About the Role
Under general supervision, provides utility services, analysis of utility accounts, and ensures customer satisfaction. This is a Lead position within the Credit & Collections work group, responsible for a range of activities for utility customers, including assignment of daily work, proactive resolution of customer account issues via outbound calling, providing updates to supervisors, back-up support, cross-functional collaboration, and account reconciliation.
Responsibilities
- Researches utility usage, determines average consumption, verifies and calculates rates, and investigates high costs or other anomalies for possible causes and resolution.
- Provides innovative and customized usage and billing solutions and recommendations.
- Extracts data and presents facts to customers providing utility reports, as needed, for management of usage and cost.
- Researches and determines requirements for subdivision development, re-subdivision, and water and wastewater service extensions.
- Evaluates site/lot plans, criteria, etc. for a variety of projects, programs, and activities.
- Manages assigned utility projects from initiation to completion.
- Maintains, safeguards, and provides original documents of record.
- Presents arguments and reasoning as an advocate representing the utility in hearings, investigations, examinations, or other arenas where disputes are addressed.
- Develops, revises, and implements procedures and processes to facilitate the provision of services to customers.
- Recruits and serves as a point of contact for utility programs.
- Develops, implements, and delivers training in a variety of formats and venues.
- May lead others.
- Responsible for the assignment of daily work to staff members.
- Utilizes outbound calling skills, including tone and empathy, to proactively resolve customer account issues.
- Responsible for providing regular updates to the Credit & Collections Supervisors and Manager around regular work of the team and special projects.
- Will work closely with other credit & collections staff and leadership to provide back-up support where necessary.
- Will work cross-functionally with other stakeholders as well as work closely with collections agency vendors and contract agreements.
- Maintaining effective decision making in a high-volume, high-stress environment.
- Other duties include account reconciliation, heavy data and research analysis.
Requirements
- Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of the applicable principles, laws, rules, regulations, and practices of utility service operations.
- Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field, plus four (4) years of experience providing customer service for a utility or another commercial/government organization, or other experience related to the job.
- Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
- This position requires a criminal background investigation.
- Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and all of the preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included in the initial interview.
- Department/division employee must remain in Good Standing through the Top Candidate Selection phase at which time the Good Standing status will be re-verified.
- This has been designated as an Essential Employee position.
Skills
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in using computers and related software.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to lead others.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
- Intermediate to Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
Location
- Austin
Work Type
- Full-time
- Onsite
Experience Level
- 4 years of experience
- Lead position
Education Level
- Bachelor's degree
Salary/Compensations
- $65,390 - $81,740 annually
Benefits
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision
- Paid leave time
- Highly competitive retirement plan
- Career development opportunities
About the Company
- At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities.
- As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites.
- Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
- By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Equal Opportunity
- The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation.
- In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
- City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
