CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT

CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT

Salary

$59,405.00 Annually

Location

Polk County Admin. Bldg., 111 Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

27-1028

Department

Treasurers Office

Opening Date

09/21/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

CA

Hours

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (M-F)

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME/Clerical

Salary Grade

8

Location

Administration Building

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Under general supervision, provides assistance to the public in-person or in a call center setting, accurately processing motor vehicles and property tax transactions in accordance with the Code of Iowa. Collects payment from the general public.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Provides comprehensive assistance to the general public, in-person and via the telephone; researches vehicle and tax resources, accurately answers inquiries, completes and processes all required vehicle and property tax transactions; ensures accuracy, completeness, and legitimacy of documents submitted.
• Provides excellent customer service to the public in a timely manner by assisting customers at the counter and via the telephone.
• Collects and records payment for property taxes, mobile home taxes, special assessments, tax sale redemptions, and other real estate taxes and fees.
• Computes and collects fees for issuing license plates, titles, new and duplicate registrations, and fees for various other purposes; efficiently processes credits and refunds for vehicles transferred or sold; notates and releases security interests.
• Processes and files all necessary documents for transferring or issuing regular, duplicate, in-transit and salvage vehicle titles, renewing vehicle registrations, processing trailer transfers, special license plates, and junking certificates; monitors title requirements and verifies and processes affidavits of redemption
• Accepts and processes customer payments with a credit card, money order, travelers check, check or cash; traces source of insufficient fund checks, secures payment, reconciles daily receipts and disbursements, and balances cash drawer daily.
• Assists customers while utilizing multiple vehicle and tax systems to process transactions.
• Researches and retrieves forms, supplies and inventory; separates duplicate forms; processes annual tax statements; prepares delinquent tax lists; returns mail due to incomplete documentation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of best practices for delivering high-quality customer service both in-person and over the phone.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations relating to the collection and disbursement of County funds.
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain departmental policies, practices and standards.
• Basic knowledge of legal descriptions and terms used in property descriptions.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures in handling and accounting for money.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform computations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Proficient data entry skills.
• Ability to learn and apply knowledge in taxation, and vehicle registration and title processing.
• Ability to balance daily receipts and disbursements.
• Ability to process, manage and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to consistently function courteously and effectively in stressful situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with leadership, team members, other County employees, and the general public using patience and tact and fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and tact in telephone interactions.
• Ability to de-escalate situations, handle complaints, and display active listening skills.
• Ability to be attentive to details, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to accurately perform alphanumeric data entry and to access and retrieve information in all vehicle and tax systems.
• Ability to make moderately complex decisions, in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to achieve established departmental goals and objectives.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to move material/boxes weighing up to 25 pounds from floor level to counter height.

Training and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education, and
• Three years of experience in financial customer service assistance, or
• Associate's Degree in business administration, or related, and
• One year of experience in financial customer service assistance, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Bi-lingual skills are preferred.

Special Requirements:

• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A criminal background check is required.

Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.

Polk County Employment Benefits

01

Tell us about a time you worked in a structured production and quality work environment?

02

When and where have you worked in a customer facing and/or call center environment for a minimum of 1 year?

03

Tell us about a time you had to multitask and problem solve at work?

04

Are you available to work overtime week days and/or various Saturdays (if needed)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Polk County

Address 111 Court Avenue Suite 390 Human Resources

Des Moines, Iowa, 50309

Phone 515-286-3200

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/polkia