Paid Family and Medical Leave Escalation Specialist (PFML Specialist 3 2020-04270) Lacey



Paid Family and Medical Leave Escalation Specialist (PFML Specialist 3 2020-04270) Lacey

Salary

$51,240.00 - $67,248.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2020-04270

Department

Employment Security Department

Division

Paid Family and Medical Leave

Opening Date

05/19/2020

Closing Date

6/2/2020 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

 
Power of to Help:  Here at the Employment Security Department (ESD), we believe in the Power to Help when people need it most. We provide economic security to the people of Washington every day and in every corner of the state. We help people find jobs, bridge gaps in employment and are now providing paid family medical leave.

Power of a Job: The Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) division is looking to for two Paid Family and Medical Leave Escalation Specialists to serve as vital members of the Operations Team. In this lead role, you will serve as a designated escalation specialist providing support for your team as they assist customers of the program. Your resolution training and skills will be relied upon to handle advanced and complex situations, customers, complaints and cases. You will also be the primary contact for the Office of the Ombudsman, collaborating with them to research and resolve these issues.
 
It is estimated that up to 2/3 of Washingtonians will have an event that results in them being eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave.  Working on the Paid Family and Medical Leave Team means you get to help create a people-centered, accessible, and cutting-edge program that will benefit millions of Washington workers and employers for generations.  If our mission motivates you, please apply to be a part of our team!

More than Just a Paycheck!  Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. To read more about our benefits, click on the following employee benefit links:

Duties

As an Escalation Specialist, you will be the first in line to respond to escalated emails and phone calls from Specialist 1s and 2s when they are not able to resolve the concern. You will also be the expert in de-escalation techniques, and your ability to empathize with customers will be monumental in easing difficult and frustrated customer states of mind. In addition, you will manage the Constituent Inquiry Tracking System (CITS), focusing on discovery of facts and determinations of the proper actions necessary to successfully resolve the complaints. You will also ensure consistency of these actions and communication by keeping appropriate parties apprised of the issues, cases and respective resolutions and staying current on all PFML processes, information, and guidance to guide your response to the cases you manage.

Some of what you'll be doing:

  • Identify the customer concern and/or issue, determine procedural steps necessary to bring to resolution, work with program staff to implement resolution, and communicate results to the customer.
  • Perform complex case review for benefit and weekly claims, voluntary plan cases, and other case types where complex issues exist.
  • Communicate with customers to review and resolve complaints in a timely, professional and courteous manner.
  • Review cases and customer issues of a complex or emotionally charged nature, determining correct course of action for resolution and implementation.
  • Ensure clients needing special assistance in accessing program benefits or fulfilling reporting requirements are appropriately accommodated.
  • Report to Operations Management team on issues being addressed, root causes of customer escalation, and recommended actions.
  • Serve as a mentor and coach providing support and feedback to Specialists regarding escalated and difficult customer situations.
  • Perform Specialist duties as assigned, including taking customer calls from the general queues, adjudicating benefit and voluntary applications and weekly benefit claims, evaluating Power of Attorney requests and conditional waiver applications, and participating as member of workgroups.
  • Perform Lead duties as assigned, including assigning general work, training, giving direction and feedback on processes and procedures and support teams.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in a health or social science, public administration, or a related field AND two (2) years of experience examining and/or processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, insurance claims, collection of insurance premiums, tax collection or providing staff support in financial eligibility determination.

OR  
A Master's degree in a health or social science, public administration, or a related field AND one (1) year of experience examining and/or processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, insurance claims, collection of insurance premiums, tax collection or providing staff support in financial eligibility determination .

OR
One year of experience as a/or equivalent to a PFML Specialist 2 with WA or another state that administers a paid family medical leave program.
 
OR
A combination of education and/or relevant experience.

Supplemental Information

Please attach a Resume and Cover Letter to your on-line application (through the Add Attachment(s) field).

  • A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa.
  • Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

Other Information
  • Final external candidates must be able to pass the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fraud Check.
  • Position may require frequent and/or occasional travel to field offices within the state, and/or occasional travel for meetings and/or training. Must meet requirements to operate state vehicles.
  • This recruitment may be used to establish a qualified pool of PFML Specialist 3 candidates for like agency-wide vacancies in the next six months.
  • 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 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.


Veteran's Preference
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD214 or other verification of military service.  Please black out any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.

Thank you for your service!


 
Modern Workplace
ESD's employee engagement continued to trend upward in 2018 as we developed programs to improve the employee experience. We are diligent and remain focused on creating a modern workplace designed to meet the needs of a changing workforce. We have wellness programs, telework policies and flexible schedules. We're working to update our facilities all over the state to enhance both the client and employee experience. 
 
Opportunity for All
The Washington Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Please include your name and preferred pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.
 


 


Please contact Carolyn Haley on the Talent Acquisition Team at 360-480-5752, chaley@esd.wa.govHRRecruiting@esd.wa.gov, or Washington Relay Service 711 with general questions, if you are a person with a disability needing assistance in the application process, or if you need this job announcement in an alternate format.

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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and 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.
 
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.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
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.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
In order to be considered for this position, you must include a resume and letter of interest with this applicant packet. Please click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.
  • Yes
  • No
02
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
  • Some College
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree or higher
  • I do not have a degree
03
Which of the following best describes the focus of your degree?
  • Public Administration
  • Business Administration
  • Health or Social Science
  • Closely Related Field of Study
  • I do not have a degree
04
Which best describes your professional experience examining and/or processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, insurance claims, collection of insurance premiums, tax collection or providing staff support in financial eligibility determination?
  • I have less than 11 months of experience
  • I have 12 - 23 months of experience
  • I have 24 - 35 months of experience
  • I have 36 - 47 months of experience
  • I have 48 - 59 months of experience
  • I have 60 - 71 months of experience
  • I have 72 - 83 months of experience
  • I have 84 - 95 months of experience
  • I have 96 or more months of experience
  • I do not have this experience
05
In support of the question above, briefly describe your work experience and how it relates to this position. If this does not apply to you, type N/A.
06
Which of the following best describes your experience handling escalated, complex customer issues?
  • I do not have this type of experience nor any related training, but I am willing to learn.
  • I have received training in customer service, complaint resolution and/or de-escalation tactics, but do not have job experience doing so.
  • I have less than two years of this type of on-the-job experience.
  • I have more than two years of this type of on-the-job experience.
07
Please briefly describe your experience and approach to resolving complex customer issues and de-escalating angry or frustrated customers. If you do not have this experience, type N/A
08
How do you adapt to changes in your working environment (new technologies, new processes, new laws, etc.)?
09
How did you hear about the opportunity you are applying to?
  • Social Media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
  • Referral from current ESD employee
  • WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
  • MilitaryJobs.com
  • VERG
  • careers.wa.gov
  • esd.wa.gov
  • Monster.com
  • Indeed.com
  • Online Job Board (not listed above)
  • Other
10
If you selected "other" or "other job board not listed" please tell us how you learned about this job opportunity? If this does not apply to you, type N/A.

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact