Claims Examiner Apprenticeship

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at:

The Claims Examiner turns complex unemployment insurance information into clear, accurate eligibility decisions that support Montana workers, employers, and communities. Working with information from claimants, employers, and other sources, this role investigates issues, evaluates evidence, and issues well reasoned determinations that can be clearly explained and withstand review. By delivering fair, timely decisions and professional customer service, this position helps maintain program integrity, support economic stability, and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Through a structured Claims Examiner Apprenticeship, this position blends on the job learning with formal training and mentorship, so the apprentice always knows what skills they are building and how they are progressing. Under the guidance of experienced Claims Examiners and supervisors, apprentices develop their investigative, analytical, and decision writing skills; learn to navigate case management systems and UI rules; and build confidence in delivering high quality customer service and neutral, legally sound determinations.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

When you join the State of Montana as a Claims Examiner IV apprentice, you're not just starting a job you're beginning a supported career pathway. Here's what you can expect:

• Build structured career growth by advancing through a clear apprenticeship ladder, gaining skills and responsibilities at each level.
• Gain real world experience by learning on the job with mentorship from experienced Claims Examiners while contributing to a program that assists Montana's communities.
• Make a direct purpose and impact by playing a vital role in assisting individuals who need short term economic relief after separating from employment through no fault of their own.
• Join a supportive team environment with a knowledgeable, collaborative team committed to professional development, integrity, and public service.
• Earn a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion upon successfully finishing the Registered Apprenticeship program, supporting your continued career growth and advancement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

As a Claims Examiner Apprentice, you will participate in a structured apprenticeship designed to build the knowledge, skills, and independence needed to perform at the Claims Examiner 2 level within approximately 12 months.

• Probationary/New Apprentice-Competency/1000 hours minimum

• CLE 2 Course- 2000 hours minimum

• CLE 3 Course-3000-4000 hours

• CLE 4 Course-5000-6000 hours

• Learn how to review unemployment claims by gathering basic information from claimants, employers, and other sources.

• Assist with fact-finding interviews by asking questions, listening carefully, and recording accurate details.

• Support decision-making by applying guidelines and policies with guidance from supervisors.

• Help review information from multiple sources and identify any missing or inconsistent details.

• Learn how to write clear, fair, and accurate decisions based on the facts of each case.

• Provide helpful customer service by answering questions and explaining processes in a clear and respectful way.

• Develop time management skills by organizing tasks and meeting deadlines with support.

• Participate in training, mentorship, and hands-on learning to build skills and advance in the role.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

As an apprentice, you are not expected to arrive as a fully developed subject matter expert; instead, you bring curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn while you grow in the following areas. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Interest in developing regulatory analysis and application skills: Shows willingness to learn how to understand and apply laws, rules, and policies to different situations while maintaining fairness and compliance.
• Building investigative and analytical thinking: Demonstrates growing skill in gathering information from multiple sources, reviewing details, and using facts to support basic conclusions.
• Strengthening customer service and communication: Learns to clearly explain processes, listen to others, and communicate effectively with a variety of people, especially in busy environments.
• Improving decision writing and documentation: Develops the ability to write clear and organized summaries that explain decisions and support findings.
• Growing conflict resolution and judgment skills: Gains experience in handling disagreements, reviewing different perspectives, and making fair decisions with guidance.
• Developing time and workload management: Learns to organize tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
• Advancing learning agility and adaptability: Shows openness to learning new information and applying it to work, while adjusting to changes in laws, policies, and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)

This apprenticeship is designed for candidates who bring foundational experience and a strong interest in learning, with successful progression requiring development to the full Claims Examiner level.

• Interest in learning how to review information, make decisions, and explain outcomes in a professional setting.
• Experience or willingness to provide customer service, including answering questions and helping others understand processes.
• Basic ability or desire to learn how to follow rules, policies, or guidelines in a work environment.
• Strong communication skills, or a willingness to develop them, including writing clear notes and communicating effectively with others.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and basic office software, or the ability to quickly learn new computer systems.
• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information responsibly, with guidance and support as needed.

POSSIBLE APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY

This agency may utilize a registered apprenticeship program to train and qualify employees for this position. Employees hired into an apprenticeship placement will be paid on a graduated wage scale that starts below the advertised base rate for fully qualified incumbents. Apprentices will receive predetermined pay increases each time they achieve defined apprenticeship milestones and demonstrate the required competencies. The specific terms, including the wage progression schedule, will be provided in writing at the time of hire.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:

A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed.

Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

Tip: When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as "RELEVANT" or we will be unable to view your documents.

Required application materials:

• Cover Letter - Why are you interested in this apprenticeship, and how does it fit into your long-term career goals?
• Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment.

Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

BENEFITS:

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Military leave: You'll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. - Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
• State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.

• This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

E-Verify: This agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here,