Unemployment Compensation Specialist
PennState • United States of America, Penn State University Park,
Posted: April 23, 2026
Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an Unemployment Compensation Specialist to be responsible for the administration and support of the University’s unemployment compensation program. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
Initiate and respond to all unemployment compensation (UC) claims to include sending and receiving requests for information to/from the work units and providing all required information to the State of Pennsylvania.
Represent the University by providing and facilitating testimony at UC hearings.
Serve as the subject matter expert regarding unemployment compensation and provide guidance to work units and employees.
Develop liaison relationships with managers, department heads, support staff, Human Resources staff, legal counsel, and union officers.
Facilitate litigation holds; handle copyright infringement notices; and process monthly dues reporting for union employees.
Routinely respond to inquiries, resolve issues and employee concerns.
Present training and/or information programs to groups of employees as necessary.
In addition, the Specialist will have the opportunity to learn day-to-day interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, and University policy, procedures, and programs.
As a member of Penn State Human Resources, you will be joining a team of individuals who have the ambition to help Penn State succeed. Workforce diversity, cultural inclusiveness, and employment equity are deeply rooted in Penn State’s historic mission and are critical to our success. Just as we are committed to a diverse educational environment, we are also committed to a diverse working community. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to manage multiple projects
Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with various levels of faculty, staff, administrators, and outside agencies
Excellent judgment and organizational skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Outstanding customer service orientation
Commitment to fostering diversity and equal opportunity
Vision to assess and respond to rapidly changing issues
Basic knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines on-campus work with occasional remote work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $81,500.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Additional Content
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an Unemployment Compensation Specialist to be responsible for the administration and support of the University’s unemployment compensation program. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
Initiate and respond to all unemployment compensation (UC) claims to include sending and receiving requests for information to/from the work units and providing all required information to the State of Pennsylvania.
Represent the University by providing and facilitating testimony at UC hearings.
Serve as the subject matter expert regarding unemployment compensation and provide guidance to work units and employees.
Develop liaison relationships with managers, department heads, support staff, Human Resources staff, legal counsel, and union officers.
Facilitate litigation holds; handle copyright infringement notices; and process monthly dues reporting for union employees.
Routinely respond to inquiries, resolve issues and employee concerns.
Present training and/or information programs to groups of employees as necessary.
In addition, the Specialist will have the opportunity to learn day-to-day interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, and University policy, procedures, and programs.
As a member of Penn State Human Resources, you will be joining a team of individuals who have the ambition to help Penn State succeed. Workforce diversity, cultural inclusiveness, and employment equity are deeply rooted in Penn State’s historic mission and are critical to our success. Just as we are committed to a diverse educational environment, we are also committed to a diverse working community. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to manage multiple projects
Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with various levels of faculty, staff, administrators, and outside agencies
Excellent judgment and organizational skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Outstanding customer service orientation
Commitment to fostering diversity and equal opportunity
Vision to assess and respond to rapidly changing issues
Basic knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines on-campus work with occasional remote work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $81,500.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.