Claims Specialist in OAKFORD, Indiana

Claims Investigator

On-Site, Full-time (37.5 hours) 3 month contract (with potential for extension & conversion) Compensation:
Pay starts at $20/hr during training, bumps to $21/hr once you're working independently, raises to $22/hr with conversion to a full-time offer

Location:

Kokomo, IN 46901

ABOUT THE ROLE Our client is seeking a skilled Claims Investigator to coordinate and make senior-level eligibility determinations for unemployment claims, ensuring compliance with stringent federal and state standards. This role requires objective fact-finding and legal analysis, clear explanation of laws and procedures to claimants and employers, and thorough investigation of employment history and benefit issues. The Claims Investigator will make final written determinations regarding entitlement or denial of benefits, manage correspondence, conduct investigations into lost or forged benefit warrants, support appeals, provide testimony at hearings, resolve system errors, and back up customer service during high volume periods.

The ideal candidate will possess specialized knowledge of unemployment laws, advanced understanding of relevant acts, strong computer skills, and the ability to interpret technical guidelines, communicate effectively, and organize a heavy workload efficiently. Professionalism, tact, and the ability to travel in limited circumstances are essential.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Coordinate with claimants, employers, and agency staff to make senior-level eligibility determinations based on objective fact finding and legal analysis, meeting stringent timeliness and quality standards set by federal and state authorities
• Explain laws, procedures, and unemployment programs to claimants and employers, including benefit rights and eligibility requirements
• Question claimants and employers regarding employment history and separation information
• Make final written determinations of entitlement or denial of benefits, compile information from claimants, employers, and Audit Section, and forward to Central Office for monetary determinations
• Receive, investigate, and reply to all correspondence from claimants and employers involving claims in the local office
• Conduct further investigations regarding stolen, lost, destroyed, or forged benefits warrants
• Assist claimants and employers in filing appeal forms for protested claims
• Provide testimony at referee hearings
• Organize and prioritize heavy workload to enable the agency to meet stringent federal standards
• Complete daily summary of work activities according to types and numbers of claims processed and characteristics of claimants
• Navigate multiple computer systems efficiently and effectively, staying abreast of regular changes and updates
• Investigate and correct system error lists related to wage reporting, claim computation, and payment of benefits
• Support and back up the Uplink customer service call center during high volume periods
• Perform all duties with optimum efficiency to ensure benefit determinations are issued within strict federal time constraints
• Take new and continued claims as needed
• Resolve field issues impacting unemployment insurance operations as directed by Claims Investigator Supervisors
• Perform related duties as assigned

WHAT YOU BRING

• Ability to interpret and apply technical manuals, memos, and written guidelines regarding unemployment compensation laws across all states
• Working knowledge of labor market dynamics, including seasonal layoffs and labor disputes
• Strong computer skills and ability to quickly master new technology and incorporate it into the work routine
• Quick and efficient decision-making, organizational, and prioritization skills
• Ability to communicate effectively on statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures to peers and subordinates
• Demonstration of professionalism and tact in interactions with agency staff, claimants, and employers
• Ability to accept supervision and adhere to protocols
• Ability to travel in limited circumstances

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person