Hearing Officer II Famli

State of Maryland • Baltimore City, MD

8d • Remote

About The Position

Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program ensures all workers in Maryland have paid time off for medical and family reasons. FAMLI is a social insurance system covering 2.6 million workers and 180,000 employers, delivered as a digitally native, public-facing service. The Appeals Unit is responsible for providing a fair and impartial process for reviewing determinations made by the FAMLI Division. Our Hearing Officers conduct hearings, review evidence, and issue legally sound decisions while safeguarding due process. The Appeals Unit is committed to delivering timely, accessible, and high-quality service to workers, employers, and the public while upholding the integrity of the FAMLI program. Hearing Officers conduct administrative hearings and issue written decisions. They are responsible for managing hearings efficiently, developing a complete and accurate record, and applying the law in an impartial manner. Hearing Officers contribute to the overall quality and consistency of Appeals decisions and support the unit’s commitment to integrity, efficiency, and fairness. This is a Remote position.

Requirements

• A Juris Doctor degree or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.
• One year of legal experience involving civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings.
• Membership in the Bar of any state or federal jurisdiction at the time of hire.
• Must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 12 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in paid leave, unemployment insurance, workers compensation, or any other benefits administration program is preferred.
• Experience setting up new government programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts impartial administrative hearings related to the eligibility, benefits, and contribution liability under the FAMLI program.
• Reviews all pertinent facts surrounding the hearing.
• Reviews case materials, relevant statutes, and evidence prior to the hearing.
• Follows prescribed legal procedures and ensures that due process is maintained throughout hearings.
• Evaluates testimony and applies statutes, case law, and program regulations accurately.
• Prepares timely, legally sound, and clearly written proposed decisions.
• Collaborates effectively with Clerks, administrators, and other team members in the Hearings Unit.
• Ensures confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive information.
• Remains adaptable to new technologies and new processes as they are introduced.
• Assists with appeals pre-review and intake to resolve and dispense of cases when possible.
• Performs research in preparation for the administrative hearings.
• Issues pre-hearing orders, subpoenas, administers oaths, examines witnesses and receives documentary evidence.
• Instructs the parties of their rights.
• Conducts pre-hearing conferences to limit issues, combine parties and representation, accept stipulations, determine order of presentation and to address other aspects of the hearing.
• Stays up-to-date on changes in administrative law, as well as FAMLI policies, procedures and regulations.
• Participates in regular team trainings.
• Compiles data and produces reports as directed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Benefits

• Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking
• Paid holidays 12-13 per year
• Generous paid leave package (annual, sick, personal and compensatory leave)
• State Pension ("defined benefit" plan)
• Tax-deferred supplemental retirement savings plans (401(k) and 457)
• Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic prescriptions, and free preventative health services
• Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare
• State Employees Credit Union

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level