JOB TITLE: UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION SPECIALIST 2

JOB CODE: 06420

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Unemployment Compensation Specialist job series describes professional work in planning, implementing, and evaluating unemployment compensation programs on a statewide basis.

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional work in the analysis, development, and implementation of statewide unemployment compensation (UC) benefits or tax service programs for employers and unemployed workers.

An employee in this job researches, develops, interprets, and implements UC policies and procedures involving UC benefits, tax services, and workforce development activities; and ensures they conform to all applicable legislation, regulations, rules, and guidelines. Work involves analyzing operational and programmatic problems; and recommending process revisions to improve program effectiveness, efficiency, and service delivery. Work also involves investigating complex UC claims that impact the UC Trust Fund balance and resolving issues through the initiation of account adjustments, payment corrections, and fund transfers. Work is reviewed for adherence to established policies, procedures, standards, and objectives.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower-level job based on the responsibility to analyze complex case information that impacts the UC Trust Fund balance in order to make procedural recommendations and provide technical assistance to unemployment compensation staff.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Analyzes complex UC claims with multiple issues to resolve problems with benefit or tax services accounts, reports, and statistical data.

• Revises new UC claim or tax procedures while ensuring conformity with applicable regulations, policies, and rules.

• Researches specific areas of UC systems, such as UC benefits, workforce development, or tax services, to ensure system effectiveness, identify deficiencies, and recommend solutions.

• Monitors automated processes and systems to determine compliance with guidelines; recommends enhancements and test scripts, conducts system testing, and troubleshoots issues with information technology staff.

• Advises claimants and employers of rights and responsibilities concerning UC laws, policies, and procedures.

• Researches claimant and employer records and relevant information for conformance with federal regulations, state laws, and departmental policies and procedures.

• Monitors and researches legislation and policy changes affecting program administration.

• Develops evaluation techniques, forms, instructions, and other related material; revises manuals, directives, and correspondence affecting program administration; and prepares written and statistical reports, manuals, and correspondence to ensure consistency.

• Conducts meetings and speaking engagements with internal and external groups, including employers and other governmental agencies, to educate them about UC programs; works in conjunction with the CareerLinks to provide presentations for the public.

• Serves as a UC representative during mass layoffs, plant closures, downsizing, or other mass closures; conducts fact-finding meetings with employers to obtain information and expedite processing for laid-off employees.

• Provides technical assistance and training to UC staff to ensure a consistent interpretation and implementation of laws, regulations, and procedures.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in researching, collecting, organizing, and evaluating data.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, policies, and procedures applicable to unemployment compensation programs.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve problems.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information and numerical data.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year as an Unemployment Compensation Specialist 1 or Unemployment Compensation Tax Technician Supervisor (commonwealth titles);

or

• One year of professional work experience in an unemployment compensation program; and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.