Workers' Compensation Attorney Advocate

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

31d•Remote

About The Position

This is professional services work providing advocacy and legal services to injured workers. Responsibilities include advising, consulting, and representing workers before administrative bodies; developing evidence and testimony for case presentation; and assisting in preparation of appellate briefs to the Law Court. Work is performed under limited supervision.

Requirements

Knowledge of state and federal laws, administrative laws, rules, and case law affecting Workers' Compensation Board programs and services.
Knowledge of basic legal concepts of due process, administrative law, constitutional law, torts, and contracts.
Knowledge of legal documents, court procedures, and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of medical and legal terminology and practices in workers' compensation.
Knowledge of legal research techniques.
Knowledge of trial techniques.
Knowledge of interviewing and investigative techniques and practices.
Ability to research, analyze, and organize legal facts and principles.
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to write clearly and effectively
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to negotiate mediation agreements, lump sum settlements, or other voluntary resolutions.
Ability to prepare and maintain complex cases and large caseloads.
Ability to handle difficult and adversarial situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of client information and communications.

Responsibilities

Represents injured workers in administrative hearings in order to provide legal services and representation.
Analyzes case information and documents facts, reports, and other documentation in order to advocate for injured workers.
Counsels and advises injured workers to protect their legal rights.
Explains laws, legal rights, options, timelines, and risks and advantages of pursuing claims in order to ensure injured works are knowledgeable of their rights.
Confers and negotiates with insurance adjusters, private attorneys, employers, health care and service providers, and other third parties in order to represent and protect the rights of injured workers.
Writes legal memoranda and briefs in connection with litigation and administrative proceedings in order to prepare for proceedings.
Explains laws, decisions, rules, policies, and procedures of Workers' Compensation Board to injured workers.
Determines scope of investigation on injured workers' claims in order to ensure comprehensive services in an efficient timeframe.
Negotiates resolutions and/or compromise of claims in order to reduce litigation claims in administrative system.
Provides legal advice and assistance to injured workers in obtaining appropriate rehabilitation, return to work, and employment security services in order to ensure appropriate representation and to protect injured workers' rights.
Takes depositions of treating and examining physicians and other involved parties in order to ensure documentation of workers' injuries.
Assists in preparation of cases for appellate review to the Law Court in order to ensure a thorough presentation of workers' injuries.
Reviews and drafts findings in mediation or administrative hearing proceedings under the jurisdiction of the Workers' Compensation Board in order to ensure findings conform to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Coordinates the execution of legal services with senior legal staff in order to ensure common understanding and interpretation of the law.

Benefits

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 overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
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.