Unclaimed Property Specialist II

Sdsoybean; Pierre (SD); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Eleven paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Dental

Vision

Retirement benefits

Other insurance options

Job summary

The Office of the State Treasurer, Division of Unclaimed Property, seeks a Program Specialist II to serve as Senior Claims Analyst and Technical Lead. You will adjudicate high-value, complex claims and mentor staff while ensuring compliance with SDCL 43-41B.

Responsibilities include supervising QC, coordinating with brokers, guiding IT with the UCP database, and drafting Determination Letters for denials; a Bachelor's degree and 5 years’ experience required, with supervisory experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in program administration, finance, or compliance.
• Supervisory or management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Adjudicate high-value and complex claims with legal sensitivity.
• Mentor and QC staff to ensure consistent statutory interpretation.
• Lead technical oversight of the UCP database and reporting.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to manage high-risk claims.
• Draft Determination Letters for denials and provide guidance on audits.

Skills

Quality control

Leadership

Legal compliance

Complex claims

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

Tools

UCP database

Job description

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.


• Five (5) or more years of experience in accounting, insurance underwriting, or as a paralegal in a law practice.


• 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.

• $0 premium employee health insurance option


• eleven paid holidays


• generous vacation and sick leave accrual


• dental


• vision


• other insurance options


• retirement benefits

You can view our benefits information here .This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

An Equal Opportunity Employer