Hearings Examiner

State of Maine • Augusta, GA

1d • Remote

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team in a critical role within the Department of Labor. As a Hearings Examiner, you’ll help ensure that individuals and employers have a fair opportunity to be heard when appealing decisions made by the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. In this role, you’ll conduct telephonic hearings in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, review case files and evidence, ask questions to develop a complete record, and guide participants through the hearing process. You’ll evaluate testimony and evidence, make independent decisions, and ensure hearings are conducted fairly and consistently with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys analyzing information, asking thoughtful questions, solving complex problems, and making well-reasoned decisions. You’ll have considerable independence in managing your hearings and caseload while also being part of an experienced and supportive team that works together, shares knowledge, and is always available when you need guidance.

Requirements

• Determines time, date, and place of hearing in order to schedule and provide a forum in which a decision can be rendered.
• Assesses and evaluates all testimony and documents presented at the hearing in order to determine the final decision on the issue or validity of the claim.
• Explains prescribed procedures, duties of the hearing officer, purpose of the hearing, and rights of the claimant in order to ensure all parties know their rights and will be able to participate in the hearing.
• Discusses and questions all parties testifying during the hearing in order to identify issues and clarify testimony presented.
• Determines legality and direction of testimony and cross-examination in order to arbitrate and control the hearing process.
• Writes a formal report defining issues and listing relevant facts and documents presented as testimony in order to advise all parties of the final decision and instruct agency personnel on appropriate action to take.
• Advises program managers when policies are not being applied or correctly interpreted in order to correct problems that result in appeals.
• Education, training, and/or experience in administrative law, public administration, or another legal or regulatory field demonstrating competency in applying knowledge of the adjudicatory hearings process, conducting administrative hearings, arbitrations, or mediations, assessing complex information/documents, and preparing final decisions or complex reports.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Maine’s unemployment insurance program would be preferred but not required.
• Preference may be given to applicants who hold degrees from American Bar Association accredited law schools.

Responsibilities

• Determines time, date, and place of hearing in order to schedule and provide a forum in which decision can be rendered.
• Assesses and evaluates all testimony and documents presented at the hearing in order to determine final decision on issue or validity of claim.
• Explains prescribed procedures, duties of the hearing officer, purpose of the hearing, and rights of the claimant in order to ensure all parties know their rights and will be able to participate in the hearing.
• Discusses and questions all parties testifying during the hearing in order to identify issues and clarify testimony presented.
• Determines legality and direction of testimony and cross examination in order to arbitrate and control hearing process.
• Writes formal report defining issues and listing relevant facts and documents presented as testimony in order to advise all parties of final decision and instruct agency personnel on appropriate action to take.
• Advises program managers when policies are not being applied or correctly interpreted in order to correct problems which result in appeals.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.86% for Confidential employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed