Unclaimed Property Specialist II

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the State Treasurer / Division of Unclaimed Property in Pierre is seeking a Senior Claims Analyst and Technical Lead to guide the most complex and high-value unclaimed property claims. You will supervise staff, review complex assets, and coordinate with IT for system improvements.

You will mentor teams, interpret SDCL 43-41B, and ensure accuracy in adjudication and payout while mitigating risk of overpayments and fraud. Fluency in English and Spanish is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required or equivalent.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in program administration, finance, or compliance.
• Strong initiative to work independently while collaborating to gain information and perspective.
• Supervisory or management experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and adjudicates high-dollar claims and complex asset classes.
• Serves as Senior Claims Analyst and Technical Lead for the Unclaimed Property Division.
• Mentors staff and develops SOPs for the claims team.
• Provides technical aid on complex reporting issues and system enhancements.
• Monitors workflow and identifies potential fraud or misconduct.

Skills

English & Spanish communication

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a related field

Job description

Job ID 37862 - Unclaimed Property Specialist II

Agency: Office of the State Treasurer / Division of Unclaimed Property

Location: Pierre

Salary/Grade: $29.81 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications, minimal travel required

Pay Grade EH99

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Position Summary

The Program Specialist II serves as the Senior Claims Analyst and Technical Lead for the Unclaimed Property Division. This position handles the most complex, high-value, and legally sensitive claims filed against the State of South Dakota. Specialist II acts as a subject matter expert on SDCL 43-41B, providing final technical review of claims involving securities, mutual funds, corporate dissolutions, and complex multi-state probate issues. This role also serves as a mentor and quality control lead for other staff.

The duties of this position include:

• Expertly reviews and adjudicates high-dollar claims and claims involving complex asset classes such as physical stock certificates, book-entry securities, and underlying shares.
• Manages the liquidation process for securities in coordination with the State's brokerage partners, ensuring all corporate actions (mergers, splits, spin-offs) are accounted for in the final claim payout.
• Analyzes intricate legal frameworks including Small Estate Affidavits vs. Full Probate, Indemnity Agreements, and Court Orders from foreign jurisdictions.
• Performs systematic Quality Control (QC) reviews of claims adjudicated by Program Specialist I staff to ensure consistency in statutory interpretation and prevent overpayments or fraudulent disbursements.
• Serves as the primary Technical Lead for the UCP database, troubleshooting system errors and coordinating with IT vendors for reporting enhancements.
• Assists in training new hires and developing internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the claims team.
• Provides technical assistance regarding complex reporting issues, such as aggregate reporting thresholds and reciprocal state exchange agreements.
• Reviews findings from third-party audit firms to ensure identified property is correctly loaded into the state system and ready for reunification.
• Drafts formal Determination Letters for claims that are denied based on complex statutory bars.
• Monitors the claims workflow for indicators of Professional Finder misconduct or sophisticated identity theft schemes, fraud, or abuse.
• Collaborates with others, both internal and outside agencies, to evaluate high-risk claims that may lead to litigation or administrative appeals.

The successful candidate must possess the following:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in program administration, finance, compliance, or a related area.
• have a strong initiative to work independently, yet collaborate with others to gain information, understanding, and perspective.
• Supervisory or management experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in related fields and 4 years' experience.
• Strong understanding of state unclaimed property laws and regulatory requirements.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in accounting, insurance underwriting, or as a paralegal in a law practice.
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Spanish, with strong interpersonal abilities.
• A combination of relevant education and experience may substitute for the degree requirement at OST discretion.
• Must pass a comprehensive background check.

Pierre-Based/Preferred with Hybrid Flexibility Considered

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

An Equal Opportunity Employer