1

Collections Associate Jobs in Santa Maria, CA (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-23

Collections Associate information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do collections associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for collections associate in Santa Maria, CA is $21.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $23.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a collections associate typically collaborate with other departments to resolve outstanding accounts?

Collections Associates often work closely with teams such as customer service, billing, and sales to address and resolve outstanding accounts. They may coordinate with the billing department to ensure invoices are accurate, or with customer service to better understand client issues that may be impacting payments. Effective collaboration helps Collections Associates develop repayment plans that are satisfactory for both the company and the customer. This teamwork is essential for resolving disputes quickly and maintaining positive customer relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a collections associate?

To thrive as a Collections Associate, you need strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with collections software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and basic accounting tools is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and resilience are vital soft skills for managing difficult conversations and maintaining professionalism. These abilities are crucial for effectively recovering outstanding debts while preserving customer relationships and adhering to legal and ethical standards.

What is a collections associate?

Collections Associates are professionals responsible for contacting individuals or businesses to collect overdue payments on accounts. They typically work for banks, credit card companies, medical offices, or other organizations that extend credit. Their duties include negotiating repayment plans, updating account information, and resolving customer disputes regarding outstanding debts. Collections Associates must have strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as a good understanding of relevant laws and regulations.

What is the difference between Collections Associate vs Accounts Receivable Clerk?

AspectCollections AssociateAccounts Receivable Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate degree or relevant experienceHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate degree or accounting coursework
Work EnvironmentOffice setting; interacting with clients and finance teamsOffice setting; processing invoices and managing accounts
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, healthcare, retailCorporate finance, accounting departments, small to large businesses
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to debt collection and customer accountsManaging incoming payments and account reconciliation

While both roles involve handling financial transactions, a Collections Associate primarily focuses on recovering overdue payments by contacting customers, whereas an Accounts Receivable Clerk manages invoicing, records payments, and maintains account accuracy. Both positions require strong communication skills and attention to detail, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and daily tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Collections jobs in Santa Maria, CA? The most popular types of Collections jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:
What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Collections Associate jobs? Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Collections Associate job openings:

Bilingual SUD Counselor (932)

Kings View Corporation

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Kings View rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Apply Here: https://secure.onehcm.com/ta/KINGSVIEW.jobs?ShowJob=738384720&TrackId=ZipRecruiter

Kings View is a nonprofit leader in providing behavioral health services to the underserved community, is currently seeking a driven SUD Counselor to join our mission to provide compassionate services to those with limited resources. Our ideal candidate will have a passion to promote social justice and societal awareness, respect for human dignity, and lead with integrity while listening and responding to the community in need.

SUD Counselor (932)
Paso Robles, CA

 

The Certified/Registered SUD Counselor working under limited supervision is responsible for providing services to substance abuse clients; to include, assessments, developing treatment and recovery plans, identifying behaviors that impede rehabilitation, and facilitating individual and group counseling sessions.

How will I contribute

  • Deliver individual and group counseling services, case management services, education and community outreach services, and referrals to appropriate services/community resources as necessary.
  • May provide intake and program orientation for participant including, but not limited to, assessment of psychological and social functioning and the development, implementation, and ongoing review of the participants Individual Treatment Plans in accordance with the Title IX regulations and Program protocol and policies.
  • Conduct breathalyzer and/or saliva tests on participants as appropriate, documenting results
  • Prepare participant progress reports, when necessary.
  • Interact with the criminal justice system and/or referral sources, when necessary.
  • Monitor and maintain participant files, charts, attendance schedules, face-to-face monitoring forms, group progress notes, completion of vocational/educational and self-help activities, aftercare, scheduled make-up sessions, etc. to ensure compliance with Title IX regulations and Program policies.
  • Monitor participant payments/fees and assist with fee collections. Conduct financial assessment interview in accordance with Title IX Regulations and Program protocols.
  • Recommend leaves of absence, dismissal/suspension, reinstatement, completion, etc. for participants in accordance with Title IX and Program policies.
  • Communicate openly and clearly, on a regular basis, with Clinical Supervisor and support staff to ensure Program effectiveness (appropriate caseload, work hours, scheduling, group capacity, etc.)
  • Abide by all Kings View policies and procedures, including but not limited to, confidentiality of program participants (Title IX, Title 42, and HIPPA/Privacy).
  • Attend scheduled staff meetings.

What I bring

  • Associate degree or the equivalent sixty college semester units with emphasis in behavioral or social sciences if required for the position.
  • Bilingual Required (Spanish/English)
  • Three years abstinence if there is a history of substance abuse.
  • Completion of 40 hours per two-year period of related training is required for continued employment for registered/certified counselors
  • Alcohol and Drug Registration and actively pursuing Certification, in good standing by an agency approved and recognized by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is required at time of hire
  • Must maintain counselor certification as required by State law. Knowledge and compliance with CLAS standards. Familiarity with electronic health record systems (AVATAR). In-depth knowledge of drug and alcohol testing to monitor treatment plans and medical instructions.
  • Relate to others comfortably and able to establish and maintain effective relationships. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills. Integrity to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner
  • Action oriented. Strong problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task and juggle multiple priorities. Outstanding ability to follow through with tasks. Flexible and reliable. Fast learner, organized, can deal with changing environment, ability to get along well with others, team player.
  • Membership in the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) is encouraged

The Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • 401k plan
  • Vacation time
  • Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement Program up to $1000 per year
  • Referral Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • An environment of like-minded people reaching for the same goal
  • Serving the underserved community
  • A sense of purpose

Who We Are

Since 1951, Kings View leads the community in providing behavioral health services to the underserved population. We have a strong tradition of commitment, and we focus on serving rural communities where health resources are often limited. Our people treat the community with care and compassion. We stand by our cornerstone and philosophy of valuing each person’s worth, dignity and wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Our principal core values echo throughout the organization and into our patient-focused programs. At Kings View we are dedicated to continuing our demonstration in the unparalleled commitment to wellness and recovery within each community we serve. Join us and apply today.


What Kings View employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom