Assessment Technician

TITLE: ASSESSMENT TECHNICIAN

DEPARTMENT: ASSESSMENT

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is specialized administrative and clerical work involving the coordination of various tax exemption programs, and the performance of other functions related to the work of the Assessor's office.

Work involves responsibility for determining eligibility of taxpayers for a variety of tax relief, abatement or adjustment programs. Duties include providing information and assisting taxpayers with tax relief applications, preparing various state of Connecticut reports as required for the city to obtain reimbursement for tax relief programs, updating assessment records and other related office work. The position also has the responsibility for making technical eligibility for tax relief decisions. The work requires that the employee have good knowledge of tax relief programs and assessment methods.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Assistant to the Assessor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists other departments and applicable state agency with regard to assessment records. Coordinates and reconciles changes reflected in Assessor's office source documents and the Tax Collector's records.

Accesses computer to find and provide assessment information to the public, both on the telephone and in person, regarding their assessment questions.

Responds to correspondence referred to the Assessor's office by the Tax Collector and to other correspondence as directed by the Assessor.

Participates in the process of assessing motor vehicles and calculates motor vehicle credits and initiates correction notices.

Processes real estate transfers, identifies properties and makes record card changes. Researches and prepares files for court cases involving assessment appeals.

Assembles building permits and files for assessor in preparation for field inspections. Provides clerical assistance to Board of Tax Review.

Coordinates and administers various state mandated property tax relief programs for the elderly, renters, veterans and the disabled.

Reviews and determines eligibility for tax relief programs. Computes benefits.

Communicates availability of tax relief benefits and the application process through the mail and in person to taxpayers.

Inputs computer records to reflect tax relief.

Prepares state required reports to initiate reimbursement from the State of Connecticut for the various tax relief programs.

Prorates tax relief programs on individual properties when a sale, transfer or death of property owner takes place.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None.

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Good knowledge of property assessment principles and practices. Good knowledge of tax relief and abatement programs.

Good knowledge of data processing technology as it applies to a municipal assessment operation. Considerable skill in utilizing computer to accurately enter and maintain assessment data.

Considerable ability to express oneself clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, associates, other departments, agencies and the general public.

Good ability to make arithmetic computation speedily and accurately.

QUALIFICATIONS

A high school diploma supplemented by courses m property assessment plus 3 years of responsible experience in clerical work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

None.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computer, calculator, copy machine

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 disability to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and listen. The employee is occasionally required to walk and frequently use hands and fingers when operating computer and calculator, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work is conducted in typical office working conditions with virtually no disagreeable features.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

THE CITY OF WEST HAVEN IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER