Hearing Officer III Famli Lead/Adv

State of Maryland • Baltimore City, MD

5d • Remote

About The Position

Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program makes sure 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. We’re in the early stages of building something as big and as far-reaching as unemployment insurance or a new health department. We know that delivering services primarily through a website, over the Internet, is a new way of doing business in government. 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.

Requirements

• A Juris Doctor degree or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.
• Four years 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 supervising other hearing officers is preferred.
• Experience in paid leave, unemployment insurance, workers compensation, or any other benefits administration program is preferred.
• Experience standing up new government programs is preferred.
• Possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Conducts impartial administrative hearings related to the eligibility, benefits, and contribution liability under the FAMLI program.
• Troubleshoots common, uncommon, and complex issues.
• 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.
• Assists in training new team members and training existing staff on changes in the law, regulations, and or appeals procedures.
• Reviews decisions written by more junior hearing officers for quality and accuracy before they are issued as final orders.
• Conduct hearings for complex cases and make final decisions or recommendations on their resolution, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and policies.
• Participates in trainings, team meetings and feedback sessions.
• 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: Senior