UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI) SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEMS SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (SME)

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Service Delivery Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME). Responsibilities include planning and evaluating the implementation of program functions in UI systems, including claims, certification, adjudication, payment, and employer charge determination functions. This role is also responsible for coordinating system change requests, bug fixes and database updates, and developing and conducting technical system training. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who has thorough knowledge of utilizing computerized systems to interpret and apply provisions of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Act and who is dedicated to providing assistance and guidance to system users and ensuring systems are in compliance with related federal and state laws. The ideal candidate for this position will have wide-ranging professional experience working with Illinois Benefit Information System (IBIS), GenTax and Illinois JobLink to deliver unemployment insurance and employment services and experience collaborating with key stakeholders across organization divisions to achieve objectives. IDES offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of Illinois employers and job seekers. 

Essential Functions

• Under general direction, serves as an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Service Delivery Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) in matters related to Service Delivery program functions in UI systems
• Plans and implements Unemployment Insurance (UI) system upgrades to support agency objectives and mandated changes to Service Delivery program policies, procedures and functions, including but not limited to upgrades to the Illinois Benefit Information System (IBIS) and related systems used for claims processing, certification, adjudication and payments
• Develops training curriculum and conducts structured, technical training related to explaining new and existing Unemployment Insurance (UI) system functionality as it relates to Service Delivery program operations to improve staff performance
• Provides customer service and guidance to internal and external clients, including but not limited to claimants, employers, U.S. Department of Labor staff and staff from other agencies within the state
• Keeps abreast of new developments in federal and state Unemployment Insurance (UI) laws, rules and regulations and related systems
• Serves as project/team leader on highly complex projects
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in business or public administration
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization

Specialized Skills

• Three (3) years of professional experience utilizing the Illinois Benefit Information System (IBIS) to interpret and apply provisions of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Act and related federal and state laws, rules and regulations to determine claimant eligibility and benefit amounts
• Three (3) years of experience monitoring program output levels for delivery of unemployment insurance (UI) and employment services in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and guidelines, including but not limited to those issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or other relevant governmental or regulatory agencies
• Two (2) years of professional experience providing support for a complex system, such as the Illinois Benefit Information System (IBIS), GenTax or Illinois JobLink, including analyzing recurring issues, recommending or coordinating resolutions and recommending enhancements
• One (1) year of professional experience developing and delivering training, including creating training materials and conducting training sessions

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional experience utilizing a computerized unemployment insurance benefit claim system to interpret and apply provisions of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Act and related federal and state laws, rules and regulations to determine claimant eligibility and benefit amounts
• Three (3) years of experience monitoring program output levels for delivery of unemployment insurance (UI) and employment services in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and guidelines, including but not limited to those issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or other relevant governmental or regulatory agencies
• Two (2) years of professional experience providing support for a complex system, such as the Illinois Benefit Information System (IBIS), GenTax or Illinois JobLink, including analyzing recurring issues, recommending or coordinating resolutions and recommending enhancement
• One (1) year of professional experience developing and delivering training, including creating training materials and conducting training sessions
• Two (2) years of experience analyzing system-generated reports to identify discrepancies and ensure data integrity
• Two (2) years of professional experience collaborating effectively with multiple divisions and working independently to achieve objectives

Conditions of Employment

• Requires an Illinois State Police background check and self-disclosure of any criminal history
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate
• This position is considered sedentary work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(a)). Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and requires occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Employment Security’s (IDES) mission is to serve Illinois workers and employers to the best of our ability and to use our knowledge of the Illinois workforce to inform sound policy decision making.  IDES encourages economic growth and stability in Illinois by providing vital Employment Services to Illinois residents and employers, analyzing and disseminating actionable Labor Market Information, and administering Unemployment Insurance programs.