Claims Examiner Apprenticeship

Overview

The Claims Examiner turns complex unemployment insurance information into clear, accurate eligibility decisions that support Montana workers, employers, and communities. Working with information from claimants, employers, and other sources, this role investigates issues, evaluates evidence, and issues well‑reasoned determinations that are clearly explained and withstand review. By delivering fair, timely decisions and professional customer service, the position helps maintain program integrity, support economic stability, and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

• Probationary/New Apprentice‑
  
  Competency:
  
  1000 hours minimum
• CLE 2 Course: 2000 hours minimum
• CLE 3 Course: 3000–4000 hours
• CLE 4 Course: 5000–6000 hours
• Learn how to review unemployment claims by gathering basic information from claimants, employers, and other sources.
• Assist with fact‑finding interviews by asking questions, listening carefully, and recording accurate details.
• Support decision‑making by applying guidelines and policies with guidance from supervisors.
• Help review information from multiple sources and identify any missing or inconsistent details.
• Learn how to write clear, fair, and accurate decisions based on the facts of each case.
• Provide helpful customer service by answering questions and explaining processes in a clear and respectful way.
• Develop time‑management skills by organizing tasks and meeting deadlines with support.
• Participate in training, mentorship, and hands‑on learning to build skills and advance in the role.

• Interest in developing regulatory analysis and application skills: Demonstrates willingness to learn how to understand and apply laws, rules, and policies to different situations while maintaining fairness and compliance.
• Building investigative and analytical thinking: Demonstrates growing skill in gathering information from multiple sources, reviewing details, and using facts to support basic conclusions.
• Strengthening customer service and communication: Learns to clearly explain processes, listen to others, and communicate effectively with a variety of people, especially in busy environments.
• Improving decision writing and documentation: Develops the ability to write clear and organized summaries that explain decisions and support findings.
• Growing conflict resolution and judgment skills: Gains experience in handling disagreements, reviewing different perspectives, and making fair decisions with guidance.
• Developing time and workload management: Learns to organize tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
• Advancing learning agility and adaptability: Shows openness to learning new information and applying it to work, while adjusting to changes in laws, policies, and procedures.

• Interest in learning how to review information, make decisions, and explain outcomes in a professional setting.
• Experience or willingness to provide customer service, including answering questions and helping others understand processes.
• Basic ability or desire to learn how to follow rules, policies, or guidelines in a work environment.
• Strong communication skills, or a willingness to develop them, including writing clear notes and communicating effectively with others.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and basic office software, or the ability to quickly learn new computer systems.
• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information responsibly, with guidance and support as needed.

This agency may utilize a registered apprenticeship program to train and qualify employees for this position. Apprentices will receive predetermined pay increases each time they achieve defined apprenticeship milestones and demonstrate the required competencies. The specific terms, including the wage progression schedule, will be provided in writing at the time of hire.

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Military leave:
  Up to 15 days of full‑pay leave.
• Longevity…