What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Security Appeals Referee position at State of Connecticut - Department of Labor?
Introduction
Are you looking for an opportunity where you can receive on-the-job training to learn how to conduct�hearings and render decisions on unemployment insurance appeals and other related issues? If so, we invite you to read more about this opportunity to join our team! The State of Connecticut, Department of Labor (DOL) is currently recruiting for nine (9) durational Employment Security Appeals Referee positions.�These roles will be based in our Middletown Appeals Office in Middletown, CT. What We Have To Offer! To work for a Forbes top company: ‘Forbes’�State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023�- State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage Comprehensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings Retirement healthcare offerings Professional growth and development opportunities Outstanding�work-life balance State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.� Click�here�for more information Your role as an�Employment Security Appeals Referee These positions receive on-the-job training in quasi-judicial work conducting hearings and rendering decisions. In your role as an Employment Security Appeals Referee, you will have the opportunity to: Perform quasi-judicial work conducting hearings and rendering decisions involving single party or other less complex unemployment insurance appeals Explains hearing procedures and answers interested parties' questions Review determinations, reports and records prior to hearing Elicit pertinent sworn testimony from interested parties Rule on admissibility of evidence, exhibits and documents Facilitate hearing by maintaining order and adherence to proper procedure Write decisions on cases drawing upon facts in hearing record and pertinent laws Research, interpret and applies statutory laws, regulations and decisional law to evidence presented Rule upon and answer in writing requests for reconsideration or modification of decisions or reopening of cases Review cases appealed to Board of Review to ensure no further proceedings at Referee level are necessary Respond to general and technical inquiries regarding appellate procedure and Connecticut unemployment insurance law Position Highlights� Full-time, first (1st) Shift Monday – Friday; 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Applicants will be placed in vacancies under durational appointment with anticipated end dates of 12/31/2024 Benefits and leaves will be subject to the appropriate collective bargaining contract language and Connecticut General Statutes. Anticipated end date 12/31/2024 These positions offer telework based on telework guidelines and will be discussed during the interviews.� Selected candidates must have secure, private, and quiet workspace at home, with internet service, to be considered for this position. You will not be compensated for the use of your home internet or other materials you may use while teleworking The DOL The State of Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL) is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. In order to accomplish this in an ever-changing environment, we assist workers and employers to become competitive in the global economy. We take a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of workers and employers, and the other agencies that serve them. We ensure the supply of high-quality integrated services that serve the needs of our customers.� We encourage you to continue your career with us and the rest of the DOL�team!
Selection Plan
For Assistance in Applying: Please�read�or�watch�our�Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Application Process: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.� In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date, unless otherwise specified. The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class. All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to�DAS.SHRM@ct.gov. Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the state of Connecticut. Selection Process: This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error. During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency. For current state employees, salary�calculations are not necessarily comparable from branch to branch but it does not impact your state service credit. Contact Information: Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.� Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Ethan Ives at�Ethan.Ives@ct.gov.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Labor, Employment Security Appeals Division this class receives on-the-job training in quasi-judicial work conducting hearings and rendering decisions on unemployment insurance appeals and other assigned matters within the jurisdiction of the department.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Performs quasi-judicial work conducting hearings and rendering decisions involving single party or other less complex unemployment insurance appeals; Explains hearing procedures and answers interested parties' questions; Reviews determinations, reports and records prior to hearing; Elicits pertinent sworn testimony from interested parties; Rules on admissibility of evidence, exhibits and documents; Facilitates hearing by maintaining order and adherence to proper procedure; Writes decisions on cases drawing upon facts in hearing record and pertinent laws; Researches, interprets and applies statutory laws, regulations and decisional law to evidence presented; Rules upon and answers in writing requests for reconsideration or modification of decisions or reopening of cases; Reviews cases appealed to Board of Review to ensure no further proceedings at Referee level are necessary; Responds to general and technical inquiries regarding appellate procedure and Connecticut unemployment insurance law; May be assigned to perform work for Employment Security Board of Review including conducting legal research, rendering advice and drafting decisions; Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of relevant state laws, rules and regulations; Connecticut Employment Security Division appeals process, procedures and operations; Skills interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; organizational skills; Ability to research, comprehend, interpret and apply laws, regulations and legal decisions; reach sound decisions based on findings of facts, evidence and applicable laws, regulations and rulings; work independently; utilize available technology to review case histories, research relevant laws and Board precedents and draft decisions; maintain judicial demeanor; handle stressful situations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Eight (8) years of experience performing technical work in Unemployment Insurance, Job Service or Employment and Training programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been conducting hearings and rendering decisions on unemployment insurance. NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Labor Department Adjudication Specialist.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree. A Master’s degree in public administration, law or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience. A law degree (Juris Doctor) from an accredited law school may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience constructing and evaluating legal arguments Experience with time management including organization and follow-through while balancing and prioritizing multiple activities and responsibilities Experience with legal writing Experience working independently while meeting deadlines Experience conducting hearings in an impartial manner Experience with Unemployment Insurance law Experience working in a high production environment with strict deadlines
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.� As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
