SENIOR CLAIMS REVIEWER
Senior Claims Reviewer sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It lists a bachelor's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $60,876 to $88,743, and state payroll currently lists about 11 people in the title, most of them at Human Services.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of Human Services's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Health posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Office of the State Comptroller's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 11 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $80,357. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (7)
- Health and Senior Services (2)
- Office of State Comptroller (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the limited supervision of a Principal Claims Reviewer or other supervisory official, examines and makes eligibility determinations on the more complex claims related to financial and/or health care services in health or human services programs and/or investigates the potential of third-party liability for recovery of funds; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Reviews and processes applications and more complex and problematic claims to determine eligibility for financial and/or health care benefits and services. Calculates earned and unearned income for individuals to determine eligibility; provides support to lower-level claims reviewers to make these calculations and eligibility determinations. Contacts various government agencies, providers, and recipients to gather information for eligibility determinations. Initiates the investigation and resolution of eligibility data discrepancies identified through various reports. Reviews and authorizes the processing and submission of eligible health care provider claims for reimbursement. Reviews client eligibility and profile reports; determines viability for recovery of financial and health care service funds. Contacts providers, clients, and insurance companies to make determinations and effect the recovery of funds. Reviews investigations of potential third-party liability for recovery of funds; determines their probability, recommends settlements, and effects recovery. Reviews the receipt and transmittal of recovered funds; prepares the filing and discharge of liens. Reviews system exception reports and initiates corrective action. Responds to more complex inquiries and assists applicants in obtaining, transferring, or returning benefits; interprets and explains State and federal rules and regulations regarding health or human services programs, or laws related to other State financial aid programs. (Examples of health or human services programs may include Medicaid, Lifeline Utility Assistance, etc.). Speaks with claimants who wish to discuss the processing or the determination on a claim, and explains the status of the claim and the basis for the determination. Provides technical assistance to lower-level staff. Refers cases of suspected fraud and abuse; provides information on cases to be litigated. Compiles data and prepares reports of activities. Compiles documentation for hearings; may interpret regulations to Administrative Law Judges. Completes special projects. Receives and prepares replies to correspondence from claimants containing inquiries, complaints, or appeals of claim decisions. Initiates updates of various files and records of case activity. Coordinates the establishment and maintenance of records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of applicable financial and/or health care services and programs offered in New Jersey. Knowledge of modern business office routines and their practical application. Knowledge of the techniques used to obtain information, review, and evaluate eligibility claims. Ability to read and interpret laws, rules, and regulations, and apply them to specific situations. Ability to compile information needed for eligibility determinations. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with clients, providers, and others. Ability to review and determine the validity of eligibility claims. Ability to function as a lead worker and provide technical assistance to lower-level staff. Ability to identify suspected cases of fraud and abuse of claims. Ability to prepare correspondence and reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to coordinate the establishment and maintenance of records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Six (6) years of professional experience in the evaluation and/or verification and eligibility determination of applications for financial or medical assistance, benefits or other health or human services programs, or in credit investigations for recovery of funds. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.