Unemployment Insurance Specialist (Contribution)

State of Ohio

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Unemployment Insurance Specialist works in the Contribution Section of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations. The role supports Ohio’s unemployment insurance program by maintaining employer accounts and communicating with coworkers, employers, and third-party representatives by telephone, email, written correspondence, and potentially face to face. The position is permanent and full time, with an office headquartered at an ODJFS facility in Columbus, Akron, or Dayton, determined in part by proximity to the applicant’s home address.

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with standard workdays between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; the stated schedule for this position is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexible schedules may be possible based on section seniority. Travel may be required, including to an alternate location on a rotating schedule. Employees must provide their own transportation or have a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle.

The starting salary for non-state employees is Step 1 of pay range X, currently listed as $26.54. Pay increases through the range with continued employment: after six months and annually thereafter, with cost-of-living adjustments each fiscal year. The position is classified and represented by OCSEA. The final candidate must undergo a criminal background check; some positions may require fingerprinting.

The State of Ohio offers eligible employees medical coverage; dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums at no cost after the eligibility period; paid vacation, personal and sick leave and 11 paid holidays; childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave; education and development opportunities; public retirement systems; and optional deferred compensation. Eligibility depends on several factors, and the agency contact can provide details specific to the position.

Requirements

• Meet one of the listed qualification pathways: 24 months of experience interpreting, applying, and making decisions for program eligibility and/or liability, plus 6 months of training or experience developing correspondence, 12 months of training or experience in customer contact for problem-solving, and 6 months of training or experience operating a personal computer.
• Alternatively, complete undergraduate coursework in business administration, public administration, human services, or social sciences, plus 6 months of training or experience developing correspondence, 12 months of training or experience in customer contact for problem-solving, and 6 months of training or experience operating a personal computer.
• Alternatively, have 24 months of experience as an Unemployment Insurance Examiner (class 16752), or equivalent of the minimum class qualifications.
• Handle employer complaints and other sensitive inquiries.
• Review and understand written procedures.
• Manage multiple tasks and priorities concurrently.
• Communicate professionally by telephone, email, and Microsoft Teams.
• Use a computer and software programs including Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Follow instructions, demonstrate organizational skills, and remain flexible as priorities change.
• Provide own transportation or have a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle when travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with coworkers, employers, and third-party representatives by telephone, email, written documentation, postal mail, and potentially face to face.
• Review and update employer unemployment accounts concerning tax liability, wage filings, payments, tax rates, successorships, and other position-related processes.
• Prepare for and assist with training new staff.
• Review and update training documents, including procedures and forms.
• Complete production reports on time.
• Attend and participate in team and section meetings, training, and other group discussions.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums at no cost after the eligibility period.
• Paid vacation, personal and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed