Benefit Program Specialist - Unemployment

State of Missouri; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Missouri in Jefferson City is seeking an Unemployment Specialist to support the Regional Claims Center. You will process unemployment insurance claims, secure needed information, and enter data accurately to help determine claim type.

This role emphasizes strong customer service and clear communications over the phone and in writing. Requirements include 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.

Qualifications

• 4 years of relevant experience OR a Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of study.
• Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis for denying consideration to any applicant.
• Knowledge of unemployment insurance program and applicable state and federal laws is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Secure detailed information to process state and federal unemployment insurance claims.
• Gather/document sufficient information to properly determine the type of unemployment claim.
• Accurately and comprehensively enter data received during phone contacts into the computer system.
• Answer/respond to telephone and written inquiries regarding unemployment insurance.
• Interview claimants to secure information concerning previous wages earned and weeks worked.
• Exercise independent judgment and initiative within the framework of established laws, policies, and procedures.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal communication

Interviewing techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of study

Job description

Please note: The salary/salary range listed in this job description is a base salary only and does not include years-of-service adjustments. Applicants eligible for years-of-service adjustments may exceed the salary/salary range listed above.

Unemployment Specialist

Annual Salary Range: $40,788 - $42,840

Please note: The salary/salary range listed in this job description is a base salary only and does not include years-of-service adjustments. Applicants eligible for years-of-service adjustments may exceed the salary/salary range listed above.

Why You Will Love This Position

This position is in the Regional Claims Center and serves the critical functions of providing excellent customer service and assistance in processing Unemployment Insurance benefit claims through the Division’s phone system.

What You Will Do

• Secure detailed information to process state and federal unemployment insurance claims.
• Gather/document sufficient information to properly determine the type of unemployment claim.
• Accurately and comprehensively enter data received during phone contacts into the computer system.
• Answer/respond to telephone and written inquiries regarding unemployment insurance.
• Interview claimants to secure information concerning previous wages earned and weeks worked.
• Exercise independent judgment and initiative within the framework of established laws, policies, and procedures.

NOTE: Initial job duties are heavily weighted toward answering incoming calls. Training and opportunities to perform other job functions can be impacted by call volumes and workload demands.

Qualifications

All you need for success:

• 4 years of relevant experience OR a Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of study

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis for denying consideration to any applicant.

Desired Attributes

• Ability to consistently display strong customer service skills with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to work efficiently, effectively, and accurately.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques and procedures required in the processing of claims for unemployment insurance received through the claims intake phone system.
• Knowledge of the principles, objectives, and regulations underlying the unemployment insurance program and of the applicable state and federal laws.
• Knowledge of computer and related equipment for data input, retrieval, and word processing.

More Reasons To Love This Position

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

Connie Jones via email at [e-mail]