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Working for the Employment Department
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Article Content
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| Welcome to OED |
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The Employment Department's mission is to promote the employment of Oregonians, through developing a diversified, multi-skilled workforce, promoting quality child care, and providing support during periods of unemployment.
We are committed to our customers, the public, the organization, each other and ourselves because people's livelihoods depend upon our performance.
We are looking for:
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Leadership skills that contribute to the creation of a high-performance/high-achievement organization;
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Communication skills that demonstrate a proven ability to be an effective agency representative and interact constructively with business partners, and internal and external customers;
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Analytical skills that demonstrate a proven ability to effectively interpret and implement program goals and objectives;
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Interpersonal skills that demonstrate a proven ability to build and work with a diverse work team;
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Conflict-resolution skills that demonstrate a collaborative or mutual-interest approach to problem solving;
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Leadership style that demonstrates a value for innovation and the ability to initiate and influence positive change;
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Skills that reflect a personal and professional commitment to continuous learning.
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| Working in a UI Call Center |
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Are you interested in working here? Here’s why that is a wise choice.
Unemployment Insurance Program
The Unemployment Insurance (UI) program has been an important part of the American economic and social fabric since 1935. It is a program that helps people, yet is not a needs based program. It is designed to serve those who are eligible for benefits they have earned (see more at http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/).
The UI program is funded by employers who pay Unemployment Insurance taxes. It helps workers between jobs. It helps employers by keeping their trained workers in the community when work again becomes available. It helps the community by keeping money flowing so one business after another doesn’t close if workers had no income to spend.
Our Job
We are professionals who pay benefits to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. At the same time, we ensure integrity of the program through strict eligibility criteria.
UI Centers
We operate three UI Centers in Oregon. We have one in the Metro area, one in Eugene, and one in Bend. While divided amongst the centers, we are working toward a “one office” concept to ensure consistency for our customers and gain efficiencies. We have claimstakers that process claims filed by phone and the internet. We have adjudicators that investigate issues such as quits and discharges from work to determine if benefits can be paid. And we have support staff who help our team in a variety of roles.
Roles and Goals
We strive for customer service. Each individual deserves to be treated fairly and with respect. Laws and administrative rules can seem complicated to customers. We try to offer the clearest explanation so they will understand the outcome.
Everything is done in a teamwork atmosphere. We are all responsible for customers waiting. We find ways to help each other for the good of the team and the customers we assist.
We have federal quality standards. Those provide goals, but our drive is to offer quality because our customers deserve it.
Customers should not have to wait. Claim filing and eligibility determinations take time. We are not selling merchandise. It is serious business. But, we do our best to provide timely information, claim file processing, and adjudication of issues. We think our customers appreciate it.
How do our employees like it? Let’s ask.
What gives you the most pride in working here?
 Marna, Metro UI Center Adjudicator: “I am most proud of the fact that I am providing a service that has a positive impact on so many Oregonians, including employers, and workers that have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and their families.”
Ruth, Bend UI Center Office Coordinator: “I love problem solving and being a part of the solution.”
Colleen, Metro UI Center Business Employment Specialist: “I have never worked in a place where the managers actually bake cookies for the rest of staff and bring them around to thank them for a job well done. I have been appreciated before in other positions, but I was really touched to have the supervisors give of themselves that way.”
What makes this a professional job?
 Sofia, Eugene UI Center Business Employment Specialist: “Clear guidelines and structure to perform my duties, with latitude to offer my personal touch with each claimant conversation. Management solicits feedback from employees and provides sufficient training and communication for me to understand and assist with changes in procedures and personnel.”
Marikay, Metro UI Center Adjudicator: “People treat each other with respect.”
Cecilia, Bend UI Center Adjudicator: “Dealing with businesses and informing them of their legal obligations in relation to unemployment insurance benefits.”
Why do you like working in the Unemployment Insurance program?
Sharona, Metro UI Center Business Employment Specialist: “The work is challenging, which makes every day different and exciting.”
 Vicki, Eugene UI Center Business Employment Specialist: “I like Unemployment because it is not a need based program, it is an eligibility program. Our customers who are being paid unemployment benefits have worked hard and deserve the money they are getting.”
Sue, Metro UI Center Claims Supervisor: “I like the feeling of accomplishment when I help someone. We deal with people who are at one of the lowest points of their lives. If I can make that a little bit easier I feel I have done a good job.”
Brenda, Metro UI Center Adjudication Supervisor: “It provides results that are absolutely critical to the customers’ needs.”
What is enjoyable about a UI Center?
 Albert, Metro UI Center Business Employment Specialist: “I enjoy talking to different kinds and backgrounds of people. I appreciate it when they tell me they feel comfortable and not nervous, knowing that I am human like them and not a machine.”
Nadine, Metro UI Center Adjudicator: “When it becomes a little crazy out here, I refocus and don’t let myself forget how fortunate I am to be working in such a wonderful place with such wonderful friends, co-workers and management team!”
How is customer service an important part of the job?
Noreen, Eugene UI Center Business Employment Specialist: “It is nice to know that someone taking your claim or working on your claim is understanding, knowledgeable, courteous and reliable. That to me is good customer service.”
Bend UI Center Business and Employment Specialist Group Response: “Customer service is vital to earning public trust to allow efficiency. Problem solving and processing claims are all dependent on quality customer service.”
In what way does teamwork contribute to your enjoyment of the job?
Gracie, Metro UI Center Business Employment Specialist: “All the supervisors are great in a crisis or need. Once three supervisors stayed late to jump start my car in the rain and dark. How wonderful!!!!”
How do you have fun at work?
 Tense, Metro UI Center Adjudicator: “Even though the job is a serious and professional one, there are often opportunities to have fun. We have a great service committee that sponsors wonderful events during the year. We also enjoy lots of food days and other celebrations with the appropriate festive decorations that make it fun to work here.”
 Ani, Metro UI Center Lead Worker in Claims: “I work with a wonderful team of people who are not just here to ‘collect a paycheck.’ These are quality people with real lives who still find time to reach out to others and make a difference. People laugh when I say this, but it is true, I love my job!”
Bend UI Center Business and Employment Specialist Group Response: “Potlucks, bingo, walking during breaks, break room gatherings, and carpooling.”
Why does the Employment Department deserve to be amongst the best 100 companies in Oregon?
Tense, Metro UI Center Adjudicator: “The employment department not only allows us to be our own person while following their guidelines, but it encourages creativity and initiative in presenting our ideas. It’s professional but relaxed working atmosphere makes for a very enjoyable job to come to each day.”
Marna, Metro UI Center Adjudicator: “Salaries are fair with an excellent benefit package.”
Join Us.
Complete an application. Be a part of our team. You will be glad you did.
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