Review Examiner I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Brockton, MA

18h

About The Position

The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) administers Massachusetts’ Unemployment Insurance program, which provides temporary income assistance to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. The Hearings Department is the first level of appeal for claimants and employers who receive unfavorable determinations. It conducts hearings by telephone, virtually, and in person at locations throughout the state. The Review Examiner I presides over administrative hearings on appeals involving agency services or benefits that do not involve complex evidentiary or legal issues. The role includes eliciting evidence and testimony, preparing and implementing decisions promptly, reviewing appeals and obtaining additional evidence when possible to resolve them without a hearing, and conferring with agency staff. The examiner also investigates appeal issues, issues determinations, maintains records, prepares reports, and performs related work.

Requirements

At least three years of full-time professional experience whose major duties included adjudication, examination, or review of claims, benefits, or taxes; the practice of law; labor relations work; claims investigation or adjustment; or credit management or credit investigation.
An equivalent combination of qualifying experience and the listed education substitutions may be accepted.
A bachelor's or higher degree with a major in law may substitute for the required experience.
A bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than law may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
Education toward a degree is prorated according to the proportion of degree requirements completed.

Responsibilities

Conduct administrative hearings on single-party issues and other appeals involving less complex evidentiary and legal issues, ensuring the rights of all parties.
Elicit sufficient evidence and testimony to resolve appeals concerning agency determinations about benefits, charges, and penalties.
Write clear, concise decisions with sufficient findings of fact and conclusions of law, consistent with statutory provisions, case law, and agency policy.
Check written decisions for accuracy, proper form, and conformance with original data and procedures.
Upload and enter decisions into the online system within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with DOL promptness guidelines.
Review cases before and after hearings to resolve questions, obtain necessary evidence or information, and consult agency staff to address problems.
Investigate appeal issues through telephone fact-finding interviews with claimants, employers, and/or their representatives.
Resolve appeals before hearings by analyzing investigation data and applying relevant laws, rules, regulations, and precedents.
Write and issue timely determinations approving or denying benefits, with sufficient facts, reasons, and legal basis for interested parties to protect their rights.
Review material for compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.
Create and preserve oral and written records of proceedings for further study or appeal.
Perform duties in a manner that supports the agency’s customer service goals.
Prepare case management reports.
Perform other related work as required.