Job Abstract

The Office of Attorney General/Collections Division has a vacancy. The position will be domiciled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, East Baton Rouge Parish. Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory background check, reference verifications, and drug test.

Applicants may check the status of their application at any time by selecting the "Application Status" link after logging into their account. Below are the most common status messages and their meanings:

• Application Received - Your application has been submitted successfully.
• Evaluating Experience - Your application is being reviewed by Human Resources to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
• Eligible for Consideration - You are among a group of applicants who MAY be selected for this position.
• Referred to the Hiring Manager for Review - Your application has been delivered to the hiring manager. You may or may not be called for an interview.
• Position Filled - Someone has been selected for the position.
• Position Canceled - The agency has decided not to fill the position.

Resumes will be accepted as an attachment to your application; however, all relevant education and experience must be included at the time you apply.

Applicants qualifying based on college training or receipt of a baccalaureate degree will be required to submit an official college transcript to verify credentials claimed prior to appointment. Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript to your online application. Transcripts may be faxed to (225) 326-6795.

For further information about this vacancy, please contact:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must possess a license to practice law in the State of Louisiana.
• Must be in good standing with the Louisiana Bar Association.
• 5 years' experience as a practicing attorney.
• Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 15% mainly for state wide, state court appearances, but also for continuing education and other conferences, as required.

• Knowledge of management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations relating to the Civil Collections Program.
• Effective conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and on a team.
• Excellent analytical skills, effective organizational and time management skills.
• Great attention to detail and follow up, and verbal/written communications skills.

The duties and requirements of the AAG/Section Chief shall include, but are not limited to the following:

• Serve as the liaison between the Section and Deputy Director and Director.
• Directs all operations for the Collections Section and acts as the authority for the section.
• Serves as the liaison to the colleges and universities as well as state agencies by providing monthly and quarterly reports and resolving any problems that may occur regarding debts placed with the section for collection.
• Promptly reviews and approves work performed by subordinates within the section
• Establishes overall section goals, approves objectives of section, and delegates authority for implementing programs to meet those objectives.
• Supervises all section supervisors and lower level subordinates, including approving leave and time certifications within the section and obtaining advanced approval by Deputy Director or Director for requested Telecommute (ZTEL) and/or K-time.
• Analyzes the impact of proposed legislation and prepares position statements as required. Reviews and approves legislative analyst reports prepared by attorneys within the Section.
• Interprets state and federal legislation and regulations required for effective implementation within the section.
• Approves the design, development, and implementation of projects and technical support for the division based on the goats and objectives contained in the agency's approved Strategic Plan and executive directives.
• Tracks and reports performance indicators as required by the State that apply to the Section. Prepares a variety of special and unique reports as requested by Deputy Director, Director, or higher level Executive Staff of the agency.
• Directs the processing of receivables from debtors or clients in accordance with and pursuant to the requirements of appropriate state and federal laws.
• Directs accounting practices of the section and all control procedures for monetary receivables and payables for which the section is responsible along with proper reconciliation between transmittal documents and data files.
• Directs the preparation of a variety of regular and special reports relating to the financial activities and productivity of the division.
• Testifies before legislative committees to provide financial statistics and other relevant information on the collection of debt as it relates to the Section.
• Participates as a presenter in conferences, conventions, and seminars statewide to provide information regarding the collection of debt for state agencies by the Section or other topics as needed.
• Develops, produces, distributes, and updates training materials in the form of guides, videos, PowerPoint presentations, etc. to collections employees.
• Plans, coordinates, schedules and presents training classes in person and via online meetings for employee development.
• Performs any additional duties assigned by supervisors.

The primary responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Team Leadership and Supervision:
  • Lead and manage a team of collectors, accountants, lawyers, and legal assistants.
  • Provide guidance, training, and performance evaluations to ensure team members meet their individual and departmental goals.
  • Foster a collaborative and motivated team environment, encouraging professional development and continuous improvement.
• Collection Strategy and Operations:
  • Develop and implement effective collection strategies and processes to enhance debt recovery.
  • Monitor and analyze collection activities, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Financial Oversight:
  • Collaborate with accounting team to monitor financial records and ensure accurate reporting of collection activities.
  • Review and approve financial statements, budgets, and reports related to the collections department.
  • Oversee the management of accounts receivable, ensuring timely and accurate collection of outstanding debts.
• Legal and Compliance Management:
  • Work closely with the legal team to handle complex collection cases and legal proceedings.
  • Ensure all collection activities comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  • Coordinate with legal assistants to prepare necessary documentation and manage legal files.
• Reporting and Analysis:
  • Prepare regular reports on collection activities, performance metrics, and financial status for senior management.
  • Analyze data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improving collection efficiency.
  • Present findings and recommendations to senior management to support strategic decision-making.
• Customer Relations and Communication:
  • Handle escalated customer complaints and disputes, providing resolution in a professional and timely manner.
  • Maintain effective communication with clients and stakeholders regarding collection policies and procedures.
  • Represent the state, state, its departments, agencies, boards, and commissions, in negotiations and settlements with debtors.