Operates standard office machines and equipment. Performs related tasks as required and other duties as assigned.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

• High School graduate or GED.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
• Must have knowledge of standard office procedures.
• Ability to pleasantly and efficiently communicate with the public in person and on the telephone.
• Attention to detail and accuracy with figures essential.
• Ability to develop a working knowledge of the functions of the Assessing Department including real estate, personal property, and auto excise assessment.
• Proficiency with computer and calculator applications is essential.
• Ability to perform data entry at a rate of 30 error free words per minute.
• Basic knowledge of bookkeeping with the ability to apply these basic principles for the purpose of maintaining financial records and amounts.
• Knowledge of Vision appraisal software and Munis a plus.

Work Environment:

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant.

Physical and Mental Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Skills
Typically, little or no physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with some reaching, bending and stooping to perform duties. Must be able to remain in a stationary position at the customer service window. There is also some moving of objects such as books, office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs).

Motor Skills
Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job requires minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone system, computer and/or most other office equipment, typing and/or word processing, filing, and sorting.

Visual Skills
Visual demands include constantly reading documents for general understanding and for analytical purposes.

Hours: Full-Time
Salary: $855.35 weekly, plus benefits
Union: SMEA B
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Date Posted: March 22, 2024 

City of Somerville residents are especially encouraged to apply.

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
• Completition of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

Overview of Total Rewards:

• 4 weeks annual vacation (for non-union positions) union positions vary by contract
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
• Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
• Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• Long term disability through Sun Life
• Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
• Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
• Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
• Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
• Annual cancer screening & wellness release
• Somerville Retirement Pension System
• Tuition reimbursement
• MBTA pass program
• FREE Blue Bikes membership
• Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.