Garnishment Specialist

Position Summary
The purpose of the Garnishment Department is to manage the collection of involuntary deductions from employee pay. The Garnishment Specialist will collect, review and analyze payroll data to accurately administer involuntary deductions such as child support, state and federal tax levies and similar obligations. This position works collaboratively with all departments, including Payroll, Human Resources, Benefits and Finance, to ensure timely collection and payment of garnishments. The ideal candidate can manage and coordinate multiple projects within required timeframes and expectations, communicates with excellence both orally and in writing, has working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, and performs detail-oriented tasks. This person interacts, coordinates, follows up and communicates effectively with team members, Senior Management and Third-Party Administrators. The candidate is a self-starter who can function as a remote employee in a distributed work team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Process court-ordered wage garnishments, including child support, student loans, wage assignments, bankruptcy orders, verifications of employment (VOEs), medical support notices and state and federal tax levies.
• Collect and maintain accurate electronic files for all withholding orders.
• Enter wage garnishment orders into the payroll system accurately and in a timely manner, and enter deductions on employee master files.
• Set up garnishment vendors appropriately.
• Process and disburse third-party checks, including voids and re-issues.
• Coordinate positive pay and monthly outstanding check reconciliations with internal stakeholders (Accounting and Treasury).
• Ensure all garnishment payments are accurate and in compliance with withholding orders and relevant laws.
• Research and respond to inquiries from employees, courts, state and federal agencies and other parties regarding garnishment orders.
• Assist with the accurate and timely reconciliation of garnishment accounts, and establish Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) of payments to comply with jurisdiction rules.
• Provide progress reports to appropriate team members.
• Represent the Peoplease team effectively, build trust and credibility, and promote transparency.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all client and employee information.
• May lead or participate in special projects related to garnishments or payroll compliance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and recommend solutions.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of multi-state garnishment processing experience is highly preferred.
• FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), or a similar certification, is highly preferred.
• PEO (Professional Employer Organization) experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of legal documents, such as court filings, tax levies, child support orders and other forms of garnishments and wage verifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with HRIS platforms, preferably PrismHR.
• Knowledge of basic accounting concepts.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to interpret and apply legal and regulatory requirements related to garnishments.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and exercising discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and workflows.
• Proficiency in using technology to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients and internal teams.
• Capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively in a remote work environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills, with the judgment to know when to escalate issues.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.