UC Administrative Hearing Officer (20037581)

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

2d • Remote

About The Position

The Unemployment Compensation Administrative Hearing Officer conducts fair, timely administrative hearings on appeals of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services unemployment insurance decisions. The officer determines why an individual separated from employment and whether the individual is entitled to unemployment benefits, while ensuring due process and explaining hearing procedures and parties’ rights.

The position conducts legal research and reviews case files and exhibits in preparation for hearings, confirms that parties and issues are correctly identified and notified, and manages scheduling matters and continuances. The officer may authorize subpoenas, rule on motions and objections, determine the admissibility of evidence, and write decisions based on the evidence and applicable law.

This is a remote, permanent, full-time position headquartered at 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.

Requirements

• Admission to the Ohio Bar pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 4705.01.
• At least 6 months of experience as a licensed attorney.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct administrative hearings to determine the circumstances of an individual's separation from employment and eligibility for unemployment benefits.
• Explain hearing procedures and advise parties of their rights.
• Administer oaths and oversee testimony, including selecting and questioning witnesses, managing direct testimony and cross-examination, and assisting parties with cross-examination when appropriate.
• Secure stipulations, answer questions, and interpret policies and procedures.
• Rule on motions and objections and determine the admissibility of evidence.
• Conduct legal research in preparation for hearings, including reviewing the Director's files and additional documents and exhibits.
• Ensure parties and issues are correctly identified and that parties are notified.
• Confer with parties regarding scheduling and continuances.
• Authorize the issuance of subpoenas.
• Prepare written decisions by reviewing evidence, researching legal issues, and typing or dictating decisions.
• Travel occasionally for training and required program-area meetings.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave, plus 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 Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

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