Unemployment Contributions Recovery Specialist (Financial Recovery & Support Specialist) Multiple Va

Department of Labor

Job Class Code: 6506
Grade: 18/Administrative
Salary: $19.73-$28.41/Hour
Location: Augusta

Opening Date: June 26, 2025

Closing Date:  July 11, 2025

Join Our Team - Help Us Keep Our Accounts on Track!

Are you a problem-solver with excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail? As a Financial Recovery Support Specialist, you'll play a vital role in recovering outstanding contributions and ensuring timely resolution of overpaid benefits. This role requires excellent communication skills, a strong sense of negotiation, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. If you're looking for a dynamic position where your efforts directly contribute to the success of the team, we invite you to apply and be part of our organization! We offer a flexible hybrid remote and in-office work schedule.

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Contacts debtors to collect past due contributions and delinquent reports.


• Examines employer accounts to determine when to escalate for advanced collections or write off debt.


• Arrange for settlements and payment agreements


• Field inbound calls for the collections phone line, to answer questions on bills and claim overpayments, and contribution debt


• Processes bankruptcy, foreclosure, security, and garnishment documents, as well as tax clearance letters.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Customer Service – written and verbal communication, active listening, empathy, identifying needs, clarifying information.


• Problem Solving – ability to analyze a situation, review possible actions and identify the best solution.


• Negotiation – negotiating terms of settlements and payment plans.


• Attention to Detail – reviewing employer accounts for accuracy of filing

Minimum qualifications:

Training, education, and/or experience in office and administrative support functions demonstrating competency in, analyzing financial records, identifying and investigating irregularities, communicating policies and procedures, developing action plans, and using independent judgement to effectively address complex administrative matters.

Preference will be given to those applicants:

Prior experience with debt collection and customer service preferred.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Melissa Merrithew [email protected] 207-621-5177

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.