UC Administrative Hearing Officer (20037611 & 20037612)

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

6d • 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. The Commission reviews disputed issues de novo and may affirm, reverse, remand, or modify the decisions under appeal. It aims to conduct its work with fairness, integrity, efficiency, consistency, and respect for the people it serves.

The Unemployment Compensation Administrative Hearing Officer conducts administrative hearings to determine the circumstances of an individual's separation from employment and eligibility for unemployment benefits. The officer explains hearing procedures and the parties' rights, administers oaths, manages testimony and questioning, rules on motions and objections, and determines whether evidence is admissible. The officer also researches and prepares for hearings, coordinates scheduling and continuances, may authorize subpoenas, and writes decisions.

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 starts 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.
• At least 6 months of experience as a licensed attorney.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct administrative 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 testimony, including deciding which witnesses to hear, questioning witnesses, overseeing direct testimony and cross-examination, and assisting 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 and prepare for hearings by reviewing the Director's files and other documents and exhibits.
• Ensure that parties and issues are correctly identified and that parties are notified.
• Confer with parties about scheduling and continuances.
• Authorize the issuance of subpoenas.
• Review evidence, research legal issues, and write decisions, including typing or dictating them.

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