State of Maryland

SKILLED SERVICE        BARGAINING UNIT: S

A UI Professional VIII is the regional-level of supervision in the various units within the Maryland Unemployment Division of the Maryland Department of Labor. Employees in this classification perform work as a UI Benefits Professional, UI Tax Professional, or UI Administration Professional. Employees in this classification coordinate, review, and supervise the efforts of the claims and adjudication units comprised of lower-level UI Professionals. Employees in this classification may supervise lower-level administrative, clerical, and/or other support staff.

Employees in this classification receive managerial supervision from a UI Professional IX-X or other designated administrator.

Position allocation within the UI Professional VIII classification is determined by standards based on the position function and working level. These standards are on record in the Human Resources Office of the DOL.

The UI Professional VIII is differentiated from the UI Professional VII in that the UI Professional VII functions as a second-level supervisor or expert program professional, while the UI Professional VIII functions as a regional-level supervisor. The UI Professional VIII is differentiated from the UI Professional IX in that the UI Professional IX functions as a first-level manager.

UI Benefits Professional

Assigns, coordinates, supervises and reviews the work of a unit composed of lower-level UI Professionals;

Schedules staff assignments based on workload and economic conditions;

Applies, interprets, and oversees the application of agency policies, rules, and regulations to accomplish the work of the unit;

Implements new policies and procedures as directed by management;

Investigates operational problems and propose solutions to management;

Coordinates leave coverage of unit;

Reviews and takes appropriate action on work items generated through the system;

Responsible for the compilation and reporting of unit metrics information to report to leadership;

Prepares performance evaluations for UI Professionals I-VII and lower level staff;

Performs other related duties.

UI Administration Professional

Directs or assists in the direction of the daily operations of a unit or division;

Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of subordinate staff, which may include professional, technical, administrative or clerical workers;

Evaluates efficiency of operations and develops, revises, and recommends new policies, standards, and workflow procedures, using new technology where appropriate;

Interprets and applies or oversees the application of agency policies, rules, and regulations to accomplish the work of the unit or division;

Implements new regulations and policies as directed by upper management;

Sets goals and deadlines and oversees the workflow of the unit;

Coordinates workflow with administrators of other units in areas of work spanning multiple units;

Coordinates leave and staff coverage of unit or division;

Researches and compiles information as directed by the executive and may recommend innovative ideas or methods of doing business;

Reviews, evaluates and, assists in the development of agency policies and programs;

Promotes the work of the agency through frequent contact with interested groups and individuals;

Makes recommendations to upper management and executives concerning new or revised legislation affecting the agency;

Develops and recommends new standards, methods of operation, and new technology to accomplish the mission of the agency;

May work on sensitive and confidential projects requiring discretion and judgment in the release of information;

May act as the representative of the executive in meetings and conferences;

May act as a liaison between the executive and agency units;

May act as team leader for special projects;

Performs other related duties.

UI Tax Professional

Directs or assists in the direction of the daily operations of a unit;

Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of subordinate staff;

Evaluates efficiency of operations and develops, revises and recommends new policies, standards, and workflow procedures, using new technology where appropriate;

Interprets and applies or oversees the application of agency policies, rules, and regulations to accomplish the work of the unit;

Implements new regulations and policies as directed by upper management;

Coordinates leave coverage of unit;

Reviews and takes appropriate action on work items generated through the system;

Responsible for the compilation of unit metrics information to report to leadership;

Prepares performance evaluations for UI Professionals I-VII and lower level staff;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of federal and State unemployment insurance laws, rules, and regulations;

Knowledge of State of Maryland personnel policies;

Knowledge of basic principles of accounting, budgeting, fiscal controls, and statistics;

Knowledge of office management methods;

Knowledge of organizational structure, staffing patterns, and administrative controls;

Skill in the use of standard office equipment such as photocopiers, calculators, personal computers, and printers;

Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others;

Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers;

Ability to exercise tact, integrity, and discretion in dealing with a wide variety of people from various economic and social backgrounds;

Ability to identify and analyze problem areas and recommend appropriate solutions based on logical consideration of alternatives;

Ability to prepare and present reports or recommendations clearly and concisely;

Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies, laws, rules, regulations, and procedures;

Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information;

Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with the general public, employers, and co-workers;

Ability to learn and apply new computer applications and computer systems, proficient in Microsoft Word Suite.

Experience: Eleven years of experience, seven years of experience supervising staff in a public or private agency related to rendering and/or determining eligibility for a Human Service Program and an additional four years of experience in a public or private agency related to rendering and/or determining eligibility for a Human Service Program, or an insurance claims processing and fraud investigation program.

Note: Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and seven years of experience supervising staff in a public or private agency related to rendering and/or determining eligibility for a Human Service Program for the required experience.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit as indicated by the designation of S (supervisor), M (manager), T (agency head), U (Board or Commission member), W (student), X (Used by agency or excluded by executive order), or Z (confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and therefore, all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.