Unemployment Compensation Manager - Benefit Payment Control (Henrico)

Virginia-Employment-Commission; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Employment Commission in Henrico seeks an Unemployment Compensation Manager for the Benefit Payment Control Unit to lead efforts to protect program integrity by preventing, detecting, and recovering improperly received unemployment benefits.

The manager oversees investigations into compliance, fraud, and abuse; directs staff in determinations and audits; drafts policies; and represents the agency in hearings while guiding a high‑performing team to resolve complex issues.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of insurance and benefit laws and regulations.
• Experience managing staff and programs, with training ability.
• Experience conducting investigations, reporting findings, and providing testimony.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations into compliance, fraud, and abuse for UI benefits.
• Direct staff in determinations, audits, and case reviews.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Represent the agency in hearings and prepare investigative reports.
• Provide technical guidance to ensure adherence to laws and performance standards.

Skills

Insurance law knowledge

Investigative skills

Leadership

Policy development

Data analysis

Oral and written communication

Staff management

Court testimony

Cash management

Job description

Title: Unemployment Compensation Manager - Benefit Payment Control (Henrico)

State Role Title:Prog Admin Manager II

Hiring Range: $80,000 - $95,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Employment Commission

Location:VEC CENTRAL OFFICE

Agency Website:https://www.vec.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is seeking an Unemployment Compensation Manager for the Benefit Payment Control Unit who will lead efforts to protect program integrity by preventing, detecting, and recovering improperly received unemployment insurance benefits. This role oversees investigations into compliance, fraud, and abuse; directs staff in completing accurate determinations; audits cases; reviews escalated issues; and provides technical guidance to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and performance standards. The manager contributes to strategic planning, drafts and implements policies and procedures, prepares written investigative reports, represents the agency in hearings, and manages administrative duties while fostering a high‑performing team environment and ensuring clear communication that supports the resolution of complex issues.

Join the VEC and be part of a mission-driven agency dedicated to supporting workers, strengthening communities, and promoting economic stability across the Commonwealth. We administer Virginia’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits program with a commitment to providing customer-centered, accessible, inclusive, and impactful services to support our shared mission: lifting up Virginia, one unemployed worker at a time. The VEC is also an integral part of a historic milestone as Virginia becomes the first state in the South to offer Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). Our agency will be responsible for standing up and administering this new program, which will expand the vital support we provide for employees when they need it most.

We offer paid leave; a minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions); and are a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

If you’re motivated by public service, continuous improvement, and meaningful work that supports opportunity for all, the VEC is a place where your contributions matter!

Minimum Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of insurance and benefit laws and regulations, related quality and timeliness performance standards, conflict‑resolution and management practices, investigative techniques, program evaluation and quality assurance methods, rules of evidence and court proceedings, cash‑management principles, and collections activities.
• Demonstrated customer service skills, investigative skills, program management and evaluation skills, leadership skills, oral and written communication skills, and computer skills.
• Experience managing staff, overseeing administrative requirements and programs, and conducting training.
• Experience developing and implementing policies and procedures, interpreting and applying laws and regulations, and recommending strategies to improve performance.
• Experience conducting investigations, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, making findings‑based recommendations, and providing court testimony as needed.
• Experience offering technical assistance, using automated systems, responding to inquiries, and working tactfully with various parties.
• Possession of a valid VA Driver’s License, as statewide and overnight travel may be required.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with the Virginia Unemployment Act and UI benefit operations; DOL quality and timeliness performance standards and adjudication criteria.
• Management experience working with UI program activities and regulations; investigating claims and handling fraudulent activities, or management experience in a similar insurance‑related program.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.