This is the leadworker or program senior/specialist level of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) series. Responsible for independent performance of complex specialized unemployment insurance program requirements involving application of laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to the unemployment insurance claims. All positions apply complex laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to the unemployment insurance program.

Under general direction, conducts training, and assists with orienting, directing and coordinating the work of other UI Specialists. Implements and ensures consistent application of existing and new policies and procedures. Provides staff with expertise and assistance in the most complex claim issues. Carries an assigned workload of the most complex unemployment insurance claims processing and adjudication duties. Provides staff with expertise and assistance in the most complex claim issues.

Assigns workload to UI Specialist 1-4 level staff;

Provides staff development or staff training support;

Assists supervisor in monitoring quality, performance and productivity of UI staff;

Works in cooperation with supervisor to train, orient, direct and coordinate the work of UI staff; identifies training needs of individual staff members;

Provides input to supervisor to apprise of progress or potential need for additional training; assists with staff training on new and existing policies and procedures;

Coaches and mentors staff regarding laws, policies and procedures;

Researches, gathers and analyzes required information to make accurate decisions;

Reviews non-monetary decisions to advise UI Specialist 3 and 4 staff and determines if further action is needed;

Interprets and explains complex processes policies, and procedures;

Provides advice on complex UI issues, laws, policies and procedures;

Answers complex questions from employers, claimants and others advising those effected based on UI laws, policies and procedures;

Interfaces with challenging calls from claimants, employers and others; defuses and de-escalates difficult situations;

Works with supervisor to strategize and implement new approaches to the workload;

Reviews decisions written by lower level UIS staff for content, Department of Labor (DOL) requirements; provides continuous feedback on written documentation;

Collaborates with other UI Division units;

Under the guidance and direction of training staff, conducts training programs, presentations and workshops on unemployment benefits;

Organizes, writes and edits comprehensive and extensive technical materials including documentation of standard work processes;

Evaluates effectiveness of training programs and recommends corrections to training staff;

Serves as staff training liaison;

Serves on and may lead process improvement efforts, coordinating work of internal process improvement teams and working with agency-wide process improvement teams;

Performs other duties as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Bachelor's degree in social science, business administration, public administration, or related field and four years of professional unemployment insurance claims processing and adjudication experience.


A combination of education and/or relevant experience.


One year of experience as a UI Specialist 4 to include one year of experience applying unemployment insurance laws.

New class: 7-3-00.
Revised minimum qualifications: 1-11-02.
New class code: (formerly 30694) effective July 1, 2007.
Revised Desirable Qualifications: 11-28-07.
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work statements, knowledge and abilities and minimum qualifications, adopted 06/13/2019, effective 07/01/19.
Abolished job class adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023. See ES Benefits Specialist series.