Labor & Employment Specialist I

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Labor & Employment Specialist I provides customer service in the delivery of Colorado’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program within the Customer Service Center. The position informs claimants of their rights and responsibilities and responds to questions about the UI process through telephone, email, chat, workforce centers, and the UI lobby. It reviews and coordinates claims, explains applicable policies and laws, and helps protect the interests of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The position answers inquiries about compliance, wages, account history, rate computations, and benefits. It conducts investigative fact-finding, researches legal sources, and adjudicates non-monetary, non-separation issues by applying relevant state and federal statutes. It may also represent the Department at appropriate UI appeal hearings. These roles require careful review of new and existing claims, including attention to possible unreported job separations, overpayments, and other issues that may not be readily apparent. The position is open only to current Colorado residents. Hybrid workplace options are available, although reporting to the listed work address may be required at the supervisor’s discretion and based on business needs. Initial training takes place in the Denver office and lasts 16 weeks; employees are assigned to training teams and supervisors, then transferred to a final team and supervisor based on business needs. An online exam covering Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and basic support competencies follows minimum-qualification screening.

Requirements

Four years and six months of relevant experience in an occupation related to the assigned work, or a combination of related education and/or relevant experience totaling four years and six months.
Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.
Must pass a thorough background check before employment.
Required competencies include technical skills, customer service, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, complex problem solving, communication, attention to detail, strong writing, information retention, and the ability to work in a structured environment.
Must complete an online exam covering Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and other basic support competencies after minimum-qualification screening.
Work experience and qualifications must be documented in the official online application; resumes, cover letters, and attachments are not accepted.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English and Spanish reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Experience or interest in the public sector.
Experience in a high-volume customer service role.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience with Google Suite, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive.

Responsibilities

Provide customer service in the delivery of Colorado’s Unemployment Insurance program through telephone, email, chat, workforce centers, and in person.
Identify and coordinate UI claims-taking activities for individuals filing Colorado-based liable claims.
Explain and clarify UI Division policies, regulations, and state and federal laws related to the Colorado Employment Security Act and Federal Unemployment Tax Act.
Inform claimants of their rights and responsibilities while protecting the interests of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
Answer inquiries regarding compliance, wages, account history, rate computations, and benefits.
Review new and existing claims for issues such as unreported job separations, overpayments, and other potential problems.
Conduct investigative fact-finding, research legal sources, and adjudicate non-monetary, non-separation issues by applying state and federal statutes.
Represent the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment at appropriate UI appeal hearings.
Use a variety of computer systems and applications to perform assigned work.

Benefits

PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
Medical and dental health plans.
Employer-supplemented Health Savings Account.
Paid life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave.
State employee discount program through BenefitHub.
MotivateMe employee wellness program.
Flexible schedules, training, and other work-life programs.
RTD EcoPass Commuter Program.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.