This is responsible paralegal work in the collection of unpaid taxes from taxpayers in bankruptcy and related paralegal tax collection activities.

The Paralegal Collection Specialist is responsible for performing various duties in processing, follow-up and attending court in cases of unpaid taxes in assessment protest, bankruptcy, tax lien and other types of tax collection cases. Emphasis of the work is primarily on keeping informed on taxpayer bankruptcy filings, attending bankruptcy hearings to present information and keep informed on proceedings and to advise when action by the County Attorney's office would be required. Additional responsibilities include processing of tax payments in protest of assessment cases, filing probate claims, attending sheriff sales for the collection of tax liens and related work. Supervision is received from an administrative superior who discusses cases in process as well as action to be taken by departmental officials or the County Attorney's staff and reviews work for results in tax collection.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Maintains contact with the County Attorney's office in cases of unpaid taxes where legal action is involved; furnishes pertinent information from departmental files for use in litigation.

Assists in filing of claims for unpaid personal property taxes in Bankruptcy Court; attends first meeting of creditors and hears objections to claims for unpaid taxes; attends and monitors bankruptcy proceedings and keeps superiors advised of the status of county tax claims and whether action by the County Attorney will be needed; advises the County Attorney of negotiations which have taken place in the Court.

Completes necessary documents subsequent to Bankruptcy Court action in finalizing county claims and maintains related records.

Follows the directions of the Court in receiving payment of taxes in protest of assessment cases; answers inquiries on such assessments and payments.

Assembles necessary information in instances where the Tax Collector is either a plaintiff or defendant; maintains contact with the County Attorney to assemble information and prepare preliminary documents; answers subpoenas served on the Tax Collector's Office.

Prepares and files various claims for the Tax Collector, including claims in probate cases or claims with the Secretary of State in the liquidation of insurance companies.

Attends sheriff sales for the collection of tax liens and processes any follow-up documents; pursues collection of delinquent possessory interest assessments.

Advises taxpayers and staff members on tax collection cases in litigation including amounts of delinquency status of claims, awards by the Court and related information; advises staff on established litigation processes which relate to tax collection work.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures relating to the work of the division.

Considerable knowledge of legal functions and procedures relating to bankruptcy proceedings.

Considerable knowledge of legal procedures in the filing of claims in bankruptcy, probate and other proceedings.

Knowledge of provisions of legal documents relating to tax collection.

Knowledge of the functions and procedures of the County Attorney's office which relate to tax collection litigation.

Ability to explain various federal and state statutes which relate to tax collection claims.

Ability to maintain independent and effective working relationships with officials in the County Attorney's office.

Ability to explain tax claims of the county in court proceedings or various conferences as required.

Ability to explain tax claims to taxpayers concerned.

Ability to complete various documents and records accurately and completely.

Ability to keep abreast of statutes, regulations and procedures relating to tax collection and tax claims.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

NEW 10-78