Address
Form of workSalary : $3,572.40 - $4,286.53 Monthly
Location : City Hall: 129 N. 2nd St. Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Finance
Division: Utility Customer Service
Opening Date: 01/17/2024
Closing Date: 2/5/2024 4:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME - Municipal
Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.
Overview and Minimum Class Requirements
The Utility Customer Service Division has two opportunities to join our team! We are seeking energetic and motivated team players with exceptional customer service, and efficient organizational and multi-tasking skills. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and thrive on assisting others, apply today!
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
High School Diploma or GED and eighteen (18) months of general office work experience. Cashiering experience providing direct customer service and/or business, office assistant, or related, college/vocational coursework may substitute for up to 9 months (1,560 hours) of the office experience.
LICENSES, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE
Must obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License.
Job Summary
Under general supervision, processes customer utility bills using an automated billing system. Answers customer inquiries over the phone and in person about Utility Services and utility billing procedures. Starts and terminates customer accounts. Corrects, adjusts and verifies accounts as needed. Handles delinquent accounts, works with collection agency, as needed; performs related work as required.
Essential Functions
Answers telephone and staffs the customer service desk answering questions and addressing complaints about Utility Services and/or utility bills. Explains Utility Services offered and billing/pricing options available; assist customers with questions about their bills. Enters data ata to answer customer questions, retrieves and tracks in the utility billing system.
Assigns/terminates accounts, including accounts in newly annexed areas. Determines if a deposit is required to open an account, and calculates the deposit required based on the requested services. Requests deposit or letter of credit reference from customer. Posts customer deposits in the utility billing system. Closes accounts and prepares for final billings.
Receipts payments for utility payments, dog licenses, transit passes, LID assessments, parking citations, parking permits, and etc. Balances cash received to receipts.
Billing: Processes all City Hall outgoing mail using an automated mailing and postage machine.
Works with customers who have delinquent accounts. Assists them in making payment arrangements to pay their past due bills. Tracks delinquent accounts and determines if it is necessary to shut-off a customer's water. Obtains approval to terminate an account and prepares account for collections. Notes delinquent accounts in the utility billing system. Processes payments and documents received for accounts in collections from an outside agency.
Billing Adjustments: Assists customers who have concerns about their bill. Researches past consumption usage and talks with the customer about his or her own usage patterns to determine if a change has occurred, or if there is a problem causing the high bill. In some cases, it may be a leaky toilet/faucet. If it is found that the bill is too high as a result of an error on the City's behalf, then a credit is made to the customer's account. The Customer Service Supervisor or Customer Service Manager must approve credits.
Other Functions: Processes usage reports from Nob Hill Water Accounts.
Requires regular and reliable attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of: modern office practices and procedures; business arithmetic; standard principles and practices; and records and retention policies and procedure.
Working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite Outlook, Word, and Excel; and office equipment; professional office procedures and practices; and computerized municipal financial management practices. Knowledge of basic arithmetic and basic principles of accounting/bookkeeping. Ability to perform and understand basic mathematical computations. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.
Ability to use good judgment in applying guidelines to a wide variety of work situations.
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse educational levels and backgrounds, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations, private companies and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs.
Ability to work independently with self-direction; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Continuous use of both hands in reaching, handling, grasping, and fingering while performing duties and operating computers. Occasional lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds; occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders and other inclines while maintaining stability. Occasional bending, twisting at knees, waist, or neck and occasional stooping, bending, kneeling, and/or crawling while performing duties. Continuous use of all senses and speech while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory to learn and remember simple to complex procedures. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Occasionally works outdoors in all weather conditions.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Has continuous contact with the public who may be irate, upset, or disturbed. May be subjected to abusive, obscene language and threats of bodily harm.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:
The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima's Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaing unit.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining.
01
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?
02
Do you attest you have reviewed the job posting for this position, and acknowledge the salary range is defined as listed on the posting?
03
What is your highest level of education?
04
Have you completed business, office assistant, or related college/vocational coursework?
05
How much general office work experience do you possess?
06
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
07
How much cashiering experience providing direct customer service do you possess?
08
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
09
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question
Location : City Hall: 129 N. 2nd St. Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Finance
Division: Utility Customer Service
Opening Date: 01/17/2024
Closing Date: 2/5/2024 4:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME - Municipal
Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.
Overview and Minimum Class Requirements
The Utility Customer Service Division has two opportunities to join our team! We are seeking energetic and motivated team players with exceptional customer service, and efficient organizational and multi-tasking skills. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and thrive on assisting others, apply today!
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
High School Diploma or GED and eighteen (18) months of general office work experience. Cashiering experience providing direct customer service and/or business, office assistant, or related, college/vocational coursework may substitute for up to 9 months (1,560 hours) of the office experience.
LICENSES, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE
Must obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License.
Job Summary
Under general supervision, processes customer utility bills using an automated billing system. Answers customer inquiries over the phone and in person about Utility Services and utility billing procedures. Starts and terminates customer accounts. Corrects, adjusts and verifies accounts as needed. Handles delinquent accounts, works with collection agency, as needed; performs related work as required.
Essential Functions
Answers telephone and staffs the customer service desk answering questions and addressing complaints about Utility Services and/or utility bills. Explains Utility Services offered and billing/pricing options available; assist customers with questions about their bills. Enters data ata to answer customer questions, retrieves and tracks in the utility billing system.
Assigns/terminates accounts, including accounts in newly annexed areas. Determines if a deposit is required to open an account, and calculates the deposit required based on the requested services. Requests deposit or letter of credit reference from customer. Posts customer deposits in the utility billing system. Closes accounts and prepares for final billings.
Receipts payments for utility payments, dog licenses, transit passes, LID assessments, parking citations, parking permits, and etc. Balances cash received to receipts.
Billing: Processes all City Hall outgoing mail using an automated mailing and postage machine.
Works with customers who have delinquent accounts. Assists them in making payment arrangements to pay their past due bills. Tracks delinquent accounts and determines if it is necessary to shut-off a customer's water. Obtains approval to terminate an account and prepares account for collections. Notes delinquent accounts in the utility billing system. Processes payments and documents received for accounts in collections from an outside agency.
Billing Adjustments: Assists customers who have concerns about their bill. Researches past consumption usage and talks with the customer about his or her own usage patterns to determine if a change has occurred, or if there is a problem causing the high bill. In some cases, it may be a leaky toilet/faucet. If it is found that the bill is too high as a result of an error on the City's behalf, then a credit is made to the customer's account. The Customer Service Supervisor or Customer Service Manager must approve credits.
Other Functions: Processes usage reports from Nob Hill Water Accounts.
Requires regular and reliable attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of: modern office practices and procedures; business arithmetic; standard principles and practices; and records and retention policies and procedure.
Working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite Outlook, Word, and Excel; and office equipment; professional office procedures and practices; and computerized municipal financial management practices. Knowledge of basic arithmetic and basic principles of accounting/bookkeeping. Ability to perform and understand basic mathematical computations. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.
Ability to use good judgment in applying guidelines to a wide variety of work situations.
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse educational levels and backgrounds, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations, private companies and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs.
Ability to work independently with self-direction; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Continuous use of both hands in reaching, handling, grasping, and fingering while performing duties and operating computers. Occasional lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds; occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders and other inclines while maintaining stability. Occasional bending, twisting at knees, waist, or neck and occasional stooping, bending, kneeling, and/or crawling while performing duties. Continuous use of all senses and speech while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory to learn and remember simple to complex procedures. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Occasionally works outdoors in all weather conditions.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Has continuous contact with the public who may be irate, upset, or disturbed. May be subjected to abusive, obscene language and threats of bodily harm.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
- FREE healthcare clinic!
- WA State PERS pension plan
- 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
- Leave accruals:
- Vacation - Starting at 7.67 hours/month
- Sick - 8 hours/month
- Personal holiday - 2 days
- Observed holiday - 11 holidays
- Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
- Life Insurance
- Much more!
The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima's Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaing unit.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining.
01
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you attest you have reviewed the job posting for this position, and acknowledge the salary range is defined as listed on the posting?
- Yes
- No
03
What is your highest level of education?
- High School diploma/GED
- Some College
- Associates Degree
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Technical/Trade Certification
- None of the above
04
Have you completed business, office assistant, or related college/vocational coursework?
- Yes
- No
05
How much general office work experience do you possess?
- None
- Less than 9 months
- At least 9 months and less than 18 months
- At least 18 months
06
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
07
How much cashiering experience providing direct customer service do you possess?
- None
- Less than 9 months
- At least 9 months
08
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
09
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question
