Unemployment Benefits Hearings Specialist

US Diversity Job Search; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 56,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Labor - Bureau of Unemployment Compensation in Augusta seeks a Hearings Examiner to conduct telephonic hearings, review case files, and guide participants through the hearing process. You will evaluate testimony and ensure hearings comply with applicable laws and procedures.

This role offers considerable independence in managing hearings and caseloads, with support from an experienced team, as you develop well-reasoned final decisions and timely reports for agency action.

Qualifications

• Education, training, and/or experience in administrative law or public administration applying adjudicatory hearings.
• Experience assessing complex information and preparing final decisions or complex reports.
• Preference for knowledge of Maine's unemployment insurance program.

Responsibilities

• Determines time, date, and place of hearing to schedule a forum for decision rendering.
• Assesses testimony and documents to determine final decision on issue or claim validity.
• Explains procedures and rights to ensure participants can participate in hearings.
• Questions parties during hearings to identify issues and clarify testimony.
• Determines legality and direction of testimony to control hearing process.
• Writes formal report outlining issues and facts to advise parties of final decision.
• Advises program managers when policies are misapplied to correct issues leading to appeals.

Skills

Administrative law

Public administration

Hearing process

Evidence review

Decision writing

Education

ABA-accredited law school

Job description

The Department of Labor - Bureau of Unemployment Compensation in Augusta seeks a Hearings Examiner to conduct telephonic hearings, review case files, and guide participants through the hearing process. You will evaluate testimony and ensure hearings comply with applicable laws and procedures.

This role offers considerable independence in managing hearings and caseloads, with support from an experienced team, as you develop well-reasoned final decisions and timely reports for agency action.