UC Administrative Hearing Officer (20037611 & 20037612)

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

5d • Remote

About The Position

The Unemployment Compensation Review Commission is an independent agency that conducts fair, timely due process hearings on appeals of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services unemployment insurance decisions. Hearings provide a new, de novo review of disputed issues, with the Commission able to affirm, reverse, remand, or modify the original decision. The Commission strives to conduct its business with fairness, integrity, efficiency, consistency, and respect for the people it serves.

The Unemployment Compensation Administrative Hearing Officer conducts administrative law hearings to determine why an individual separated from employment and whether the individual is entitled to unemployment benefits. The officer explains procedures and parties’ rights, administers oaths, manages testimony and examination of witnesses, answers questions, interprets policies and procedures, rules on motions and objections, and determines whether evidence is admissible. The position also involves preparing for hearings through legal research and review of case files and exhibits, coordinating scheduling and continuances, authorizing subpoenas, and writing decisions based on the evidence and applicable law.

This is a permanent, full-time remote position headquartered at the Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus, Ohio. Standard workdays are Monday through Friday, with hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; evening work may be required. Occasional travel is required for training and program-area meetings. The selected candidate begins at Pay Grade 34, Step 1, at $38.01 per hour, with an opportunity for a pay increase after one year of satisfactory performance and subsequent yearly raises under applicable rules or the collective bargaining agreement. A criminal background check and other investigative reviews are required.

Requirements

• Admission to the Ohio Bar pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 4705.01.
• Six months of experience as a licensed attorney.
• Valid driver's license.
• Clearly indicate in the application and supplemental question responses how the minimum qualifications are met.

Responsibilities

• Conduct administrative law hearings to determine why an individual separated from employment and whether the individual is entitled to unemployment benefits.
• Explain hearing procedures and advise parties of their rights.
• Administer oaths and oversee the taking of testimony, including deciding which witnesses to hear, questioning witnesses, and overseeing direct testimony and cross-examination.
• Assist parties with cross-examination when appropriate and secure stipulations.
• Answer questions and interpret policies and procedures.
• Rule on motions and objections and determine the admissibility of evidence.
• Conduct legal research and prepare for hearings by reviewing the Director’s files and additional documents and exhibits.
• Ensure parties and issues are correctly identified and that required notifications are made.
• Confer with parties about scheduling and continuances.
• Authorize the issuance of subpoenas.
• Write decisions by reviewing evidence, researching legal issues, and typing or dictating decisions.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal leave, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including employee development funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional deferred compensation.

What This Job Offers

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