Tax Information Specialist 1, In-training

Would you like to start a career built on the foundation of helping others? One of our goals at the Department of Revenue is to provide outstanding customer service and few positions focus on this goal more directly than a Tax Information Specialist 1 within our Telephone Information Center.
 
The Telephone Information Center, within the Taxpayer Services Division, is a close-knit team of fun and innovative people who are excited to work together to make a difference for Washington taxpayers and business owners. We believe building relationships empowers success. If you enjoy helping others navigate through change and have a real knack for explaining things over the phone and in person so all understand, this is the position for you!
 
We are seeking to fill several Tax Information Specialist 1, In-training positions to join this team that values ideas, works together to solve problems and continuously seek ways to improve customer service. We expect a start date of June 3, 2024.
 
The hiring manager will start reviewing applications April 17, 2024, and will continue to review daily until closed. It is in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. 
 
Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.    
 
Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.   

We invite you to review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.   

Duties

As a Tax Information Specialist in this high-volume call center, you will assist businesses or their representative over the phone and in-person with business licensing, complex tax questions, and their overall reporting and filing experience.
 
Your duties will include:
 

• Responding to a high volume of phone calls from taxpayers and accounting professionals pertaining to tax liability, reporting responsibilities, and filing classifications.
• Advising customers on their rights and responsibilities as a taxpayer.
• Independently researching and investigating all available tax literature to respond to customer inquiries consistently and with correct information.
• Providing direction and guidance to customers on how to find and complete forms, including use of online forms and internet resources.

 
You will help thousands of customers, some from all over the world, with their business filing responsibilities by assisting them with our online filing system and educating them on Department of Revenue laws, rules, and policies.
 
We are looking for an experienced customer service professional who projects enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
 
This position is an opportunity to collaborate and build strong relationships while sustaining an idea driven environment through mutually beneficial customer service and support.  You must have strong communication skills with a knowledge and ability to assist a diverse clientele.

Telework Option - The official duty station for this position is Tumwater, WA. When business needs allow, we do allow employees to work from home, with prior supervisor approval. Full details of schedule options will be discussed during interviews.

Qualifications

This position may be filled at the Tax Service Representative 1 (TSR1) level with an in-training plan to the Tax Information Specialist 1 (TIS1) level.  If you are not familiar with our in-training opportunities, you will follow a detailed in-training plan for 12 months to gain skills needed to be successful. Once you have successfully completed the in-training period, you will advance to the Tax Information Specialist 1 (TIS1) level and the full scope of responsibilities. 
 
To qualify as a Tax Service Representative 1 ($3006 to $3974 per month):
 
One year of experience as a Customer Service Specialist 2 or 3 AND experience answering calls in the following skillsets: BLS Call Center, BLS Password, BLS Renewals, Reseller Permits, E-file, Streamline Sales Tax, and No Business Tax Return.  
 
OR
 
Two years of college course work, involving major study in business administration, accounting, public administration, political science, law or closely allied field.
 
OR
 
Two years of experience in the field of personal finance, law enforcement, adjustment of claims, collection of civil debts or other directly related field.

OR
 
To qualify as a Tax Information Specialist 1 ($3376 to $4497 per month):
 
A Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, accounting, public finance or closely allied field AND one year of professional experience in Washington State tax administration, tax auditing or tax collection.
 
Additional qualifying experience, such as accounting, bookkeeping or other Washington State excise tax return preparation may substitute, year for year, for education.
 
OR
 
Two (2) years as a Tax Service Representative.
 

Don’t know Washington State tax or licensing?  Don’t worry – we’ll teach you!

Note for all levels: Fluency in Spanish (written and verbal) may qualify you for a dual-language designation.
 
To be considered:

• Complete your online application in detail, as it will be used as your initial resume.
• Attach a cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications.
• Provide three professional references.  You must include current phone numbers and email addresses.

*Note - Incomplete applications and applications received without requested attachments may be disqualified.*
 
Throughout our selection processes, we will evaluate candidates for knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and capacity that aligns with the culture of DOR. 

To take advantage of Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and birth date before attaching.

Questions?
Hello, my name is Lance, and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Department of Revenue employee, I understand the importance of finding a rewarding career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves in connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have.  

Please contact any part of the Staffing team at Jobs@dor.wa.gov or give me a call (360) 704-5725.