SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for clerical work in establishing and terminating utility service accounts, processing utility payments, maintaining utility accounts, processing related documentation and encoding all checks going to the bank, and to perform special projects as assigned.  Work requires public contact in establishing accounts, informing the public of policies and procedures, answering questions, and solving problems.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Office Manager.  Work is reviewed through observation and inspection for accuracy through internal controls and by results obtained.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Processes a variety of documentation associated with departmental operations, per established procedures and within designated timeframes.
• Performs customer service functions; answers telephone calls and assists customers at front counter; provides assistance and information related to utility services, utility accounts, utility bills, installation charges, procedures, forms, problems or other issues; responds to routine questions, complaints, or requests for service; researches problems and initiates problem resolution.
• Maintains customer utility accounts; processes various account activities, including new account setup, verification of account information, changes/corrections in name/address, request adjustments, changes in service, account transfers, refunds, account closings, or other account activities; verifies application forms for new accounts.
• Researches various discrepancies and problems relating to accounts, and makes appropriate request for corrections/adjustments; researches and re-calculates billing charges; researches misapplied payments, unbilled accounts, complaints of high bills, and wrong services assigned to account; researches correct addresses of mail returned to the department.
• Receives, opens, processes, and/or distributes incoming mail; responds to correspondence from customers; composes letters or completes form letters to customers; prepares outgoing mail.
• Receives moneys in payment of utility bills or other fees/services in person, by mail, or from drop box; verifies customer name and amount on payment stub with payment; verifies batch report; verifies whether payments received are on turn-off list; contacts customers to research payment discrepancies or questions; records transactions and issues receipts; posts payments to proper account on computer; balances revenues with payment stubs and balances edit batch; counts/balances daily cash drawers.
• Creates and prints daily service orders for submission to utility maintenance staff; processes service orders for line breaks, new installations, service cut-off, service restoration, or other actions; follows up on service orders and door hangers; files service orders.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, cash reports, service orders, and cash only reports, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, consumer service applications, meter installation applications, utility bills, checks, service orders, policies, procedures, maps, operating guides, directories, manuals, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, utility account management, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, contractors, customers, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Conducts cross-training in all areas of customer service, including service, and collections.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent

• Special Qualifications:
  • None

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of utility billing, accounting, and collection methods and procedures.
  • Knowledge of utility record, types of information found and where to locate the information.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure.
  • Ability to exercise good judgement in making decisions in accordance with laws, rules, polices, and procedures.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally, and in writing.
  • Ability to access and use data processing records.
  • Ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with peers, supervisors, and the general public
  • Ability to make independent decisions with a minimum of direction in accordance with  pre-established procedures amd guidelines.
  • Skills in the use of personal computers and associated programs and applications as are necessary for successful job performance.

PHYSICAL REQUIPEMENTS:

This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occassionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office setting.

Okeechobee Utility Authoirty has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent  in any way a contract for employement.

• Salary  - $18.44 hourly
• Six month probation period
• Typical Work Week: Monday - Thursday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (1 hour lunch)
• Paid Bi-Weekly by Direct Deposit
• Accrued Paid Time Off time on hours worked = 180 hours annually
• Health Insurance: Florida Blue (medical / vision / dental)
• Supplemental Insurance Available: AFLAC / Washington National / Liberty National
  • OUA Monthly Contribution Allowance:
    • Employee Only = $1,200.00
    • Employee + child or spouse = $1,525.00
    • Family = $1,850.00
• All employees on OUA health insurance can access Urgent Care at no cost in Okeechobee, Sebring and Jensen Beach.
• Retirement: Okeechobee Utility Authority has a Defined Pension Plan.   Employees are vested after five years of service.   
• Company paid Life Insurance of $50,000 effective 1st day of starting work.
• Company paid Long Term Disability benefit becomes effective 1st day of starting work for this positon.
• Employee Recognition Pay – percentage of annual salary (every 5 years of service)
• Employee Assistance Program effective 1st day of starting work.
• Company Paid Training / Education
• Paid Holidays:
  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
  • Independence Day (July 4)
  • Labor Day (first Monday in September)
  • Veteran’s Day (November 11)
  • Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas (December 25)
  • (2) Personal Choice Days (employee choice)