If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Opening Date: July 07, 2026
Closing Date: July 21, 2026
Location: Augusta
Class Code: 6506
Grade: 18 (Administrative Services)
Salary: $19.73 - $28.41/Hour
Are you a problem-solver with excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail? The Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Unemployment Compensation is seeking a motivated and conscientious individual to join the tax division to serve as a Financial Recovery Specialist. Help us keep our accounts on track!
As a Financial Recovery 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!
Employees in this role report to the Augusta, Maine office. During the first six months, the schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. After the probationary period, and depending on operational needs, you may be eligible for a change of hours and a hybrid in-office/remote schedule.
Primary Responsibilities:
Examine employer records and historical account data to accurately determinate tax liability and debt
Contact employers to collect past due contributions and delinquent reports.
Effectively determine when to escalate for advanced collections or write off debt.
Negotiate and establish settlements and payment plan agreements
Provide professional and effective customer service by responding to inbound employer inquiries regarding UI tax accounts
Processes bankruptcy, foreclosure, security, and garnishment documents; as well as tax clearance letters.
Skills, knowledges and Abilities:
Any combination of education and/or work experience that demonstrates competency in:
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, or experience in office and administrative support work that demonstrates 1) competency in applying a proficient knowledge of bookkeeping principles and practices to perform advanced work in collecting delinquent unemployment compensation taxes, and 2) the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making on complex administrative matters. All positions in this classification assume the qualifications of: Accounting Assistant and Accounting Associate I and Accounting Associate II.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to candidates with debt collection and customer service experience.
Contact Information:
Questions about this position should be directed to: Melissa Merrithew, melissa.j.merrithew@maine.gov
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 Balance – 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 confidential employees receive three (3) personal leave days per calendar year.
Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 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.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
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.
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.
