UC Eligibility Agent - Multiple Vacancies

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Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Join the Maine Department of Labor and make a difference through public service. As an Unemployment Compensation (UC) Eligibility Agent, you will help people access unemployment benefits by gathering information, reviewing eligibility, and resolving claim issues. Your work will help ensure benefits are paid accurately, fairly, and in accordance with state and federal law.

In this role, you will work directly with claimants, employers, and other partners to obtain and verify information, determine initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits, resolve issues that affect claims, and review monetary determinations for accuracy. Work is performed under general supervision and requires sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Employees are expected to work at least one day each week in the office.

Hybrid work is not available immediately upon hire. New employees must first demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the position independently. In most cases, hybrid work may be considered after successful completion of the six-month probationary period, although eligibility may be approved earlier if competency is demonstrated and operational needs allow.

• →Interview applicants to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for program benefits.

• →Evaluate information and apply allowable standards and criteria to establish program eligibility and determine benefits accurately.

• →Explains program eligibility requirements, rules and regulations, and individual rights and responsibilities to advise clients.

• →Detects and resolves discrepancies in the information provided to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• →Refers clients to various programs to make referrals to increase claimant marketability and assist applicants in obtaining needed and appropriate services.

• →Develops reports, testifies, and represents the 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 the 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, 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 your own thinking and respond calmly to de-escalate various situations and deal effectively with people of various social and economic backgrounds.
• Evaluate the client's situation and offer advice on solving immediate problems.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and well-documented case records.
• Respond effectively to adverse situations.
• Gather and analyze information and make sound recommendations.
• Prepare and present case facts, evidence, and testimony.

(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

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.

Questions about this position should be directed to:  Deanna Moreau, Deanna.Moreau@maine.gov

To request a paper application, please contact Stephanie Hayes via email at recruiting.sesc@maine.gov

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 Balance – 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 ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 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. 
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee. 
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act. 
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

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 anything less than full-time.

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 experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE

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