Collections Paralegal
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Collections Paralegal provides essential daily support to the attorney in charge of recovering outstanding balances and/or assets related to community associations. This role involves various tasks aimed at efficiently managing and recovering overdue accounts, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and maintaining effective communication with all stakeholders involved in the collection process.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
REPORTS TO: Assigned attorney
SUPERVISES: This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Monitor accounts to identify and act upon opportunities for proactive collection efforts.
- Conduct research to ascertain property ownership and bankruptcy status.
- Manage incoming mail, correspondence, and calls specifically related to overdue assessment accounts.
- Engage with management companies and association directors to provide account updates, status reports, and negotiate agreement terms.
- Communicate directly with property owners regarding payment issues, options for payment plans, and other account-related matters.
- Invoice legal fees and associated costs effectively.
- Keep updated records of all collection accounts and their current statuses.
- Negotiate and draft payment plan agreements with debtors.
- Prepare pleadings and other necessary litigation documents for collection lawsuits.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the attorney.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
EDUCATION:
- A High School Diploma or GED is required.
- A Bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal certification is preferred.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in collections is required, with a preference for experience in HOA or condominium settings.
- Prior experience in handling accounts receivable is also preferred.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Strong customer service skills.
- Ability to anticipate the needs of both lawyers and clients.
- Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing, with clients and debtors.
- Professional writing skills, with attention to grammar, punctuation, tone, and spelling.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare correspondence and legal pleadings proficiently.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to multitask and meet deadlines efficiently.
- Strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple assignments.
- Capability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
- The role may require lifting up to 40 lbs., stretching, reaching, walking, climbing stairs, and sitting for extended periods.
- Ability to work under stress and time constraints is necessary.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- The position is based in an indoor office environment with significant time spent working on a PC.
- Occasionally, the role may require working more than 40 hours per week.
JOB STATUS:
- This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
The primary duties and responsibilities listed above provide a general overview of the level and nature of work performed by employees in this job. This description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities.
