This is the journey level of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Specialist series, independently performs intake, processing and adjudication of unemployment insurance claims. Coach and mentor lower level UI specialists.
Processing unemployment insurance claims; or adjudicates unemployment insurance claims. All positions apply complex laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to the unemployment insurance program.

Under general supervision, independently performs professional unemployment insurance assignments, including providing intensive services along with claims intake, and processing duties for routine and complex unemployment insurance claims. Provides coaching and mentoring to instruct and guide the work of other UI Specialists. Implements and ensures consistent application of existing and new policies and procedures. Adjudicates claims involving complex analysis, determines appropriate claim status, conducts research and performs interviews to obtain facts that effect eligibility, determinations or redeterminations to allow or deny UI benefits that involve non-monetary issues including quits, discharges, availability, suitability, fraud and routine overpayment. Conducts fact-finding with claimants, employers, employer representatives, and third parties when required. Determines rebuttal requirements and need to obtain additional facts, and advises claimants of final rights and responsibilities. Represents the agency in appeal hearings

Receives, reviews, processes and assists claimants with UI claims;

Answers questions from claimants regarding procedures, laws, policies, rules and regulations;

Investigates and takes action on customer calls;

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

Interviews claimants, employers and third parties to obtain facts related to complex UI eligibility issues;

Determines rebuttal requirements and the need for additional facts;

Produces clear, logical determinations for non-monetary decisions that will pass federal guidelines for timeliness and quality standards;

Issues determinations to allow or deny UI benefits;

Advises claimants of rights and responsibilities;

Represents the agency at appeal hearings;

Serves on work groups to perform problem solving, troubleshooting and process improvement;

Answers complex questions from employers, claimants and others;

Resolves complex UI claims issues;

May assist with training lower level UI staff;

Assists with assessing delivery of services; applies and shares best practices;

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.

One year of experience as a UI Specialist 3.


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


A combination of education and/or relevant experience.

New class: 7-3-00.
Revised distinguishing characteristics, and minimum qualifications: 1-11-02.
New class code: (formerly 30693) effective July 1, 2007.
Housekeeping only: revised desirable qualifications (replaced Job Service Specialist 3 with WorkSource Specialist 3) October 1, 2007.
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.