The San Jacinto County Appraisal District takes pride in its commitment to the continuous performance improvement of all employees in multiple disciplines and competency areas. Following is a summary of some of the programs offered to the employees of the District.
New Employee Orientation
Each employee begins their career at SJCAD with a comprehensive orientation program that includes an introduction to the history, operation, and benefits of working at SJCAD. Following the orientation presentation, employees go on a walking tour of the operating departments of the District. This gives every new employee the opportunity to hear from District executives and managers how each operational unit of the District works. The goal is to get everyone off to an enthusiastic start in his or her career at SJCAD with a complete understanding of the District’s mission and how each unit contributes to the achievement of that mission.
Professional Appraisal Training
The appraisal staff undergoes department-specific, on-the-job training by managers and supervisors on every aspect of the appraisal cycle. There are special training sessions to ensure maximum competency at specific times of the appraisal year, including training on ARB procedures, customer service, value review, rendition acceptance, etc.
In adherence to the Property Taxation Professional Certification Act and working with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the San Jacinto County Appraisal District trains its appraisers to ensure that they are knowledgeable, competent, professional and ethical in their conduct, so that all taxpayers affected by the work of SJCAD receive fair and equitable treatment. The TDLR licenses, certifies, and re-certifies all property tax professionals. Licensing requires appraisers to successfully complete several courses and a certification exam. All property tax professionals who are actively engaged in appraising property for ad valorem tax purposes are required to be registered with the TDLR.
In order to meet the requirements of the TDLR, the SJCAD offers a series of courses to appraisal personnel. These courses range from an introduction to the property tax code and processes to detailed classes on valuing complex properties using the income approach to value. The District provides all classes to employees at no cost. At the conclusion of each class, the employee must pass a comprehensive examination.
In addition to examinations following each course, there are two major examinations that appraisers must pass in order to continue their registration with the TDLR and their employment with the District. The first major examination (Level III) typically takes place after approximately three years of service. The Level IV examination is generally given during the fourth or fifth year of employment. Upon successful completion of these examinations and the fulfillment of other requirements, the employee will receive the Registered Professional Appraiser (RPA) certification from the State.
