838271 - EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM SPECIALIST-LW - 40034370

Requisition No: 838271 

Agency: Commerce

Working Title: 838271 - EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM SPECIALIST-LW - 40034370

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 40034370 

Salary:  $35,317.32 

Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

JOB TYPE:    FULL TIME /   Career Service
POSITION LOCATION:      Tallahassee, FL (relocation benefits are not available for this position) 

Employment Program Specialist – Lead Worker

INTERNAL AGENCY

www.floridajobs.org/

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a highly responsible, quasi-judicial position.  This position may involve providing technical assistance and training to other associates responsible for New Hire.  Persons employed in this position must be thoroughly familiar with the Florida Reemployment Assistance Law, rules precedent decisions, fact-finding fundamentals, federal regulations, and procedures of the reemployment assistance program governing the determination of claimants’ eligibility for benefits, chargeability of employer experience rating accounts, benefits overpaid and methods for recoupment of benefits overpaid. 

This position requires the incumbent to assist in improving all work processes and to assist in meeting the missions and goals of the department.  When necessary or requested, attend training and be willing to cross train to enhance knowledge, skills and abilities.

Reviews and interprets information received in response to fact finding questionnaires.  Makes certain sufficient facts have been gathered for determining claimants’ eligibility for reemployment assistance (RA) benefits and determining reemployment assistance benefits overpaid.  This information may be gathered from claimants, employers or other interested parties through quasi-judicial hearings.  Requests additional information through correspondence or by telephone from interested parties when information submitted by an informing source or interested party is insufficient for making a determination.  Issues considered include:  employment status (return to work) and reporting of earnings, separation from employment, able to work and availability for work issues, job refusals, and other nonmonetary issues which may affect a claimant’s eligibility for benefits.  Composes and issues written, unbiased determinations to interested parties concerning the claimant’s eligibility for benefits(non-monetary), benefits overpaid, the amount of overpayment, the overpayment type (fraud or non-fraud) and when appropriate, the chargeability of employer experience rating accounts.  If the overpayment is due to fraudulent activity, evidence must be obtained to support the charge of fraud.

Advises claimant of the methods of repayment of monies overpaid such as payroll deduction, check, credit card, etc. and the legal ramification that will result if repayments are not made. Encourages repayment of benefits overpaid as soon as possible to avoid legal action such as referral to collection agencies, civil court, or State Attorney.

Answers inquiries from claimants, employers, Claims and Benefits Offices, governmental agencies and other interested parties concerning the RA program, individual claims, and application of the Florida RA Law.  The inquiries may be in the form of correspondence, telephone calls, or personal visits.  This can involve extensive research to determine whether actions taken on a claim are valid or whether changes should be made. Considers fact finding received after the original handling of the issue and requests for reconsideration from the initial determination and issues written decisions as to whether or not to change the initial determination or to refer the requests to the RA Appeals Section for hearings.

Performs the following duties as Team Leader which are performed in addition to regular duties as an Employment Program Specialist. Provides training for other workers and/or to assist the supervisor in providing training. Oversees the unit in the absence of the supervisor and/or to assist the supervisor in monitoring the unit when the supervisor is present. Answers work related inquiries from team members which allows the supervisor a larger span of control. Completes special assignments and duties as needed

Maintains a suspense file while awaiting additional information and pending request for an appeal or reconsideration.

Maintains records of actions taken for statistical reporting purposes

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of reemployment assistance law, rules, policies and procedures.
• Ability to collect, evaluate and analyze data relating to reemployment assistance programs.
• Ability to review reemployment assistance functions to measure effectiveness.
• Ability to develop training materials and train others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Qualifications:

As a condition of pre-employment eligibility, a Level 2 security background screening is required, which consists of fingerprinting and a check of local, state, and national law enforcement records. 

Minimum:

• Duties and responsibilities of this position must be performed at the official work site of the Department.
• Travel may be required to travel.

Preferred:

• Have at least 6 months of experiences in Reemployment Assistance and/or Workforce Services.

Pay:

$35,317.32 annually

Our Organization and Mission:

FloridaCommerce works across the state to support Florida’s economy, robust and talented workforce, and our local communities. We are dedicated to making a stronger and more resilient Florida, so our businesses, communities, and workforce are better prepared to withstand future economic slowdowns and natural disasters.

FloridaCommerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.  (TTY/TDD 1-800-955-8771 or the Florida Relay Service – 711.)

Let our mission become yours. To find out more about us, click on the link: http://www.floridajobs.org/

The Work You Will Do:        

The Employment Program Specialist – Lead Worker is a member of the RA Adjudication team of the Division of Workforce Services. The incumbent is responsible for several complex programmatic functions performed within reemployment assistance programs relating to claimant eligibility and employer chargeability.

The Difference You Will Make:

Assists in providing programmatic training and technical assistance to associates relative to the reemployment assistance program.  Assists in developing training materials and procedures.

FloridaCommerce is a fast-paced work environment in which critical thinking and prioritizing are a must.

How You Will Grow:

FloridaCommerce encourages its employees to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies.  Trainings are made available throughout the year and on request with the Office of Training and Development within the Bureau of Human Resource Management. In accordance with our Vision and Mission, the employee:

• Furthers Florida’s economic vision by providing support that enhances the economy and develops, safe, and healthy communities.
• Meets customer/client expectations with an emphasis on responsiveness, quality, quantity, and timeliness of work.
• Provides information clearly, accurately, and succinctly; and exhibits good listening skills.
• Works collaboratively to optimize the effectiveness of FloridaCommerce’s available resources and tools.
• Uses knowledge acquired through education, training, or experience to complete tasks.

These expectations are for all our employees, and you will be expected to model these as a leader.  We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience.

Where You Will Work:      

Tallahassee is Florida’s Capital City and continues to grow by attracting development and new businesses. Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend.  FloridaCommerce’s main office is located in Downtown Tallahassee, the political epicenter that draws in visitors each year to visit the state’s Capitol. Each spring, the legislative session opens, and people pour in to see the Florida Legislature perform business and approve the state’s annual budget. Being in Tallahassee will guarantee you an experience vibrant with a unique experience, professional growth, entertainment, and culture.

Tallahassee is:

• Known for its beautiful parks, rolling hills and oak trees, canopied roads, hotels, dining, museums, arts, music, and natural resources (https://talgov.com/ )
• Home to major college campuses, Florida State University (FSU), Florida A & M University (FAMU) and Tallahassee Community College (TCC).
• Approximately 22 miles from the nearest beach ( https://choosetallahassee.com/beaches-near-tallahassee/ )

• Within a state having no state income tax for residents of Florida

WORKING FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS BENEFITS!

*  State Group Insurance coverage options+
 (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental option)

*  Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (www.myfrs.com)

*  Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year

*  Annual and Sick Leave Benefits

*  Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required)

*  Flexible Spending Accounts

*  Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities)

*  Ongoing comprehensive training provided

*  Career Growth      

*  Highly skilled, professional environment

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.