Benefit Accuracy Auditor

State of Montana•Helena, MT

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Benefit Accuracy Auditor with the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Division, you'll independently investigate UI claims by interviewing claimants, employers, and other parties to verify the facts behind eligibility and benefit decisions. Your work helps ensure Montana workers and employers can trust that UI determinations are accurate, fair, and well-supported; protecting public funds and strengthening confidence in how the program is administered. The Unemployment Insurance Division depends on accurate, well-documented claims decisions to protect the integrity of the program and meet federal performance standards. The Benefit Accuracy Auditor examines and evaluates UI claims actions, documents, and case data to confirm that eligibility and benefit determinations were made correctly; investigating and interviewing claimants, employers, and other parties as needed. This position documents findings, corrects errors, and prepares clear case summaries and reports for program and executive leadership, and may also take part in peer reviews that evaluate audit work against federal and state criteria. Through this work, the position plays a direct role in safeguarding program integrity and public funds across the division.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience conducting investigations, audits, or reviews that require gathering facts, evaluating evidence, and reaching well-supported conclusions.
Experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, policies, or procedural standards to determine compliance or eligibility in a regulatory, insurance, benefits, or claims-related setting.
Experience conducting interviews or fact-finding conversations with individuals from a range of backgrounds, and evaluating the credibility of information gathered.
Proficiency with standard office software and the ability to learn and accurately use case management, data, or records systems; prior unemployment insurance experience is a plus but not required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience documenting findings and preparing clear, professional summaries or reports for varied audiences.
Experience managing a high volume of detailed work and competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy and sound judgment.
Critical thinking and attention to detail: Spot inconsistencies, gaps, or errors in documents, data, and testimony that others might miss.
Investigative interviewing: Ask clear, targeted questions and judge the credibility of claimants and employers across a range of communication styles.
Analytical and research skills: Gather, organize, and interpret information from multiple sources to reach a sound, well-supported conclusion.
Written and verbal communication: Explain findings and decisions clearly and professionally to claimants, employers, and colleagues.
Time management and prioritization: Manage a high volume of cases and shifting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy.
Sound judgment and independence: Make independent, defensible decisions while knowing when to escalate.
Technology aptitude and adaptability: Learn and accurately use case management and data systems, along with UI law, policy, and procedure on the job; prior UI experience is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Prior UI experience is a plus but not required.
Prior unemployment insurance experience is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Conduct claims audits: Examine UI claims actions, documents, and computer data to confirm the accuracy, adequacy, and propriety of eligibility and benefit determinations.
Investigate and gather facts: Interview claimants, employers, and third parties by phone, mail, and email to gather information, resolve discrepancies, and confirm compliance.
Analyze cases and identify patterns: Review completed cases, staff investigations, and denied claims to identify issues related to the program itself or an individual's eligibility for benefits.
Take corrective action: Resolve identified issues directly or refer them for action, and coordinate implementation of corrective measures.
Document and code findings: Translate investigation results into accurate, detailed records and coded data within state UI systems, correcting errors as needed.
Produce case summaries and reports: Prepare clear, well-documented summaries and reports for program and executive leadership that outline findings and recommendations.
Support quality reviews: Participate in peer reviews, evaluating the accuracy of other claims audits against federal and state criteria.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid vacation
Sick leave
Paid holidays
Membership in the Montana Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Flexible spending accounts
EAP
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73%25 - 9.07%25 of your annual salary.
A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)