Department of Labor - Bureau of Unemployment Compensation - Program Policy and Performance Division
Job Class Code: 0751
Grade: 26 (Supervisory)
Salary: $57,969 - $78,852
Location: Augusta, ME ; Hybrid (Telework)
Opening Date: May 24, 2024
Closing Date: June 10, 2024

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Planning, overseeing, and coordinating the work of subordinate personnel to review both paid and denied benefits claims and confirming that non-monetary determinations meet USDOL Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM)performance measures.
• Summarizing case findings and coding them for entry into a USDOL database. Results of case findings are used for analysis by Maine Department of Labor and USDOL and are published for other users, confidence in the accuracy of BAM data is critical.
• Explain, interpret, and provide guidance to subordinates on changes to applicable laws, rules, and programs to ensure determinations and decisions are consistent with federal/state/agency requirements.
• Interviewing, selecting, training, counseling, and evaluating the work of subordinate personnel to ensure that well qualified personnel are available to provide required services.
• Presenting BAM findings and identifying areas in which program staff could utilize additional training that would positively affect program performance.
• Preparing training materials and presenting training to BAM staff and claims center staff. This Team Leader will also work with our in-house training unit.
• Coordinating Benefit Timeliness and Quality (BTQ) performance reviews, submitting review findings to USDOL and collaborating with other team leaders, regional managers, and Bureau management in identifying training and change in a continuous improvement effort in claims adjudication.
• Investigating and resolving conflicts and problems involving claimants and employers. This will require interaction with Legislative Representatives, attorneys, representatives of other state agencies or departmental partners as well as USDOL representatives at Regional and National levels. Strong communication skills, tact and diplomacy are needed to successfully meet the requirements of this position.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of supervisory, employment, and labor-management relations principles and practices used in private industry.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, goals, and objectives of the unemployment security program.
• Knowledge of interviewing and investigation techniques.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies, techniques, and practices.
• Ability to oversee, plan, direct, prioritize, assign, and monitor work activities.
• Ability to select, train, mentor, coach, motivate, and evaluate the performance of subordinate personnel.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate facts and apply established criteria in determining claim status.
• Ability to communicate effectively using professional courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to evaluate operational activities in relation to performance management standards to achieve established goals and objectives.
• Ability to develop and implement procedural improvements and process changes.
• Ability to use applicable computer programs.

Minimum qualifications:

A Bachelors Degree in Public or Business Administration, Economics, or related field -and- six years experience in management and/or investigation/adjudication/personnel administration. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Kristi Burns at Kristi.J.Burns@Maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3 weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.21% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.