Golden State Water Company is one of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the United States. We deliver quality, reliable water to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California. Golden State Water has been in business for more than 90 years because we put customers first.
Accountability
The Customer Service Center Associate is proficient in the use and application of the tools, equipment, software, processes, and procedures required in the performance of the position’s essential duties and responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities are prioritized according to the work unit assigned and performance measures are based on competencies to include accountability, customer focus, teamwork, problem solving, and productivity.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Responds professionally and effectively to all types of customer inquiries and service requests via multiple channels of customer contact and according to Company and regulatory performance standards across all customer service areas
• Creates and accesses customer records, researches, and navigates efficiently through the Customer Information System (CIS) to resolve customer complaints and account discrepancies
• Assists customers with online customer self-service and electronic payment portal system access, navigation, and resolving technical issues
• On a daily basis, assigns, tracks, and monitors on-cloud meter reading route downloads/uploads, provides assistance and support to users of the FCS Itron on Cloud software and smart devices
• Analyzes and edits meter read data; with appropriate follow-up action
• Processes customer payments accurately and prepares cashiers reports and
deposits • Processes new customer applications and renewals for a variety of programs that may include but is not limited to Customer Assistance Program (CAP), hydrant meters, new services, backflow compliance, and fire flow tests, etc.
• Dispatches service and trouble calls accurately and timely to field service personnel
• Accesses and researches field service orders, monitors Key Performance Indicators (KPI), and navigates efficiently through Mobile Workforce Management (MWM) system
• Notifies GSWC management team and other departments of emergencies such as water outages, main breaks, etc.
• Performs higher level customer service center duties that include but are not limited to:
o Sharing knowledge and mentoring newly hired staff
o Responding to calls in the quality assurance and/or escalation phone skill sets
o Completing quality audit checklists as assigned by supervisor(s)
o Communicating complex regulations, billing and rate information to customers
o May provide MWM and CC&B user support to Water Operations staff
• Performs other duties as assigned
The above job description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills or competencies associated with this job.
Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) years relevant work experience at GSWC or five years of customer service experience in a professional environment
• Familiarity with utility or comparable service industry, contact center systems and customer information system terminology
• Must be proficient in computer skills including Microsoft Office
• Must be able to read and interpret documents such as regulations, procedure manuals, and rate schedules, etc.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to prioritize assignments and work in order of urgency and sensitivity
• Proficiency in PC applications such as Windows, Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Internet
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with their supervisor, co-workers and the public
• Ability to perform basic mathematic functions, calculate figures, and reconcile account information
• Bilingual skills may be required
May require varied shift assignments based on business needs, including working in all weather conditions, during all hours of the day. Physical demands include but are not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time.
Qualities of a Successful Customer Service Center Associate
• Trustworthy; strong personal integrity
• Strong level of accountability and ownership
• High quality communication skills, both verbal and written (including email)
• Analytical and critical thinker
• Ability to maintain strong relationships with field service personnel.
• Collaborative and team oriented
• Professional with internal and external customers
• Customer service-oriented
• Excellent multi-tasking, time management and organizational skills
• High degree of initiative; a self-starter
Martin Rivera
About Golden State Water
Golden State Water Company delivers quality, reliable water to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California. Golden State Water has been in business for more than 90 years because we put customers first.
We worry about water so you don’t have to.
Accountability: We operate transparently and are accountable to state and federal regulators to ensure rates are fair. Our rates are established to recover our operating cost on a dollar-for-dollar basis, without profit. Golden State Water’s shareholders provide an important source of capital that allows the utility to make needed system investments and improvements for the benefit of our customers. Being a profitable company ensures a lower investment cost and a solid funding source for infrastructure improvements. Regulatory agencies, such as the California Public Utilities Commission, authorize a rate of return to our shareholders for bearing the risk of providing investment capital to finance needed capital improvements.
Water-use Efficiency: We help people and businesses use water efficiently and offer rebates and special programs to customers to help manage water use. Efficient water use is one of the best ways to maintain a reliable source of high quality drinking water, now and in the future, and helps our customers manage their water bills.
Service: We operate a 24-hour customer service line with friendly Golden State Water representatives available to answer questions and take action to help with service issues. We strive to deliver personal attention to every customer and to be involved as a civic leader in the communities we serve.
Expertise: Our technical experts ensure we can efficiently deliver quality water and strong resource management.
Investing to Protect Your Service: We have access to capital to ensure our system is maintained to protect every drop of water from its source to your tap.
We don’t play politics with water service. Deferred maintenance and cutting corners puts customers and water quality at risk. We work to balance maintaining the water system with being efficient so that rates are reasonable. We have reformed our pension system and are focused on maximizing efficiency. We don’t charge for connection fees or service calls.
Golden State Water Company is a regulated utility in California and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American States Water Company. The company is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water and the California Public Utilities Commission. Golden State Water values customer input and appreciates the influence customers and all stakeholders have in the ratemaking and regulatory process.