Appeals Referee

Are you an ambitious and detail-oriented professional looking for a challenging, yet rewarding career in the fascinating world of labor law? The Department of Labor & Industry is excited to welcome an Appeals Referee to our dedicated team in the Hermitage Referee Office. The primary focus of this position is to hear and render decisions in regards to first level appeals, while also serving as a hearing officer for second level appeals as needed. Take pride in the valuable work you do - apply today to make your career goals a reality!

As an Appeals Referee, you will be responsible for scheduling and conducting hearings as well as drafting and issuing decisions on appeal cases in a timely and impartial manner. This includes presiding over hearings and following rules of evidence, due process standards, and standard administrative practices to move the proceedings to conclusion. You will have the opportunity to share your knowledge as you train, advise, and oversee activities of subordinate staff while they facilitate processing appeals within the office, as well as resolve any complaints or grievances received. Work also includes a variety of administrative duties such as supervising clerical staff, preparing performance reviews, and handling leave requests.

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 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Work hours may be negotiable.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework), but not on a regular basis. 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 Hermitage. 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.

Salary

• $77,379 - $117,497/year

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Four years of experience in the determination of unemployment compensation claims, including adjustments, overpayments, and appeals supplemented by 6 college level credits in English composition or other related English courses; or
• Four years of professional experience which involves the application of taxing or benefit-paying provisions of the Unemployment Compensation Law in order to determine compliance, to improve Unemployment Compensation program operations, or to train others in the application of the law supplemented by 6 college level credits in English composition or other related English courses; or
• Graduation from an approved school of law and certification of admission to the bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and one year of experience in the practice of labor law; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 6 college level credits in English composition or other related English courses.

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.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

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.

Benefits

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.