Unclaimed Property Specialist II

the South Dakota State Government•Pierre, SD

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist II serves as the Senior Claims Analyst and Technical Lead for the Unclaimed Property Division. This position handles the most complex, high-value, and legally sensitive claims filed against the State of South Dakota. Specialist II acts as a subject matter expert on SDCL 43-41B, providing final technical review of claims involving securities, mutual funds, corporate dissolutions, and complex multi-state probate issues. This role also serves as a mentor and quality control lead for other staff.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in program administration, finance, compliance, or a related area.
Strong initiative to work independently, yet collaborate with others to gain information, understanding, and perspective.
Supervisory or management experience required.
Bachelor's degree in related fields and 4 years' experience.
Strong understanding of state unclaimed property laws and regulatory requirements.
Five (5) or more years of experience in accounting, insurance underwriting, or as a paralegal in a law practice.
Excellent communication skills in both English and Spanish, with strong interpersonal abilities.
A combination of relevant education and experience may substitute for the degree requirement at OST discretion.
Must pass a comprehensive background check.

Responsibilities

Expertly reviews and adjudicates high-dollar claims and claims involving complex asset classes such as physical stock certificates, book-entry securities, and underlying shares.
Manages the liquidation process for securities in coordination with the State's brokerage partners, ensuring all corporate actions (mergers, splits, spin-offs) are accounted for in the final claim payout.
Analyzes intricate legal frameworks including Small Estate Affidavits vs. Full Probate, Indemnity Agreements, and Court Orders from foreign jurisdictions.
Performs systematic Quality Control (QC) reviews of claims adjudicated by Program Specialist I staff to ensure consistency in statutory interpretation and prevent overpayments or fraudulent disbursements.
Serves as the primary Technical Lead for the UCP database, troubleshooting system errors and coordinating with IT vendors for reporting enhancements.
Assists in training new hires and developing internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the claims team.
Provides technical assistance regarding complex reporting issues, such as aggregate reporting thresholds and reciprocal state exchange agreements.
Reviews findings from third-party audit firms to ensure identified property is correctly loaded into the state system and ready for reunification.
Drafts formal Determination Letters for claims that are denied based on complex statutory bars.
Monitors the claims workflow for indicators of Professional Finder misconduct or sophisticated identity theft schemes, fraud, or abuse.
Collaborates with others, both internal and outside agencies, to evaluate high-risk claims that may lead to litigation or administrative appeals.