Labor & Employment Specialist I - Bilingual

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. The position supports claimants through the Customer Service Center and explains their rights and responsibilities while protecting the interests of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Customer interactions may take place by telephone, email, chat, in workforce centers, and in the UI lobby. The work unit operates remotely, with hybrid workplace options available; employees may be required to report to the listed address at the supervisor’s discretion and based on business needs. Training takes place in the Denver office for 16 weeks, after which employees are assigned to a final team and supervisor based on business needs. The specialist coordinates UI claims-taking activities for individuals filing Colorado-based liable claims and uses a variety of computer systems and applications. The role answers questions about compliance, wages, account history, rate computations, and benefits. It also involves reviewing claims for complex or less obvious issues, conducting investigative fact-finding, researching legal sources, and adjudicating non-monetary, non-separation issues under applicable state and federal law. Specialists may represent the Department at UI appeal hearings. These roles require more than routine call-center work, including careful review of new and existing claims for possible unreported job separations, overpayments, or other problems. This bilingual position requires fluent Spanish and English reading, writing, and speaking abilities. The position is open only to current Colorado residents. Compensation is listed as $24.69–$36.53 per hour, $1,975.38–$2,922.40 biweekly, or $4,280.00–$6,331.87 monthly.

Requirements

Four years and six months of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned, or a combination of related education and/or relevant experience equal to four years and six months.
Fluent ability to read, write, and speak Spanish.
Colorado residency at the time of application.
Pass a thorough background check before employment.
Technical skills, customer service, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, complex problem solving, communication, attention to detail, strong writing, information retention, and ability to work in a structured environment.
Complete 16 weeks of training in the Denver office.

Nice To Haves

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.
Identify and coordinate UI claims-taking activities for individuals filing all types of Colorado-based liable claims.
Use computer systems and applications to provide service by telephone, email, chat, and in person.
Explain and clarify UI Division policies, regulations, and state and federal laws pertaining 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, or 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.

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.
BenefitHub state employee discount program.
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.