HEARING OFFICER II FAMLI

Maryland AG; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking

Paid holidays 12-13 per year

Generous paid leave package

Job summary

The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation seeks a Hearing Officer II to conduct administrative hearings and issue decisions under FAMLI. You will review case materials, evidence, and statutes, ensuring due process and impartiality throughout proceedings.

The role emphasizes timely, accurate record-keeping and collaboration with clerks and team members. Requires a Juris Doctor and at least one year of relevant legal experience; background checks apply.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• One year of legal experience involving civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Conducts impartial administrative hearings and writes decisions.
• Reviews appeals materials, applicable statutes, and evidence.
• Ensures due process and applies law consistently during hearings.
• Drafts timely, legally sound proposed decisions.

Skills

Legal experience

Education

Juris Doctor degree or equivalent

Job description

Introduction

Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program makes sure all workers in Maryland have paid time off for medical and family reasons. FAMLI is a social insurance system covering 2.6 million workers and 180,000 employers, delivered as a digitally native, public-facing service. We’re in the early stages of building something as big and as far-reaching as unemployment insurance or a new health department. We know that delivering services primarily through a website, over the Internet, is a new way of doing business in government. The Appeals Unit is responsible for providing a fair and impartial process for reviewing determinations made by the FAMLI Division. Our Hearing Officers conduct hearings, review evidence, and issue legally sound decisions while safeguarding due process. The Appeals Unit is committed to delivering timely, accessible, and high-quality service to workers, employers, and the public while upholding the integrity of the FAMLI program. Hearing Officers conduct administrative hearings and issue written decisions. They are responsible for managing hearings efficiently, developing a complete and accurate record, and applying the law in an impartial manner. Hearing Officers contribute to the overall quality and consistency of Appeals decisions and support the unit’s commitment to integrity, efficiency, and fairness. This is a Remote position.

GRADE

STD0021

LOCATION OF POSITION

100 S. Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Main Purpose of Job

A Hearing Officer II is a full performance level position of the Appeals Unit within the Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) at the Maryland Department of Labor. A Hearing Officer II ensures accurate and timely processing of appeals by reviewing appeals intakes, case materials, and evidence, conducting administrative hearings and pre‑hearing conferences when necessary. Hearing Officers also communicate and coordinate with parties and participants in appeals hearings, and write and issue appeals decisions in accordance with the law.

POSITION DUTIES

• 75% - Administrative Hearings and Decision Writing
• Conducts impartial administrative hearings related to the eligibility, benefits, and contribution liability under the FAMLI program.
• Reviews all pertinent facts surrounding the hearing.
• Reviews case materials, relevant statutes, and evidence prior to the hearing.
• Follows prescribed legal procedures and ensures that due process is maintained throughout hearings.
• Evaluates testimony and applies statutes, case law, and program regulations accurately.
• Prepares timely, legally sound, and clearly written proposed decisions.
• Collaborates effectively with Clerks, administrators, and other team members in the Hearings Unit.
• Ensures confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive information.
• Remains adaptable to new technologies and new processes as they are introduced.
• Assists with appeals pre‑review and intake to resolve and dispense of cases when possible.
• Performs research in preparation for the administrative hearings.
• Issues pre‑hearing orders, subpoenas, administers oaths, examines witnesses and receives documentary evidence.
• Instructs the parties of their rights.
• Conducts pre‑hearing conferences to limit issues, combine parties and representation, accept stipulations, determine order of presentation and to address other aspects of the hearing.
• 20% - Maintain Knowledge of Rules and Procedures
• Stays up‑to‑date on changes in administrative law, as well as FAMLI policies, procedures and regulations.
• Participates in regular team trainings.
• 5% - Other
• Compiles data and produces reports as directed.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Juris Doctor degree or equivalent degree from an accredited law school. Experience: One year of legal experience involving civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings. Notes: 1. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in judge advocate classification or judge advocate specialty codes in the general attorney field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in paid leave, unemployment insurance, workers compensation, or any other benefits administration program is preferred.
• Experience setting up new government programs is preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Candidates for positions in this classification must have membership in the Bar of any state or federal jurisdiction at the time of hire and must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 12 months of hire.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All candidates are subject to a background check against files maintained by the Division of Unemployment Insurance (Labor/DUI) to determine whether any monies are owed to Labor/DUI as a result of unemployment insurance overpayment/fraud. Any unpaid debt may have an impact on whether or not a candidate is offered employment.

BENEFITS

• This is a full-time, permanent position and eligible for full State benefits, which include:
• Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking
• Paid holidays 12-13 per year
• Generous paid leave package (annual, sick, personal and compensatory leave)
• State Pension ('defined benefit' plan)
• Tax‑deferred supplemental retirement savings plans (401(k) and 457)
• Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic prescriptions, and free preventative health services
• Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare
• State Employees Credit Union

U.S. Military Veterans may qualify for additional bonus points towards certification. Permanent State employees do not need to submit proof of Veterans’ status.

Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of MD Labor that all persons have equal opportunity and access to employment opportunities, services, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.