Title: Unemployment Claims Investigator Trainee

State Role Title: Hearing Legal Servcs Offcr I

Hiring Range: $47,721 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Employment Commission

Location: VEC CENTRAL OFFICE

Agency Website:  https://www.vec.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Successfully complete agency training to become “certified” as a qualified Claims Investigator and perform the following duties:

Conduct thorough and accurate investigations of UI benefit claims to determine if overpayment or fraud exists, including new hire reviews and referrals resulting from wage audits, staff requests, internal audit reviews, and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline investigations.

Review case file to identify problem and determine plan of action. When problem is identified, initiate action to locate and schedule meeting with claimant and employer(s); conduct interview with relevant parties; administer oath for affidavits; document written statements; prepare a written report of investigation; determine status; and make final recommendation to resolve case.

Meet with staff and/or customers in person to discuss case, audit findings, and/or corrective action plans.

Serve as an agency representative in civil and criminal cases and provide documentation and testimony to assist in successfully winning cases and preventing appealable decisions.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of rules of evidence and court proceedings; quality assurance techniques; cash management principles; and collections activities.

Strong investigative, negotiation, case management, oral and written communication, customer service, and computer skills, including experience using word processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Office Professional).

Ability to conduct investigations; collect and analyze data; locate and interview relevant parties; make sound decisions; manage cases from inception to resolution; prepare reports; provide court testimony; and respond to inquiries.

Must successfully obtain and demonstrate requisite skill set (knowledge, skills and abilities) for position and meet the certification requirements, as defined by the DOL, to become certified as an agency Unemployment Compensation Investigator no later than one year from the date of hire into the position to remain in position.

Additional Considerations

Working knowledge of UI regulations and procedures; benefits system; and benefit payment control requirements.

Experience conducting investigations related to UI programs and testifying in court.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of what we do in Virginia, and the VEC is committed to upholding these values in our employment opportunities across the Commonwealth to people from all backgrounds, including all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities.

The Virginia Employment Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program, and a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a comprehensive background check including an FBI fingerprint background investigation.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted.

Applications are not accepted after the recruitment closing date.

Please carefully review the details of this recruitment including the location of the position and the posted salary before applying. VEC does not provide relocation assistance, and no salary will be offered outside of the posted salary range / flat rate.

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application (and/or resume). You must ensure your application/resume includes the scope of your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as it relates to the position you are applying for. Information not stated will not be assumed.

This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

For the status of your application and this position, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via email or telephone.

Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Applicants needing accommodations should contact the Human Resource office for additional information.

The VEC does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work in the US.

NOTICE: VEC will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources / Recruitment

Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.

Email: Careers@vec.virginia.gov for recruitment related questions. Emailed applications, resumes, or cover letters will not be accepted. For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.