Credit And Collections Specialist

Coast Electric is currently seeking a Credit and Collections Specialist to provide an avenue for bad debt recovery for Coast Electric Power Association (Coast Electric) and CoastConnect, LLC (CoastConnect).

MISSION STATEMENT:

We exist to safely provide our member-owners superior service and dependable electricity at the lowest possible price and to improve the economy and quality of life in our community.

EMPLOYEE VALUES:

Excellence, Trust, Safety, Innovation, Relationships, Commitment

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Credit and Collections Specialist task include placing accounts with a collection agency, invoicing accounts, receiving payment information and forwarding to Member Service Reps for processing. Transferring bad debts and providing letters of transfer. Assisting members with billing complaints and resolving bad debt disputes. Making billing extensions and contracts as required on active and inactive residential accounts. Assisting Member Service Representatives in new service investigations by verifying questionable social security numbers, calling landlords to verify information, and verifying any other questionable information at the time of new service. Completing all bad debt work management/work requests. May assist in training Member Service Representatives by explaining information required for new service applications and why this information is critical when collecting bad debts, when determining whether to refuse to provide service, when determining whether a credit check is necessary, and when performing a bad debt search. Working with collection agency to ensure balances are correct/match and provides validation/itemized billings. Processing bond collections. Processing accounts with accident damage placements. Working with credit agency in obtaining credit checks, with energy assistance agencies and with the Public Service Commission.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma or GED is required. Must have knowledge of rules and regulations used in recovering bad debts in Mississippi. Must be familiar with service requirements in each county (Harrison, Hancock, and Pearl River). Must be proficient in the use of SEDC (Meridian). Must have knowledge of the programs and services offered by Coast Electric and CoastConnect. Must have the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel to enter, manipulate, and format text and numerical data; insert, delete, and manipulate cells, rows, and columns; create and save worksheets, charts, and graphs. Must have the ability to work independently, manage one's own time and maintain a professional manner. Must be proficient in using a calculator and a computer and have the ability to perform mathematical functions. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and must be able to deal with people in a courteous and effective manner in person and by telephone and to convey information effectively. Must be able to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous people. Must have the ability to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. Must have knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files, records and databases, and other office procedures. Must have knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Must have the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of various types of information. Must have the ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems and to understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Ability to work with internal and external customers or the public and work with others in a group or team.

ESSENTIAL BUSINESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONDER:

During times of natural disasters, pandemics, or other unique situations, Coast Electric is designated as an essential business and/or emergency responder. All employees must be prepared to report to work and continue performing job duties and responsibilities at a job site or facility at any time in the event of an emergency consistent with essential business requirements or applicable local, state, or federal law.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Coast Electric Power Association is a recipient of federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Coast Electric is an equal opportunity employer. An applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or because he or she is a protected veteran.