DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

COLLECTOR 3

Job Location:

Division of Business Services
Office of Accounts Receivable and Collections 
1717 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $45,000 - $47,800  

Grade: 18

Closing Date: March 13, 2026

Job Summary:

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Collector 3. This position is responsible for working autonomously within parameters. The Collector 3 locates and communicates with customers for the purpose of soliciting payment or collecting on delinquent accounts on behalf of the Department of Economic Security (DES) via telephone, mail, or personal visit. Using skip-tracking tools and negotiating techniques, this position enforces federal regulations and statutes to advise customers of necessary actions needed for repayment of various public assistance over-payments and other debts, and refers collection cases for judgment, garnishment, or other enforced collection to the Attorney General's office for processing. This position reviews financial statements and makes determinations on ability to pay and amount due; negotiates partial payment plans based on analysis of assets and liabilities; and determines appropriate or alternate courses of action using oral and written communications, automated office devices and systems, and mathematical calculations and analysis of accounts. This position ensures appropriate action is taken on collection cases under appeal and bankruptcy, processes appeal requests and verifies information on bankruptcy cases, and maintains thorough and accurate records of all transactions. The individual in this position trains and may lead Collector 2 positions.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

 

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

● Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts using skip-tracing tools and other approved methods.
● Assess financial stability and ability to pay.
● Plan a course of action to recover outstanding payments.
● Negotiate payoff deadlines or payment plans.
● Monitor overdue accounts.
● Prepare and maintain a record of collection activities.
● Work cases timely and effectively pursuant to applicable federal regulations.
● Ensure prompt and accurate action on collection cases under appeal and bankruptcy.
● Process appeal requests and verify information on bankruptcy cases.
● Train or lead lower-level staff in the application of federal and state rules, regulations, and laws applicable to accounts receivable and collection activities for more than 30 DES programs.
● Participate in or conduct investigations, as requested.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:

● Collection and skip-tracing methods.
● Negotiation techniques.
● Administrative, civil and bankruptcy laws as applied to collections; and mathematical computations and debtor financial statements.

Skilled in:

● Oral and written communication.
● Active listening and persuasion.
● Telephone etiquette.
● Time management and
● Documenting accounts clearly and concisely.

Ability to:

● InterApply Federal regulations, State statutes, and department policies and procedures.
● Analyze debt for collectability.
● Determine appropriate courses of action and stay focused on task.
● React professionally and compassionately while maintaining confidence.

Selective Preference(s):

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

● Three years' experience in collections, or one year as Collector 2 and two years' experience collecting delinquent monies in a formalized setting.Extensive knowledge of skip-tracing techniques and strong customer contact skills. Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Pre-Employment Requirements:

● This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
● Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
● All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

 

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at Linn Carrasco, 480.578.7016, or email dbsdfohr@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480.578.7016. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.