SPECIAL APPEALS OFFICER - UNCLASSIFIED

State of Nevada; Carson City (NV); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vacation: 3 weeks

Sick Leave: 3 weeks

Holidays: 12 paid

PERS Retirement

Deferred Compensation

No Nevada state income tax

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Longevity Payments

Job summary

The Governor of the State of Nevada, through the Department of Administration Hearings Division, seeks licensed Nevada attorneys for Special Appeal Officer roles in Northern and Southern Nevada. Contracts are two-year terms with travel and conferencing provisions described in the solicitation.

Hearing assignments cover multiple counties, with video conferencing when possible. Compensation is hourly, and expenses are reimbursed per GSA rates when travel occurs outside Carson City or Las Vegas.

Qualifications

• Licensed Nevada attorney in good standing with at least two years of practice.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Excellent public speaking and communication abilities.
• Understanding of administrative court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Excellent time management and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hearings and render decisions under NRS 284 and 616A–617.
• Coordinate hearings and communicate with all parties.
• Prepare written orders, determinations, and final reports.
• Assist in case management and preparation for judicial review.
• Ensure compliance with travel reimbursement and billing procedures.

Skills

Legal research

Public speaking

Administrative procedures

Time management

Communication

Education

Nevada Bar licensed

Job description

• No Nevada state income tax.

Job Summary

The Governor of the State of Nevada, through the Department of Administration Hearings Division, is soliciting resumes and supplemental information from Nevada licensed attorneys for Special Appeal Officer positions in Northern and Southern Nevada. Contracts awarded as a result of this solicitation will be for a two-year period.

Hearings assigned to these positions are primarily conducted in Carson City and Las Vegas but may be held in other locations throughout the State such as Lovelock, Elko, and Ely. (Appeal Officers do not need to be available in all areas to be considered.)

The contract rate for services is $100-150/hr. (The time required to travel to and from the hearing is not reimbursable. Whenever possible, video conferencing will be used for hearings held outside of the Carson City and Las Vegas areas.) If travel outside of the Carson City or Las Vegas area is required, mileage/airfare and per diem expenses will be reimbursed at the U.S. General Services Administration rate. Billing claims must be submitted at the completion of each case. Appeals Officers must complete the appropriate documents through the Controller’s Office to receive payment.

At the time of contract awarding, certain insurance coverage may be required unless waived by the State's Risk Management Division and Attorney General's Office. Additionally, a Nevada State business license issued by the Secretary of State’s Office is required.

As the parties to a case will be able to participate in the selection of an Appeals Officer (via a strike list) for specific cases, there is no minimum guarantee of hours. All bills will require review and approval prior to submission for payment.

Essential Qualifications

The Governor shall appoint one or more Special Appeals Officers to conduct hearings and appeals as required pursuant to NRS 616A to 617. In order to qualify for this position, you must be an attorney who is currently in good standing and has been licensed to practice law before all the courts of State of Nevada for at least two years. Appeals Officers must pay their own State of Nevada Bar dues and must comply with applicable continuing legal education requirements.

Job Duties

In accordance with NRS 284.091, the Nevada Personnel Commission has appointed the Hearings & Appeals Division to conduct hearings and render decisions provided under Chapter 284 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. To assist in the management of this workload, the Hearings & Appeals Division has requested the appointment of Special Appeal Officers who will contract with the State, through the Hearings & Appeals Division.

The Special Appeal Officer responsibilities will include hearing cases of permanent classified employees related to claims of reprisal or retaliatory action against a State Officer or employee who discloses improper governmental action; appeals of disciplinary actions including dismissals, suspensions, and demotions; and appeals of claims of involuntary transfers. Pursuant to the Nevada Administrative Procedures Act (NRS Chapter 233B), decisions issued are subject to judicial review.

As provided in NRS Chapter 284 and the Hearing Officer Rules of Procedure, the Appeal Officers are responsible for convening hearings, communicating with all involved parties as necessary, conducting the hearings, issuing written orders and decisions, and preparing finalized written determinations.

The Hearings & Appeals Division will provide clerical support; hearing rooms, assistance in coordinating the parties; equipment required to obtain an accurate audio recording of the hearings; and preparation of files for judicial review by District Court, if necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

This is a position that is expected to perform with a high degree of skill, responsibility, and self-motivation. The person chosen for the position will have superior legal research and writing skills, a fully developed public speaking ability, and knowledge of administrative court procedures and rules of evidence. They will also have excellent communication and time management skills, and good interpersonal skills.

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Benefits Include

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits

may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).

• State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The Following Are Legal Holidays

January 1.............................................. New Year's Day

Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday

Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day

June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day

July 4.................................................... Independence Day

First Monday in September.............. Labor Day

Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day

November 11........................................ Veterans' Day

Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day

Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day

When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255