(3) Non-permanent full-time positions
Expected Duration: December 1, 2009 - November 30, 2010

The opportunity
The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Training Benefits Team is seeking three Training Benefits Specialists to produce quality decisions about UI training benefits and Commissioner-approved training programs.

As a Training Benefits Specialist, you will research and utilize UI law and policy in order to produce quality decisions. Expectations are to write a minimum of 40 non-monetary decisions in a normal forty-hour week so that timeliness and quality standards are met, our customer's receive timely and quality decisions, accurate payment to eligible claimants is assured, and all department and federal standards are met.

Major duties

• Make and issue formal and informal written decisions to allow or deny UI claims that involve non-monetary Training Benefit issues.
• Apply complex laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to the UI program.
• Respond to requests for re-determination from claimants.
• Determine eligibility for claimants in the collections of UI for Training Benefits.
• Utilize electronic systems such as Oracle system, Expert Fact Finder, General UI Design Effort (GUIDE, a UI-benefits computer system), and other systems to perform the job duties efficiently.
• Compose clear, understandable benefit decisions that reference specific policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to UI benefit programs.

Required qualifications
One year of experience as a UI Specialist 2, or equivalent class within ESD;

Or

A bachelor's degree and one year of professional level experience providing customer service in areas such as UI, social services, human resource services, education, public relations, benefits programs, insurance claims, law enforcement, banking, and real estate.

Customer service experience, as specified above, will substitute, year for year, for education.

A master's or law degree will substitute for the required experience.

Desired qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate following skills and experience in their letter of interest:

• Experience with UI benefit programs.
• At least one year of experience conducting adjudication, conducting mediations, conducting investigations, and/or providing high-level, complex customer service resolution services.
• Experience writing decisions regarding the determination of eligibility for benefit programs.
• Knowledge of or experience with UI Training Benefits and Commissioner-Approved Training programs.

Why we work here
Employment Security employees:

• Make a difference in the lives of people looking for work.
• Receive affordable, quality healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision options.
• Get a generous, paid time-off package.
• Enjoy an employer-funded retirement plan.
• Can sign up for a deferred-compensation program, flexible-spending accounts and tuition reimbursement.
• Work in a challenging and fun environment with creative, talented, and diverse individuals.

How to apply
Your application materials must be received no later than 5 p.m. on November 13, 2009, to be considered for this position.

Complete and submit:

1) To download an ESD application, click the link below.
ESD Application

2) Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this opportunity

Send your complete applicant package via e-mail to HRrecruiting@esd.wa.gov. Please reference the recruitment number in your email subject line.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete applicant package and follow the application instructions. Incomplete applicant packages will not be considered.

• Application materials must be in Word format (no PDF or scanned files).
• A signature is not required on the application form.
• Please do not password-protect the application form.
• Only electronically submitted materials are accepted.

The application package will be evaluated on quality and completeness as part of the screening/evaluation process. Should you have any questions regarding the application process please check the Frequently Asked Questions - Jobs at Employment Security page.

Agency profile
Employment Security Department (ESD) is one of the largest executive agencies in Washington State government. The mission of Employment Security Department is to help Washington's workers and employers succeed in the global economy by delivering superior employment services, timely unemployment benefits, and a fair and stable unemployment insurance system.

Unemployment Insurance Division profile
The Unemployment Insurance division administers and provides program services through statewide TeleCenters and its Web site. This division collects premiums from Washington employers and pays UI benefits to individuals who meet eligibility requirements. It also reviews, audits, and investigates instances of fraud.

Other information
As a condition of employment, the successful candidate accepting this position must comply with the Union Security clause contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternate format should provide contact information via e-mail, or via telecommunications device for the deaf at 800-676-3777.