This is the entry level of the professional Unemployment Insurance (UI) Specialist series for claims adjudication. Performs detail complex claims receipt and processing. Delivers services to clients by taking and processing basic and complex unemployment insurance claims; and performs adjudication, makes and issues formal and informal written decisions to allow or deny unemployment insurance claims that involve non-monetary issues. All positions apply complex laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to the unemployment insurance program.

Performs basic adjudication under close supervision involving basic analysis to determine appropriate claim status, conducts research and interviews to obtain facts that effect eligibility, and issues an allowance or denial of UI benefits. Acquires higher-level analytical skills for more complex claims determinations. Time is spent gaining proficiency to maintain a full workload of unemployment insurance claims involving non-monetary issues such as quits, discharges, availability, suitability, fraud and routine overpayment.
Under general supervision, provides professional unemployment insurance assignments, including providing intensive services or conducting claims intake and processing duties of routine and complex unemployment insurance claims.

Applies complex unemployment insurance program laws, policies, rules, regulations and procedures to process claims;

Processes receipt of complex unemployment insurance claims including: Unemployment Compensation Federal Employment (UCFE), Unemployment Compensation Ex-Military (UCEX), Temporary Total Disability (TTD), and Interstate Agent Combined Wage Claims (CWC) claims;

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.

Corrects errors and notifies lead-worker or supervisor of errors to prevent future occurrences;

Detects unemployment insurance issues;

Adjudicates unemployment insurance claims;

Resolves issues that may affect timely and accurate payments;

Reviews documents for completeness, accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations;

Participates in process improvement activities;

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 2, or equivalent class within ESD; or in another State’s Employment Security agency;


A Bachelor's degree in social science, business administration, public administration, or related field and two years of professional level experience providing customer service in areas such as unemployment insurance, social services, human resource services, education, public relations, benefits programs, and insurance claims;


A combination of education and/or relevant experience.

New class: 7-3-00.
Revised WPD, definition, distinguishing characteristics, and minimum qualifications: 1-11-02.
New class code: (formerly 30692) effective July 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.