Hearings Examiner Augusta , Maine , United States | Legal | Full-time Apply by: Feb. 13, 2025 Apply with Linkedin Apply Department of Labor - Bureau of Unemployment Compensation, Administrative HearingsJob Class Code:0053 Grade: 26 (Professional & Technical) Salary: $56,264 - $78,998 (Annually) Location: AugustaOpening Date: January 26, 2025Closing Date: February 13, 2025 We have a current opening to work in a critical role in our Agency where you'll help settle appeals of decisions made by the Department of Labor, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. As a hearing officer, you’ll hold telephonic hearings following the rules of the Administrative Procedures Act. Your job will include reviewing files to understand the reasons behind agency decisions, guiding the hearing process, making decisions on evidence, and ensuring everyone follows the proper policies and procedures. You’ll work independently, but you’ll also have a supportive team to back you up. Primary responsibilities include: + Determines time, date, and place of hearing in order to schedule and provide a forum in which decision can be rendered. + Assesses and evaluates all testimony and documents presented at the hearing in order to determine final decision on issue or validity of claim. + Explains prescribed procedures, duties of the hearing officer, purpose of the hearing, and rights of the claimant in order to ensure all parties know their rights and will be able to participate in the hearing. + Discusses and questions all parties testifying during the hearing in order to identify issue and clarify testimony presented. + Determines legality and direction of testimony and cross examination in order to arbitrate and control hearing process. + Writes formal report defining issue and listing relevant facts and documents presented as testimony in order to advise all parties of final decision and instruct agency personnel on appropriate action to take. + Advises program managers when policies are not being applied or correctly interpreted in order to correct problems which result in appeals. Skills or knowledge required: + Knowledge of Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, and policies governing unemployment compensation. + Knowledge of guidelines and provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act. + Knowledge of human behavior and effects of stress. + Ability to analyze facts, issues, and testimony, reach logical conclusions, and make sound decisions. + Ability to communicate and deal effectively with a variety of people in stressful situations. + Ability to conduct hearings in a fair and impartial manner. + Ability to prepare written decisions. + Ability to work independently. Minimum qualifications: An eight (8) year combination of training, experience, and/or education providing a working knowledge of the adjudication process relating to hearings Preference will be given to those applicants: Who have earned a degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school. Contact information: Questions about this position should be directed to Christopher Gagne,Christopher.Gagne@Maine.gov Application Instructions: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date. Benefits of working for the State of Maine: No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: + Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. + Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95%of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. + Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). + Retirement Plan– The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees. State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) . Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time. There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.