Workers' Compensation Judge

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Johnstown (Cambria County); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Telework opportunities

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Workers' Compensation Judge to adjudicate contested workers' compensation claims and ensure fair hearings and accurate legal decisions. This role requires strong legal judgment, careful case management, and steady guidance throughout the hearing process.

You will conduct hearings, manage large caseloads, review evidence, issue decisions, perform legal research, and guide unrepresented litigants through settlement processes.

Qualifications

• Five years of Workers' Compensation practice before administrative agencies or equivalent experience.
• Attorney in good standing before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Hearings: Lead in-person and virtual hearings and address issues under relevant laws.
• Manage Caseloads: Oversee large caseloads while protecting due process rights.
• Resolve Evidence: Review testimony and documents to determine credibility and prepare findings.
• Issue Decisions: Release timely final decisions meeting statutory requirements.
• Perform Research: Use legal research tools to review statutes and case law.
• Guide Participants: Advise unrepresented litigants and oversee settlements and reviews.

Job description

The Workers' Compensation Judge position with the Workers' Compensation Office of Adjudication offers an opportunity to guide important decisions that impact employees and employers across Pennsylvania. This role allows you to apply legal knowledge while ensuring fair hearings and clear outcomes. It is ideal for someone who values careful review, thoughtful judgment, and strong public service. Step into a role where your decisions help support a fair and balanced process.

This position adjudicates contested workers' compensation claims and ensures fair hearings and accurate legal decisions. It requires strong legal judgment, careful case management, and steady guidance throughout the hearing process. As a Workers' Compensation Judge, you will perform the following duties:

• Conduct Hearings:Lead in-person and virtual hearings and address all issues covered under relevant laws
• Manage Caseloads:Oversee large caseloads while protecting the due process rights of all parties
• Resolve Evidence:Review testimony and documents to determine credibility and prepare findings and orders
• Issue Decisions:Release timely final decisions that meet statutory and regulatory requirements
• Perform Research:Use legal research tools to review statutes, case law, and secondary sources
• Guide Participants:Advise unrepresented litigants and oversee settlement hearings and agreement reviews

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. Work schedule may vary based on operational needs.
• Telework:You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of the required training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Johnstown. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little extras that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Five years of Workers' Compensation practice before administrative agencies, or equivalent experience.

Special Requirements:

• You must be an attorney in good standing before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.