CHIEF OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS BENEFIT CONTROL
Benefit Control
Career Family: CHIEF
In New Jersey, Chief of Unemployment Benefits Benefit Control is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
The stated bar is a bachelor's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY2026 range lands between $97,100 and $143,176.
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.
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 direction of the Assistant Director, Unemployment and Disability Insurance and Benefit Payment Control, Department of Labor and Industry, directly supervises the Bureau of Benefit Payment Control; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Directs the work involved in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of extensive data by use of investigations, correspondence, and hearings relating to the proper administration of the activities of the Bureau of Benefit Payment Control. Directs the investigation of suspected fraudulent claims and claims involving misrepresentation, concealment, forgery and/or other types of fraud; reviews and analyzes such cases and determines the proper course of action. Makes recommendations for prosecution in cases of misrepresentation; holds hearings which require sworn testimony and collaborates with the Bureau of Legal Services in locating witnesses; and acts as a witness in trial benefit, payments. Obtains evidence of fraud and/or misrepresentation and directs the preparation of demands for repayment. Supervises the work involved in labor disputes to determine if claimants are eligible or ineligible. Formulates and executes plans for the effective utilization of available funds, personnel, equipment, materials and supplies. Conducts a program of internal audits, establishing audit trails and prepares reports of results. Conducts periodic appraisals of local offices for the purpose of determining whether security measures are adequate to protect against internal and external fraud. Examines procedures and practices in central and local office payment disbursement units to determine whether the principles of internal control are adhered to. Gives appropriate assignments and instructions to employees of the Bureau and is responsible for the performance of their work. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Attends conferences and meetings held for the purpose of establishing the general policies suitable for the handling of overpayments. Prepares extensive correspondence. Prepares and directs the preparation of reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Directs the establishment and maintenance of the essential Bureau records and files. Will be required to learn 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 the provisions of the New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law and the appropriate titles of the Federal Social Security Act. Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures of the Division of Unemployment-Disability Insurance concerned with the payment of benefits. Knowledge of the problems involved in organizing assigned administrative, supervisory and other field and office work and in developing a suitable work program and procedures. Knowledge of the methods and devices used to detect fraudulent and/or misrepresented claims and the procedures necessary when such claims occur. Knowledge of the provisions, procedures and methods used in the analysis and interpretation of Unemployment Compensation Laws relating to labor disputes. Knowledge of/and familiarity with the procedures used in the assignment of employer's experience rating. Knowledge of the methods used in holding hearings at which sworn testimony will be taken. Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret the provisions of the New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law and the appropriate titles of the Federal Social Security Act. Ability to organize assigned administrative, supervisory and other field and/or office work and develop an appropriate work program and working procedures. Ability to analyze, interpret and apply modern approved insurance methods, procedures and practices. Ability to work harmoniously with superior officers, associates, subordinates, claimants, employers and the representatives of Labor and Industry and with that portion of the public interested in or concerned with the payment of benefits. Ability to direct the review of applications for benefit payments and to determine misrepresentation, concealment and/or fraud. Ability to prepare critical analysis of methods of fraud detection and to develop more effective methods for the detection and prevention of fraudulent claims. Ability to conduct hearings at which sworn testimony is used and to act as witness in court. Ability to prepare extensive correspondence. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Ability to direct the establishment and maintenance of the essential Bureau records and files. Ability to administer an ongoing internal auditing program. Ability to comprehend computer programing and systems principles as related to Unemployment- Disability Insurance Program. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or 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 as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. 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. Nine (9) years of professional experience in work involving the processing of benefit payments under Unemployment Compensation Laws and related Federal laws including detection and prevention of fraud, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. "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.
Study guides for this exam
- Management Test Battery (MTB) National Learning Corporation · $52.95
- Manager/Administrator Test National Learning Corporation · $49.95 · general prep, not specific to this title
The Civil Service Commission does not publish official study guides or release past tests. These are independent equivalency guides.