Head of Appeals - Unemployment Insurance

South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce; South Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce is seeking a Deputy Director of Appeals to lead the Higher Authority Appeals and ensure compliance with state and federal rules governing unemployment benefits. You will manage staff, oversee daily operations, and drive process improvements within the Appellate division.

Ideal candidates will have deep knowledge of UI benefits, tax laws, and administrative procedures, plus supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five years of experience in unemployment insurance, legal or quasi-judicial areas, or a Juris Doctor degree with one year of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of UI benefits and tax laws, federal rules of evidence, administrative procedures, and related law.
• JD preferred with three years of management experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and evaluate HAA writers and Appellate Division administrative staff.
• Regularly conduct training sessions on appeals procedures, federal and state law, and agency policies.
• Conduct monthly reviews of proposals written by HAA writers and document detailed findings.
• Collaborate with the Director to conduct quarterly internal reviews of Lower Authority Appeals (LAA) cases.
• Serve as liaison between the Appellate Division and Appellate Panel.
• Monitor Appellate Division performance in federal DOL metrics and ensure targets are met.
• Serve as the first level of public inquiry escalation for HAA and LAA issues.
• Communicate concerns discovered during the appeals process related to UI law, policies, and procedures.
• Work with the Director to address issues raised by the Appellate Panel and implement updates.
• Manage staff development, training, and employee evaluations.
• May conduct LAA unemployment insurance hearings and draft proposed decisions for cases appealed to HAA.

Skills

UI benefits knowledge

Tax laws knowledge

Federal rules of evidence

Administrative procedures

Supervisory leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce is seeking a Deputy Director of Appeals to lead the Higher Authority Appeals and ensure compliance with state and federal rules governing unemployment benefits. You will manage staff, oversee daily operations, and drive process improvements within the Appellate division.

Ideal candidates will have deep knowledge of UI benefits, tax laws, and administrative procedures, plus supervisory experience.