Collection Officer, Finance and Technology Division, Human Services Department

Salary

Stearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.
Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Stearns County is seeking a highly dedicated individual to join our team in the collection of financial program recoveries and fees. The successful candidate will be a self-motivator with excellent customer service skills to achieve the best outcome for our clients. This is your opportunity to make a difference through a rewarding career in public service and enjoy the excellent quality of life in Central Minnesota.

Position Objective
To provide maximum assurance during the recovery of funds owed to the County. This position is responsible for collecting program revenue owed, maintaining program integrity, and ensuring recoveries are collected according to state and county laws, policies, and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.

1. Communicates with clients by phone, in person, or email to provide information and understanding of debt payment responsibilities and relevant laws, policies and procedures to enable appropriate revenue collections.
2. Manages files and databases to ensure data integrity and required audit trails.
3. Researches, drafts, reviews, and files legal documents to ensure timely filing and maximum claim recoveries.
4. Processes Medical Assistance Lien referrals for estate recovery to secure maximum recovery of
assets.
5. Reviews public assistance claims to ensure they were processed according to law, policies and procedures and to maximize recoveries and incentives collected.
6.Negotiates estate settlements and repayment agreements to facilitate revenue recovery.
7. Contacts debtors, probation officers, court administration, and attorney's offices when payments are not received for restitution.
8. Prepares and presents settlement proposals and affidavits of collection of personal property, and obtains death certifications.
9. Prepares appeal documentation for administrative hearings and testifies at hearings to ensure due process and substantiated and collectable claims.
10. Collects information on earnings and assets to assist in revenue collection.
11. Collaborates with investigations on documented fraud cases to maximize collections.
12. Assists with training for department staff on establishing claims.
13. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
14. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Two years of post-secondary formal education in accounting, collections, or similar field, and two years of progressively related experience in accounting, collections, or financial eligibility determination OR six years of progressively related experience in accounting, collections, or financial eligibility determination
Experience using Microsoft Office Suite

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Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Knowledge of collections activities.
2. Knowledge of accounting principles.
3. Knowledge of human services programs, cash assistance services, and the fee for service policies and procedures.
4. Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
5. Ability to conduct effective interviews within a diverse community.
6. Knowledge of laws and ethics pertaining to data privacy.
7. Ability to explain basic laws or legal processes.
8. Ability to prepare and present legal documents.
9. Ability to establish and maintain accurate records.
10. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
1. Consistently performs job responsibilities with a positive attitude and in a manner consistent with the County’s mission and values.

2. Develops and maintains a respectful and collaborative professional relationship with all County employees and the public we serve.

3. Values and respects the diversity each employee brings to the organization.

4. Develops and maintains knowledge and understanding of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.

5. Complies with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors. Will have infrequent exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a low level of physical effort. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota.

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Human Services Supervisor.

Responsibility for Public Contact
Frequent.

Hours of Work

This position has a normal work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include some evening and weekend hours. Potential for hybrid (partially remote) work environment after completion of onboarding.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on April 15 and/or April 16, 2026. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.

Benefits

To view Stearns County benefits go to: Stearns County Benefits Page

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.