Chief Unemployment Insurance Appeals Referee

State of Delaware•Dover, DE

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a qualified professional with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree to serve as Chief Unemployment Insurance Appeals Referee. In this quasi-judicial and supervisory capacity, the selected candidate administers the state’s first level of the Unemployment Insurance appeals process by overseeing unit operations, conducting complex administrative hearings, evaluating testimony and evidence, and issuing clear, well-reasoned written decisions in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. This position provides a hybrid work schedule, with in-office and remote work requirements established by management based on operational needs. Positions are assigned to a primary county; however, selected candidates may be required to travel to and provide coverage in other counties, as necessary. The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to exercise sound legal judgment; analyze and interpret statutes, regulations, and case law; and communicate effectively in both written and oral formats. Candidates must also demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to plan, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; ensure consistency and timeliness in appeals decisions; and maintain a commitment to impartiality, due process, and public service.

Requirements

Possession of a Juris Doctor.
Three years experience in quasi judicial proceedings.
Three years experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
Six months experience in legal research which includes researching statutes, regulations, case law and background information.
Six months experience in drafting legal documents and writing legal briefs which includes presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.

Responsibilities

Plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of a staff of subordinate referees as well as that of the clerical staff; schedules cases for hearings, monitor appeals operations on a daily basis.
Communicates and interprets applicable laws, rules and regulations to subordinate referees; provides referee training.
Reviews hearing decisions of subordinate referees to ensure compliance and correct application of federal and State Unemployment Insurance laws, rules and regulations.
Conducts the most complex Unemployment Insurance appeals cases in accordance with applicable law; administers oaths and affirmations; issues subpoenas; hears testimony; receives and reviews evidence and rules on its admissibility; regulates and controls the hearing; makes tape recordings of hearings; researches and reviews applicable federal and State laws and precedent cases; renders written case decisions.
Compiles and/or oversees preparation of statistical reports as required.
Maintains precedent manual for use by other referees in analyzing cases.
Periodically reviews all phases of unit operations practices to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
Responds to inquiries and complaints from the general public; coordinates decisions with other sections to resolve problems.