Collections Specialist Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties & Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “collections specialist job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of near-identical templates—dry bullet points, vague responsibilities, and zero personality. The problem? Generic job posts don’t attract great candidates. They attract available candidates—often the wrong ones.

A collections specialist isn’t just “someone who calls people about overdue payments.” The best ones balance persistence with empathy, protect relationships while recovering revenue, and help keep your company financially healthy. But most job descriptions don’t tell that story—so top talent scrolls past and applies somewhere else.

In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to write a collections specialist job post that’s human, clear, and designed to attract the right people—not just any people. If you haven’t yet read our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/  , start there for the big-picture strategy. Then come back here and we’ll tailor it specifically for the collections role.

WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results

What a Collections Specialist Actually Does

A collections specialist is the person who helps your company get paid—without damaging relationships in the process. They follow up on overdue accounts, set up payment plans, and work with customers to resolve outstanding balances. But the best collections specialists do more than just “chase payments.”

They combine persistence with empathy, knowing when to be firm and when to listen. They understand the financial impact of unpaid invoices, but also the importance of keeping customers on good terms. In many ways, they protect both your cash flow and your company’s reputation.

That’s why this role isn’t just about transactions—it’s about communication, problem-solving, and building trust while securing revenue.

Two Great Collections Specialist Job Description Templates

✅ Template 1: Job Description For Experienced Collections Specialist 

📌 Job Title: Collections Specialist — Harborline Health Billing (Hybrid, Dallas TX)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time | Salary: $50,000–$62,000 base + performance bonus
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (Hybrid: 3 days in office)

🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
Hear how this role supports our clinic partners and why empathy drives our results: [Insert Loom/YouTube link]

Who We Are
Harborline Health Billing is a revenue cycle management partner to 300+ outpatient clinics across Texas and the Midwest. We help providers get paid faster with clean claims, patient-friendly collections, and clear communication. Our Dallas team blends healthcare expertise with a human touch—because delivering care doesn’t stop at the front desk; it extends to every billing conversation.

Our Culture
We keep it calm, clear, and constructive. You’ll find structured processes, modern tooling, and a team that solves problems together. We’re firm on follow-through and flexible in how we get there—professional, kind, and always respectful.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Own a portfolio of patient and payer overdue accounts (30–120+ days)

  • Reach out via phone/email/SMS; document every touchpoint in our CRM (Salesforce)

  • Negotiate payment plans, settlements, and hardship accommodations in line with policy

  • Investigate denials, reconcile balances, and partner with AR and coding teams

  • Track recovery KPIs; surface trends and process gaps for continuous improvement

What We’re Looking For

  • 2+ years in medical collections, AR, or revenue cycle (provider or RCM)

  • Confident, empathetic communicator; skilled at de-escalation and negotiation

  • Comfortable with Salesforce (or similar), Excel/Sheets, and dialer workflows

  • Organized, metric-driven, and steady under pressure

  • Bonus: knowledge of CPT/ICD codes, payer portals, and denial workflows

Perks & Benefits

  • Health, dental, vision + HSA/FSA options

  • 401(k) with company match

  • 15 days PTO + 10 paid holidays + sick time

  • Commuter benefit (parking/transit)

  • $1,000 annual learning stipend (courses, certifications)

  • Paid parental leave

Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You like a clear scoreboard, honest conversations, and wins you can measure. You’ll join a stable book of business, a leadership team that removes roadblocks, and a culture that values both persistence and respect.

Our Hiring Process
We use WorkScreen.io for a short, skills-based assessment (e.g., handling a tricky voicemail, prioritizing a queue, writing a follow-up email). If shortlisted, you’ll meet the hiring manager and a peer. We keep you updated at each step.

📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]

✅ Template 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Collections Specialist (Training Provided) 

📌 Job Title: Entry-Level Collections Specialist — ClearWave Internet (Hybrid, Phoenix AZ)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time | Salary: $40,000–$46,000 base + monthly recovery bonus
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–6:30 PM (Hybrid: 2 days in office)

🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
Meet the team and see how we turn tough billing calls into loyal customers: [Insert Loom/YouTube link]

Who We Are
ClearWave Internet is a regional fiber ISP serving homes and small businesses across the Valley. We’re known for fast speeds, fair pricing, and real humans on support. Our billing team keeps accounts healthy by resolving past-due balances without burning relationships—because great internet should come with great service.

Our Culture
Friendly, practical, and team-oriented. We hire for potential, coach for confidence, and give you playbooks that actually help. You’ll get clear goals, steady feedback, and leaders who jump on calls when you need backup.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Learn our collections playbook and billing tools (ZenDesk, Stripe, Dialpad)

  • Call and message customers with overdue balances; document every step

  • Set up payment plans, explain bills, and troubleshoot basic account issues

  • Escalate disputes or service problems to support/tech as needed

  • Track your daily activity and recovery metrics; celebrate the wins

What We’re Looking For

  • Great communicator and active listener (retail, hospitality, or call center experience helps)

  • Comfortable on the phone; calm under pressure; reliable follow-through

  • Organized with basic spreadsheet skills (we’ll train you on the rest)

  • Positive attitude and curiosity—coachable and consistent

Perks & Benefits

  • Health, dental, vision + life insurance

  • Free ClearWave home internet (or monthly stipend)

  • 12 days PTO + 8 paid holidays + birthday off

  • Quarterly team bonus eligibility

  • $600 annual education stipend (certs, courses)

  • Wellness stipend (gym or mindfulness app)

Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you like helping people, solving small puzzles, and seeing your effort on a leaderboard, you’ll thrive here. You’ll get real training, supportive teammates, and a clear path to Senior Collections or Billing Ops.

Our Hiring Process
We use WorkScreen.io for a short, practical assessment (prioritizing a mini-queue, writing a payment-plan email, handling a short call scenario). Then you’ll have a conversational interview with the hiring manager. We update every applicant—no black holes.

📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]

Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

Breakdown of Why These Collections Specialist Job Posts Work

1. Clear, Specific Job Titles

  • Harborline Health Billing includes the company name, location, and whether it’s hybrid — plus the specialty (“Collections Specialist”). This signals exactly who it’s for and where it’s based, filtering out irrelevant clicks.

  • ClearWave Internet specifies “Entry-Level” and “Training Provided,” which instantly appeals to candidates without direct experience but who are eager to learn.

2. Warm Introductions With Context

  • Both roles start with a quick video message link before the “Who We Are” section. This humanizes the post immediately and sets it apart from lifeless text-only listings.

  • Each “Who We Are” section reads like a short brand story, showing purpose and values, not just facts.

3. Transparent Salary & Perks

  • Both posts state the salary range and bonus potential up front. This builds trust and weeds out candidates whose expectations don’t align.

  • Perks are separated into their own Perks & Benefits section so they’re easy to scan — making the offer more tangible and enticing.

4. Culture That Feels Real

  • Instead of vague claims (“we value teamwork”), each post gives examples of how the culture works day-to-day.

  • Harborline emphasizes structured processes and respectful communication; ClearWave highlights coaching, support, and leaders jumping on calls when needed.

5. Responsibilities With Purpose

  • Duties are written to show impact (“protect relationships while recovering revenue,” “celebrate the wins”) rather than just listing tasks.

  • Jargon is minimized — they’re written in plain English so any candidate can see themselves in the role.

6. Candidate-Centric Requirements

  • Harborline calls for specific experience (medical collections, AR) while ClearWave keeps the bar open for non-collections backgrounds, focusing on transferable skills like communication and organization.

  • This dual-template approach widens the talent pool without lowering quality.

7. Respectful & Transparent Hiring Process

  • Both posts outline exactly what happens after someone applies — including the WorkScreen.io skills test, who they’ll meet, and when they’ll hear back.

  • Explicitly promising no “black hole” treatment shows respect for candidate time.

8. Strong “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section

  • Harborline appeals to candidates who like measurable wins, a stable book of business, and process-driven work.

  • ClearWave attracts people who enjoy problem-solving, growth opportunities, and a collaborative team vibe.

9. Natural Brand Integration

  • WorkScreen.io isn’t shoved in as a hard sell — it’s integrated as part of the fair, modern hiring process, which builds credibility for both the employer and the tool.

Bad Collections Specialist Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)

📌 Job Title: Collections Specialist
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
📍 Location: Phoenix, AZ

Job Summary
We are looking for a collections specialist to recover outstanding payments from clients. The ideal candidate will have experience in collections, be detail-oriented, and able to meet monthly collection targets.

Responsibilities

  • Contact customers regarding overdue payments

  • Negotiate repayment plans

  • Maintain records of payment arrangements

  • Provide reports to management

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • 2+ years’ experience in collections

  • Strong communication skills

  • Ability to work independently

How to Apply
Send your resume to hr@company.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Why This Job Post Fails

1. Generic Job Title

Just “Collections Specialist” — no company name, industry, or differentiator. It could be any collections role at any company.

2. Cold, Minimal Introduction

Opens with a flat sentence (“We are looking for…”) that gives no insight into the company, mission, or why the role exists. Zero emotional hook.

3. No Culture or Company Context

There’s nothing about how the team works, what values guide decisions, or what it’s like to work there. Candidates can’t imagine themselves in the environment.

4. No Salary or Benefits

Leaving this out immediately puts the post at a disadvantage in today’s market — top candidates expect transparency.

5. Responsibilities Are Too Vague

“Contact customers” and “maintain records” are bare minimums. There’s no sense of the volume, tools, processes, or goals — which leaves candidates guessing.

6. Requirements Lack Depth

Just “2+ years’ experience” and “strong communication skills” — no indication of preferred industry background, technical skills, or soft skills that make someone succeed.

7. Cold Hiring Process

Ending with “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels dismissive. There’s no timeline, no insight into the next steps, and no promise of acknowledgment.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Collections Specialist Job Post Stand Out

These are small but high-impact additions you can make to your collections specialist job description to instantly elevate it above the competition.

1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants

Show candidates you take their safety seriously. This builds trust and signals professionalism.
Example:

Important Notice: We take the security and privacy of all job applicants very seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process.

2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time

Top candidates value work-life balance as much as salary. Be explicit about what’s on offer.
Example:

Enjoy 15 days of PTO per year, plus 10 paid holidays and flexible scheduling to help you recharge and come back stronger.

3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

Especially for entry-level roles, this can be the deciding factor for an applicant choosing your role over another.
Example:

We invest in growth. You’ll get paid training, ongoing mentorship, and a $1,000 annual learning stipend to help you expand your skills.

4. Include a Loom or YouTube Video from the Hiring Manager or Team

Candidates respond strongly to seeing the people they might work with. It makes your post more memorable and personal.
Example:

[Insert Loom/YouTube link] — Hear directly from our team on how we turn challenging collection calls into positive customer experiences.

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

5. Use a “Why This Role Matters” Statement

Place this before or after your responsibilities section to connect the day-to-day work to the company’s mission.
Example:

This role keeps our cash flow healthy so we can invest in better services for our customers. Your work directly impacts our ability to grow, hire, and innovate.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone for Your Collections Specialist Job Post

Lately, it feels like everyone is using AI to churn out job descriptions — and even some applicant tracking systems (ATS) now offer one-click job post generators. The problem? If you give AI no context, you’ll get exactly what most job seekers complain about: generic, lifeless listings that fail to connect.

The Risks of Blind AI Use:

  • Generic language → Attracts “apply to everything” candidates, not specialists who align with your needs.

  • No cultural fit → AI can’t guess your company’s tone, values, or personality without guidance.

  • Brand damage → Your job post is often the first impression a candidate gets of your business. A bland AI post makes you look like a bland employer.

The Right Way to Use AI for a Job Post

AI can be a powerful tool — if you use it as a smart assistant, not a shortcut.

Here’s how to get a strong, tailored output:

Step 1: Give AI the raw ingredients.
Include:

  • What your company does

  • Your mission and values

  • The tone you want (friendly, formal, etc.)

  • Who your ideal candidate is (skills, personality, experience level)

  • Salary, perks, and hiring process

  • Specific responsibilities

Step 2: Use a detailed prompt.
Example:

“Help me write a collections specialist job post for Harborline Health Billing in Dallas, TX. We’re a healthcare revenue cycle company that values professionalism, empathy, and persistence. The role involves managing overdue patient accounts, negotiating payment plans, and collaborating with our AR team. We offer $50,000–$62,000 plus benefits, 15 PTO days, and $1,000 for learning each year. We want a warm, approachable tone and to attract candidates with at least 2 years in medical collections. Our hiring process includes a WorkScreen.io skills assessment followed by a manager interview.Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]”

Step 3: Edit for accuracy and personality.
Once AI gives you a draft, rewrite sections to:

  • Use plain, human language

  • Reflect your actual company culture

  • Add specific examples (tools, workflows, customer types)

Step 4: Add human touches AI can’t fake.
Include:

  • A quick hiring manager video link

  • A personal note on why the role matters

  • A promise of respectful communication with every applicant

Used this way, AI becomes a polishing tool — not a replacement for the thinking, empathy, and insight that make a job post truly effective.

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

Need a Quick Copy-Paste Collections Specialist Job Description?

✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Style

Job Title: Collections Specialist – Protect Cash Flow & Relationships at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year

🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
[Insert Loom/YouTube link] — Hear how our team turns tough collection calls into respectful, solutions-first conversations.

Who We Are
[Company Name] helps [your customer type/industry] stay financially healthy by recovering overdue balances without damaging relationships. We pair structured processes with empathy, so customers feel heard while we keep cash flow on track.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Manage a portfolio of overdue accounts (e.g., 30–120+ days)

  • Reach out via phone/email/SMS; document every touchpoint in [CRM Name]

  • Negotiate payment plans and settlements in line with policy

  • Investigate disputes; collaborate with AR/billing to resolve issues

  • Track recovery KPIs and share insights to improve processes

Requirements

  • [X]+ years in collections, AR, or related role (industry experience a plus)

  • Clear, empathetic communicator; calm under pressure

  • Organized and metric-driven; reliable follow-through

  • Comfortable with [CRM Name], spreadsheets, and dialer workflows

Perks & Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision [customize]

  • [#] PTO days + [#] paid holidays

  • [401(k) match / pension]

  • [$X] annual learning stipend [or training & mentorship]

  • [Paid parental leave / wellness stipend / internet stipend]

Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You like honest conversations, a clear scoreboard, and wins you can measure. You’ll have playbooks that work, tools that help, and leaders who remove roadblocks—so you can focus on respectful, effective recoveries.

How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert Link] — Take a short skills-based assessment, then meet your manager. We keep applicants informed at every stage.

✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format

Job Title: Collections Specialist at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year

Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking a collections specialist to manage overdue accounts with professionalism and empathy. You’ll recover payments, resolve disputes, and maintain positive customer relationships while supporting healthy cash flow.

Responsibilities

  • Manage assigned past-due accounts and payment plans

  • Contact customers via phone/email/SMS; log all activity in [CRM Name]

  • Negotiate settlements and handle hardship cases per policy

  • Collaborate with AR/billing/support to resolve billing issues

  • Maintain accurate records and report KPIs to management

Requirements

  • [X]+ years in collections or accounts receivable (or transferable experience)

  • Strong communication and negotiation skills

  • Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable with targets

  • Proficiency with [CRM Name] and spreadsheets; [industry tools] a plus

Perks & Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision [customize]

  • [#] PTO days + [#] paid holidays

  • [401(k) match / pension]

  • [Learning stipend / certification support]

  • [Paid parental leave / wellness stipend]

Application Process
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert Link] — Complete a short skills test; shortlisted candidates meet the hiring manager. We respond to every applicant.

Let WorkScreen.io Handle the Next Phase of Hiring

Writing a great collections specialist job post is only half the battle — the real challenge comes when you’re faced with a flood of applications and need to quickly identify the candidates worth interviewing.

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

With WorkScreen, you can:

  • Quickly identify your most promising candidates

WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.

  • Easily administer one-click skill tests
     

With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.

  • Eliminate low-effort applicants

WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.

The result? You save hours, reduce hiring mistakes, and fill your collections role with someone who can protect your cash flow and your customer relationships.

Create your job post in WorkScreen.io today, share it anywhere you attract candidates, and let our platform handle the evaluation process from the first click to the final shortlist.

FAQ

The strongest collections specialists combine technical and interpersonal abilities. Look for:

  • Negotiation skills — the ability to secure payment while preserving relationships.

  • Active listening — understanding the customer’s situation to find workable solutions.

  • Resilience — staying calm and persistent when facing objections or repeated follow-ups.

  • Attention to detail — accurately recording account activity and payment arrangements.

  • Tech proficiency — using CRM systems, billing software, and spreadsheets effectively.

In the U.S., collections specialist salaries typically range from $38,000 to $55,000 per year, with experienced specialists in certain industries (like healthcare or finance) earning $60,000+. Bonuses or commission structures are sometimes offered based on recovery performance.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) often include:

  • Percentage of overdue accounts recovered

  • Average days sales outstanding (DSO) reduced

  • Number of successful payment plans set up

  • Customer satisfaction or complaint rates

  • Compliance with company and regulatory standards

An accounts receivable (AR) clerk focuses on processing and recording incoming payments, issuing invoices, and reconciling accounts. A collections specialist’s primary responsibility is actively pursuing overdue balances, negotiating settlements, and resolving payment disputes.

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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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