Department of Labor - Bureau of Unemployment Compensation

Job Class Code: 0751
Grade: 26 - Supervisory Bargainign Unit
Salary: $59,716.80 - $84,468.80
Location: Augusta

Opening Date: April 10, 2025

Closing Date:  April 27, 2025

Does the prospect of managing a diverse, self-motivated team excite you?
Would you enjoy collaborating with colleagues committed to improving program performance and delivering quality services?
Are you seeking a position where the work you perform makes a critical difference in the lives of others?
If your answer is ‘yes’, then we want to talk to you about the possibility of joining our team!
We currently have an opening for an Unemployment Compensation Team Leader to lead our Training and Support Unit. This posting is statewide in Maine with hybrid remote work possible, including at other agency locations. Per current state policy, only applicants who reside or plan to reside in Maine will be considered for this position. Statewide and (some) nationwide travel may be required to meet with team members, colleagues, and other partners. This position will oversee both in-office and remote-working staff located throughout the state.

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Oversees overall team performance and individual performance.
• Manages an internal training program to educate incoming Bureau of Unemployment employees, as well as updating current staff of system changes, by providing written instructions, as well as in-person or virtual trainings.
• Works with their team to keep training manuals, videos and virtual platforms up to date and ready for potential trainings.
• Works closely with the Business Systems Manager, various Division Directors and other Team Leads to deliver quality training to the Bureau’s internal staff and external users.
• Evaluates, modifies, and oversees implementation of Training and Support Unit procedures, work schedules, and staff assignments to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations, to respond to fluctuations in workload.
• Plans, oversees, and coordinates the work of subordinate personnel to provide timely responses to technical system and data requests from leadership for information, or reports of defects or change requests. 
• Plans, oversees, and coordinates the work of subordinate personnel to provide timely and accurate training to all bureau staff as needed, as well as responds to requests for training from other departments for system training.
• Researches, analyzes, and solves operational and program problems in order to improve program efficiency and effectiveness that affect customer service to internal staff, claimants and employers.
• Collaborates with other team leaders, regional managers, and Bureau management in order to develop policy and programmatic direction, determine proper allocation of resources in response to program and workload changes, effect systemic improvements, and promote consistent and efficient operations statewide.
• Implements and complies with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices such as: AA/EEO, recruitment, employment, position classification, performance appraisals, training, discipline, contract administration, human resource components of security protocols of agency information security and confidentiality policies, and employee safety.
   

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of supervisory, employment, and labor-management relations principles and practices used in private industry.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, goals, and objectives of the unemployment security program.
• Knowledge of interviewing and investigation techniques.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies, techniques, and practices.
• Ability to oversee, plan, direct, prioritize, assign, and monitor work activities.
• Ability to select, train, mentor, coach, motivate, and evaluate the performance of subordinate personnel.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate facts and apply established criteria in determining claim status.
• Ability to communicate effectively using professional courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to evaluate operational activities in relation to performance management standards to achieve established goals and objectives.
• Ability to develop and implement procedural improvements and process changes.
• Ability to use applicable computer programs.

Minimum qualifications:

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Kristi Burns -Kristi.J.Burns@Maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME  04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018.  Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.  Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.  

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.