Compensation eligibility agent - multiple - #1334809

Department of Labor - Bureau of Unemployment Compensation
Job Class Code: 0753
Grade: 19 (Professional/Technical)
Salary: $40,060 - $53,372
Location: Augusta
Opening Date: April 5, 2024
Closing Date: April 22, 2024

The Department of Labor is seeking detail-oriented people who can provide compassionate support to people who have become unemployed. As an Unemployment Compensation (UC) Eligibility Agent you will support the public with their unemployment claims, which provide economic resources for people as they bridge the gap in their employment. Responsibilities include obtaining and verifying information, determining applicant initial and continuing eligibility for program benefits, identifying, and resolving claim matters, and verifying correctness of previous monetary determination decisions. Work is performed under general supervision.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Interviews applicants to determine initial and on-going eligibility for program benefits.
• Evaluates information and applies allowable standards and criteria to accurately establish program eligibility and determine benefits.
• Explains program eligibility requirements, rules and regulations, and individual rights and responsibilities to advise clients.
• Detects and resolves discrepancies in information provided to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Refers clients to various programs to include making referrals to increase claimant marketability to assist applicants in obtaining needed and appropriate services.
• Develops reports, testifies, and represents Department at hearings to support the State's case.
• Researches and identifies possible benefit overpayments, assesses causes, and determines the potential for misrepresentation to make referrals and/or to identify scope of non-fraudulent overpayments.
• Examines and evaluates primary and collateral information contained in case records to determine ongoing accuracy and address deficiencies.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable agency laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, terminology, core operations, and eligibility requirements for unemployment benefit programs.
• Verbal and nonverbal communication and behavior.
• Interviewing methods and techniques.
• Standard computer desktop programs.
• Federal, state, and local programs and services available for client groups.
• Hearings procedures.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively.
• Write clearly and effectively.
• Work independently.
• Organize and prioritize work effectively.
• Read and implement policies, guidelines, complex forms, and documents.
• Organize own thinking and respond calmly to de-escalate a variety of situations and deal effectively with people of various social and economic backgrounds.
• Evaluate client situation and offer advice in solving immediate problem.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and well documented case records.
• Respond effectively in adverse situations.
• Gather and analyze information and make sound recommendations.
• Prepare and present case facts, evidence, and testimony.

Minimum qualifications:

A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or progressively responsible experience that demonstrates competency in applying a solid knowledge of the principles and practices of quality customer service and complex work in assisting the public with applications, program benefits, or employment services that have an eligibility or compliance component, interviewing and data gathering skills as needed to form basis for judgments in eligibility determinations, claims resolutions, and/or customer service requests – OR – a Bachelors Degree in Social Services, Business Administration, or other related field.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Denis Collins at ***************@maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.21% for Confidential employees.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.