ES UI Benefit Specialist 2 - Overpayment Unit: Telework



ES UI Benefit Specialist 2 - Overpayment Unit: Telework

Salary

$51,384.00 - $69,072.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Non-Permanent

Remote Employment

Remote Only

Job Number

2023-15190

Department

Employment Security Department

Division

Unemployment Insurance

Opening Date

12/04/2023

Closing Date

12/18/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

This recruitment is available only to current Internal Employment Security Department employees. We are filling multiple non-permanent employment security benefit specialist 2 positions to join the Overpayment Operations Team for a time bound project.  


This recruitment announcement is intended to fulfill ESD’s obligation as required by ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5193 which among other requirements seeks to ensure claimants needing special assistance in accessing Unemployment Insurance overpayment waivers are appropriately accommodated. As the Benefit Specialist 2 within the Overpayment Project, you will support Employment Security Department’s mission and vision of providing Washington’s workers equitable access to programs that contribute to economic security by providing professional duties related to Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs and services. Utilizing a thorough understanding of UI law and policy, these positions work independently to issue determinations to allow or deny pandemic era overpayment waiver applications. 


Please Note: These adjudicator (ESBS2) positions are for multiple hire dates between January 16, 2024 and March 1, 2024.

Duties

Some of what you will do: 

  • Detect and clarifying data through telephonic and electronic inquiries, correspondence, and interviews relating to overpayment waiver eligibility.
  • Conduct investigative interviews as needed with claimants.   
  • Determine rebuttal requirements and the need for additional facts.
  • Recognize and re-calculate incorrect payments of benefits and establish eligibility for the OP waiver.
  • Ensure that limited English proficient clients receive properly translated forms and translation services from interpreters.
For a full description of duties, please click here to request from recruiter: PDF Request.

Qualifications

Required:
A combination of education and relevant experience equivalent to seven (7) years which includes professional unemployment insurance claims experience. 

OR One (1) year of experience as a Benefits Specials 1 (previously UIS2 or UIS3).

Additionally:

  • Time in previous UIS positions and qualifying experience will count towards required number of years.
  • Previous adjudication experience strongly preferred.

Education to Experience Equivalences:
Associate Degree = 2 years | Bachelor Degree = 4 years | Masters or Higher = 5 years 

Qualifying areas of study include:
Social science / Business Administration / Public Administration / or Related Field 

 Additional Requirement of Employment: 

  • Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim & Benefit Information Review.
  • Internet service with speeds of 24mbps download and 2MB upload. To test your internet speed please go to www.speedtest.net.

Supplemental Information

Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship.  We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self. 

Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.


The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Jeanette Nelson 564-200-2475 the Talent Acquisition Team, or Washington Relay Service 711. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.  

This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
In order to be considered for this position, you must include a resume and a letter of interest with this applicant packet. Please click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.
  • Yes
  • No
02
This opportunity is available only to current Employment Security Department employees. Are you a current ESD employee?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Please select any of the following that best describes your experience that qualifies you for this position.
  • One (1) year as a UI Benefit Specialist 1 (previously UIS2 or UIS3)
  • A combination of education and experience equivalent to seven (7) years.
  • None of the above
04
In support of the question above, briefly describe your experience and where you gained this experience. If you do not have this competency, type N/A.
05
ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?
  • WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
  • WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
  • Washington State Employee Referral
  • ESD Employee Referral
  • Employment Security Department's job web page: WWW.Esd.Wa.Gov
  • Monster
  • College/university career fair or website
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • VERG
  • Craigslist
  • CareerBuilder
  • Diversity Jobs
  • Handshake
  • Other

Required Question

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