JOB TITLE: UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION SPECIALIST 1

JOB CODE: 06410

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 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 assists in researching, developing, interpreting, and implementing UC policies and procedures; ensuring they conform to all applicable legislation, regulations, rules, and guidelines; monitoring programs; and making program recommendations. Work involves evaluating UC programs to identify areas of improvement in efficiency, services, and effectiveness; developing, evaluating, and implementing training initiatives to ensure effective and consistent operations throughout the state; participating in the research, analysis, and development of revisions to program enhancements to improve service delivery; and researching and responding to claimant and employer issues and inquiries. Work is reviewed for quality, adherence to program policy and guidelines, and soundness of recommendations.

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.)

• Researches, analyzes, and recommends action on operational and programmatic problems to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

• Assists higher level specialists in the development of final reports, procedures, and instructions.

• Participates in delivering UC services to claimants and employers in the areas of UC benefits, workforce development, or tax services.

• Corrects, adjusts, investigates, and resolves moderately complex unemployment compensation claims, records, and funds impacting the UC Trust fund, including account adjustments, payment corrections, and fund transfers.

• Researches and investigates issues such as questions about claims or taxes; and prepares correspondence to claimants or employers.

• Analyzes UC claims, accounts, reports, and statistical data relating to the revision of new UC benefits or tax procedures.

• 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.

• Prepares drafts of written reports, manuals, and procedural instructions.

• 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; and recommends resolutions to problems.

• Monitors and researches legislation and policy changes affecting program administration and revises manuals, directives, and correspondence to ensure consistency.

• Assists in the development of evaluation techniques, forms, instructions, and other related material; and in the preparation and completion of special projects and statistical reports.

• Participates in meetings and speaking engagements with internal and external groups, including employers and other government agencies.

• 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 methods and techniques used in employment services programs.

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

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

• 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 Claims Intake Interviewer or Unemployment Compensation Tax Technician (commonwealth titles);

or

• One year of technical work experience in an unemployment compensation program, or employment-services program; and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.