CLAIMS TECHNICIAN 24341

F

This is the first class in the Claims Examiner series for positions that analyze unemployment insurance documentation and claimants' and employers' accounts and records for conformity to applicable state and federal unemployment insurance laws, assess eligibility of claims, and place or adjust charges to employers' accounts. Positions in this class are responsible for reviewing and processing claims for unemployment benefits, and charges which affect employers' experience rating. Positions in this class interpret unemployment insurance laws to initially determine award or denial of claims, or the need for further investigation or referral. Positions may review and interpret information to collect unemployment benefits paid to individuals with revoked entitlement. This class is distinguished from the Claims Examiner class by the latter's responsibility to serve as lead worker by scheduling and assigning work, providing technical guidance, and approving special actions.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of routine difficulty requiring the examination of claim records, employer records, unemployment insurance documentation and correspondence. Positions contact claimants, employers and other parties deemed necessary to obtain amplifying information or to verify the accuracy of existing information and explain determinations of award or denial to claimants and employers. Errors encountered may derive from a variety of sources, including inaccurate or incomplete information provided by claimants or employers, misidentification of claimant or employer accounts, multiple filing of claims, or differing criteria for the types of claims filed. Incumbents determine the method of contact with claimant or employer and periods to be researched to determine the problem and its resolution. Work involves initiating extensive search of automated and microfilmed documents to correct, identify, and verify data affecting the determination to award, adjust, or deny claims.

Supervision Given: Supervision is not typically a factor for this class. During peak periods may act as team leader by providing instructions on procedures and routine research.

Supervision Received: Direction is received from an Unemployment Compensation Supervisor or Unemployment Compensation Manager. Work direction is received from a Claims Examiner who is consulted in situations beyond established procedures and criteria.

Scope: Positions in this class affect and facilitate the accuracy and reliability of the agency's unemployment insurance system through the award or denial of claims, placement of charges against employers' accounts, and information given to the public.

Impact of Actions: Actions have a moderate impact on the validity of unemployment insurance benefit and employer tax information. Significant time, money and public goodwill is expended to correct inaccurate charges placed against employer accounts.

Personal Contacts: Frequent external contacts with claimants, employers and other parties to answer inquiries and to obtain additional clarifying information. Occasional external contacts with attorneys to answer inquires about existing claims and procedures. Frequent internal contacts with claims staff in local and central offices to obtain information or documents, or to advise of referral of denied claims.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of state and federal unemployment insurance laws, rules and regulations to determine award or denial of claims and to place charges against employers' accounts.

Skills: Working skill in the operation of a calculator and keyboarding.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations, to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to interpret and apply oral and written instructions, and to solve complex claims problems.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school with course work in business math or accounting.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in work such as bookkeeping, accounting or inventory work or related expeerience requiring logical determination of the accuracy of data.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

Positions in this class were formerly classified as Unemployment Claims Examiner A. This class was revised and retitled class as a result of a classification study conducted by the Virginia Employment Commission, effective March 1990.