Collections Specialist The Collections Specialist is responsible for all university bad debt collections which include Perkins loans, Student and Staff account receivables, returned checks and other university department requests.
Responsibilities:- Responsible for all aspects of bad debt collections for the University, both written and verbal, including counseling students and loan borrowers to resolve their outstanding debts.
- Makes payment arrangements for employees with outstanding balances prior to payroll deduction
- Responsible for making payment arrangements with debtors to avoid further collection action
- Assists with reviewing bankruptcies, documents, and any other request from the university general counsel for any subpoenas, garnishments or legal request
- Follows up with consolidation request for all student loan borrowers
- Assists with processing paperwork for loans as required by the Federal Government
- Responsible for referring non-collected accounts to various outside Collection agencies, including monitoring collection reports, payments, and the explanation of debts referred
- Serves as the primary contact for our third-party collection vendors
- Provides backup for the Assistant Bursar/Loans in receipting loan payments, assisting borrowers with their student loan consolidation, entrance, and exit interview paperwork.
- Reviews holds for off-boarding employees and updates the Bursar prior to submission
- Prepares accounts during fiscal year end for write off request and approval
- Ensures accounts are monitored, returned, and documented prior to write off request
- Enters, balances, and reconciles write-off accounts in BANNER Student information system after approval
- Monitors write-offs and holds as they are paid
- Assists with all aspects of student fees during peak periods in the Bursar's office
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must be familiar with policies for student loans, student fees, and installment plans
- Must have good organizational and computer skills, the ability to multi-task, and be able to work well with the public and other team members
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including phone etiquette are required
- Application ReviewReview of applications will begin October 5, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.
Qualifications:
Minimum: Requires a high school diploma; 2 years of experience in collections within a college or an office setting handling multiple-job tasks; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Preferred:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; 2 years in collections or collecting bad debt and 1-2 years working in higher education is preferred.
Work Location: University of Tennessee Chattanooga, TN CampusThis is a fully on-site position
Compensation and Benefits:
UT Market Range: MR06Anticipated hiring salary: $45,000 - $48,000 Find more information on the UT Market Range structure Find more information on UT Benefits
