Unemployment Compensation Eligibility Agent - Limited Period - Multiple Vacancies - Augusta

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

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 Denis.m.collins@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