Unemployment Compensation Specialist 2

Unemployment Compensation Specialist 2 As an Unemployment Compensation Specialist 2, you will be part of the Commonwealth's Workforce Development initiatives that help employees and employers navigate changes and challenging times. This position serves as the UC Service Center representative at a rapid response event or when temporary or permanent layoffs occur by coordinating communication and providing support to employers and claimants. Your work will help communities connect with the support they need by keeping people informed about services, resources, benefits, procedures, and more. Step into a position where your skills make a difference! This position helps guide employers and workers through unemployment processes in the case of layoffs, plant closing, or downsizing resulting worker unemployment. Our team will rely on you to provide clear communication, timely assistance, and accurate information to the people and organizations we serve. As an Unemployment Compensation Specialist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Preliminary Outreach: Communicate with employers who anticipate mass, temporary, permanent, and seasonal layoffs to gather information and help UC Service Center staff provide appropriate support
• Provide and Track Support: Answer claimant and employer questions received via telephone, email, or legislative referral; monitor each case to ensure that it is handled in an expeditious manner and the issue is resolved based upon UC law and regulations
• Public Presentations: Represent UC Service Centers at meetings for layoffs and special programs; present UC information at events; explain rights, responsibilities, and filing steps to claimants; and answer questions about their unique situations
• Report Writing: Prepare reports of rapid response meetings; track and analyze UC services provided and report results to inform further workforce development planning
• PA CareerLink® Collaboration: Participate in workshops for claimants, presentations for employers, job fairs for all, and rapid response events hosted at PA CareerLink® locations

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Work hours may vary based on operational needs.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time after successful completion of the required probationary period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Wilkes-Barre. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as an Unemployment Compensation Specialist 1 or Unemployment Compensation Tax Technician Supervisor (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional work experience in an unemployment compensation program; and a bachelor's degree; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must possess and maintain federally compliant identification such as a U.S. Passport, REAL ID, or Military ID. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• This position will have access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) and is subject to the provisions of IRS Publication 1075 (Pub 1075) which requires you to pass an enhanced background check prior to beginning employment. Under Pub 1075, acceptance of a conditional offer of employment will require submission to and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to: a fingerprint-based federal records check; a PA State Police clearance; a check of local law enforcement agencies where you have lived, worked, and/or attended school within the last five (5) years; and a citizenship/residency verification.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.