OPT Claims Specialist Jobs
Claims Specialist roles sit squarely within specialty occupation territory, making them a strong fit for OPT authorization. Most positions require a degree in business, finance, or a related field. Your 12-month OPT window (up to 36 months with a STEM extension) gives you real runway to build claims experience and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Division is responsible for administering the state's UI program under the oversight of the United States Department of Labor (USDOL). This includes the collection of UI contributions/taxes from employers on a quarterly basis, and the distribution of unemployment compensation to New Mexicans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and meet various eligibility requirements. The Division executes these functions via robust self-service web services, as well as through staff assisted services via the UI Operations Center.
NMDWS participates in E-Verify.
Background check for this position is required.
Interviews for this position will be conducted within 10 days of the posting closure.
PURPOSE:
The Senior Claims Adjuster is essential to ensure fair, consistent, and impartial resolution of disputes, claims, or competitions within an organization or process. Their role is to evaluate evidence, apply established rules or standards, and deliver objective decisions that uphold the integrity of the system. The team reviews submitted cases, claims, or disputes (tax) with a focus on fact-finding and rule application. They analyze relevant documentation, interview involved parties if necessary, and assess compliance with policies or criteria. After thorough evaluation, the team makes informed decisions or recommendations based on established guidelines. Their responsibilities often include documenting findings and communicating results to stakeholders. They are the neutral authority to ensure decisions are just, timely, and well-founded.
Responsibilities:
This position investigates and adjudicates claims eligibility. It involves reviewing and analyzing information to resolve issues that may affect a claimant's qualification for benefits. Staff gather facts from claimants, employers, and third-party administrators, assess relevant policies and laws, and make determinations on eligibility based on the evidence. This level acts as our executive branch which is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws.
It makes and writes determinations using New Mexico Unemployment Insurance statutes and regulations. Reviews facts, gathers statements from claimants, employers, and third-party administrators, and analyzes evidence to make fair and legally sound decisions. Writes formal determinations that clearly explain the outcome, the reasoning behind it, and the applicable statutes or rules, ensuring transparency and compliance with New Mexico UI regulations and laws.
CUSTOMERS:
This job serves the New Mexico public, including NM Residents and NM Employers.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate degree in Business Administration and two (2) years of claims adjustment and/or investigative experience preferably in the insurance profession. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience. For positions in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Operations Center at the Department of Workforce Solutions: Any additional call center customer service experience in claims taking and/or processing (UI preferably), eligibility determination, identifying, troubleshooting and resolving customer complaints, and ensuring compliance will substitute for the education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate (DDC) from the State of New Mexico. Must possess DDC within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Extended sitting and some bending and reaching may be required.
Background check is required for this position.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position is located in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Operations inbound call center. Work is performed in an open floor office concept, call center environment with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT), extensive personal computer and phone usage, moderate noise, and possible dust. Extended sitting and some bending and reaching may be required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Steven Madigan Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
INTRODUCTION
The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Division is responsible for administering the state's UI program under the oversight of the United States Department of Labor (USDOL). This includes the collection of UI contributions/taxes from employers on a quarterly basis, and the distribution of unemployment compensation to New Mexicans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and meet various eligibility requirements. The Division executes these functions via robust self-service web services, as well as through staff assisted services via the UI Operations Center.
NMDWS participates in E-Verify.
Background check for this position is required.
Interviews for this position will be conducted within 10 days of the posting closure.
PURPOSE:
The Senior Claims Adjuster is essential to ensure fair, consistent, and impartial resolution of disputes, claims, or competitions within an organization or process. Their role is to evaluate evidence, apply established rules or standards, and deliver objective decisions that uphold the integrity of the system. The team reviews submitted cases, claims, or disputes (tax) with a focus on fact-finding and rule application. They analyze relevant documentation, interview involved parties if necessary, and assess compliance with policies or criteria. After thorough evaluation, the team makes informed decisions or recommendations based on established guidelines. Their responsibilities often include documenting findings and communicating results to stakeholders. They are the neutral authority to ensure decisions are just, timely, and well-founded.
Responsibilities:
This position investigates and adjudicates claims eligibility. It involves reviewing and analyzing information to resolve issues that may affect a claimant's qualification for benefits. Staff gather facts from claimants, employers, and third-party administrators, assess relevant policies and laws, and make determinations on eligibility based on the evidence. This level acts as our executive branch which is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws.
It makes and writes determinations using New Mexico Unemployment Insurance statutes and regulations. Reviews facts, gathers statements from claimants, employers, and third-party administrators, and analyzes evidence to make fair and legally sound decisions. Writes formal determinations that clearly explain the outcome, the reasoning behind it, and the applicable statutes or rules, ensuring transparency and compliance with New Mexico UI regulations and laws.
CUSTOMERS:
This job serves the New Mexico public, including NM Residents and NM Employers.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate degree in Business Administration and two (2) years of claims adjustment and/or investigative experience preferably in the insurance profession. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience. For positions in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Operations Center at the Department of Workforce Solutions: Any additional call center customer service experience in claims taking and/or processing (UI preferably), eligibility determination, identifying, troubleshooting and resolving customer complaints, and ensuring compliance will substitute for the education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate (DDC) from the State of New Mexico. Must possess DDC within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Extended sitting and some bending and reaching may be required.
Background check is required for this position.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position is located in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Operations inbound call center. Work is performed in an open floor office concept, call center environment with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT), extensive personal computer and phone usage, moderate noise, and possible dust. Extended sitting and some bending and reaching may be required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Steven Madigan Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
See all 208+ OPT Claims Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Claims Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Claims Specialist
Target insurers and third-party administrators with H-1B track records
Large insurance carriers and TPAs file H-1B visa petitions regularly. Focusing your search on employers with a history of sponsorship dramatically improves your odds of converting OPT employment into long-term work authorization after your window closes.
Frame your degree as a specialty occupation qualification
Claims Specialist roles require theoretical and practical application of business, finance, or risk management principles. Emphasize how your degree directly maps to the role's analytical demands, which is exactly what USCIS evaluates for specialty occupation status.
Start H-1B conversations with HR before your OPT expires
H-1B filing happens in April for an October start. If your OPT ends mid-year, you need a sponsor committed at least six months prior. Raise sponsorship early, not after an offer is extended, to avoid timeline conflicts.
Apply for a STEM extension if your degree qualifies
Business analytics, actuarial science, and statistics degrees often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That extra time gives you a second H-1B lottery entry and more runway to find a sponsoring employer in the claims space.
Highlight claims software proficiency in your applications
Employers hiring on OPT want candidates who reduce onboarding time. Proficiency in Guidewire, Salesforce, or similar claims management platforms signals immediate productivity and makes sponsorship investment feel lower-risk to hesitant hiring managers.
Use your CPT or internship experience as proof of specialty work
If you completed a claims-related internship during school, document the analytical and investigative responsibilities clearly on your resume. Prior specialty occupation work strengthens your H-1B petition and shows employers you already understand the role.
Claims Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Claims Specialist on OPT?
Yes, Claims Specialist roles generally qualify as specialty occupations under OPT rules because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as business, finance, or risk management. Your employment must be directly related to your degree, so ensure the role's posted requirements align with what you studied before accepting an offer.
Does a Claims Specialist job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated with a degree in a STEM-designated field, such as actuarial science, statistics, or business analytics, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension regardless of your job title. Check the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm your CIP code qualifies before applying.
How do I find Claims Specialist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Claims Specialist roles at employers open to sponsoring international candidates. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the process, after multiple interview rounds.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Claims Specialist job ends?
You enter a 60-day grace period once your employment ends. During that window you can find a new OPT-qualifying role, transfer to a different visa status, or prepare to depart the United States. Your new job must still be related to your degree field. If you find another qualifying Claims Specialist or similar role within 60 days, you can continue on the same OPT authorization without reapplying.
Do Claims Specialist employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Large insurance carriers, managed care organizations, and third-party administrators sponsor H-1B visas more consistently than smaller firms. Regional insurers and boutique claims consultancies are less predictable. When evaluating an offer, ask HR directly whether they have sponsored H-1B petitions in the past three years, and request to see their OFLC disclosure data filings if you want to verify before committing.