Review Examiner I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Springfield, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) administers the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program which provides temporary income assistance to Massachusetts workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are able to work, available for work, and looking for a job. The appeals process for unemployment issues is governed by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151A. For claimants or employers who receive unfavorable determinations, the Hearings Department is the first level of appeal. The Hearings Department conducts hearings via telephone, virtually, and in person at various locations throughout the state. The Review Examiner I will preside over administrative hearings on appeals of claims for agency services or benefits not involving complex evidentiary and legal issues, promptly prepares and implements decisions on hearings conducted, confers with agency staff, and performs related work as required. Reviews appeals and, when possible, obtains additional evidence to resolve the appeal without the need of a hearing. In accordance with 801 CMR, M.G.L. Chapter 151 A, and the DOL Performance Criteria, the incumbent conducts administrative hearings on single party issues and other appeals involving less complex evidentiary and legal issues, which ensure the rights of all parties. Elicit sufficient evidence and testimony to resolve single party and other appeals involving less complex evidentiary and legal issues of agency determinations regarding benefits, charges, and penalties. Writes clear and concise decisions, which contain findings of facts sufficient to support the ultimate findings and conclusions of law, which comply with statutory provisions, case law, and agency policy. Checks the accuracy of written decisions by using spellcheck, proofreading, or editing to ensure proper form and conformance with original data and procedures. Uploads and data enters decisions into online system within a timeframe that is reasonable and attains the DOL guidelines for promptness. Reviews cases prior to and after the hearing to resolve any questions, obtain any needed evidence/information necessary to dispose of pending appeals, or consult with agency staff to resolve problems. Investigates appeal issues sent to DUA Hearings by conducting fact-finding interviews by telephone to gather information from claimants and employers and/or their representatives. Resolves appeals prior to hearing by analyzing data obtained from investigations and applying relevant laws, rules, regulations and precedents to formulate legal conclusions concerning eligibility for benefits in dispute. Writes and issues timely determinations resulting from DUA Hearings investigations approving, or denying benefits which contain sufficient facts, reasons and law to enable interested parties to protect their rights and thus disposing of the appeals. Reviews material to determine compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedures. Creates and preserves oral and written records of proceedings for use in further study or appeal of case. Performs all job duties in a manner to enhance the agency's achievement of its customer service goals. Prepares case management reports. Performs other related work as required.

Requirements

• Three years of full-time, professional experience, the major duties of which included the adjudication, examination and/or review of claims, benefits and/or taxes; the practice of law; labor relations work; claims investigation or adjustment work; credit management or credit investigation work.
• A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in law may be substituted for the required experience.
• A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in Law may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.
• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Nice To Haves

• Qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Responsibilities

• Preside over administrative hearings on appeals of claims for agency services or benefits not involving complex evidentiary and legal issues.
• Promptly prepare and implement decisions on hearings conducted.
• Confer with agency staff.
• Review appeals and, when possible, obtain additional evidence to resolve the appeal without the need of a hearing.
• 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 single party and other appeals involving less complex evidentiary and legal issues of agency determinations regarding benefits, charges, and penalties.
• Write clear and concise decisions, containing findings of facts sufficient to support the ultimate findings and conclusions of law, complying with statutory provisions, case law, and agency policy.
• Check the accuracy of written decisions by using spellcheck, proofreading, or editing to ensure proper form and conformance with original data and procedures.
• Upload and data enter decisions into online system within a timeframe that is reasonable and attains the DOL guidelines for promptness.
• Review cases prior to and after the hearing to resolve any questions, obtain any needed evidence/information necessary to dispose of pending appeals, or consult with agency staff to resolve problems.
• Investigate appeal issues sent to DUA Hearings by conducting fact-finding interviews by telephone to gather information from claimants and employers and/or their representatives.
• Resolve appeals prior to hearing by analyzing data obtained from investigations and applying relevant laws, rules, regulations and precedents to formulate legal conclusions concerning eligibility for benefits in dispute.
• Write and issue timely determinations resulting from DUA Hearings investigations approving, or denying benefits which contain sufficient facts, reasons and law to enable interested parties to protect their rights and thus disposing of the appeals.
• Review material to determine compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Create and preserve oral and written records of proceedings for use in further study or appeal of case.
• Perform all job duties in a manner to enhance the agency's achievement of its customer service goals.
• Prepare case management reports.
• Perform other related work as required.

Benefits

• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• Work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

What This Job Offers

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