SPECIAL DEPUTY

Requisition No: 810332

Agency: Commerce

Working Title: 810332 - SPECIAL DEPUTY - 40031089

Position Number: 40031089

Salary: $42,776.88 - $48,140.46

Posting Closing Date: 08/24/2023

JOB TYPE: FULL TIME / Career Service

POSITION LOCATION: Fort Lauderdale, FL (relocation benefits are not available for this position)

Special Deputy

OPEN COMPETITIVE

www.floridajobs.org/

Our Organization and Mission:

Florida Commerce works across the state to support Florida’s economy, robust and talented workforce, and our local communities. We are dedicated to making a stronger and more resilient Florida, so our businesses, communities, and workforce are better prepared to withstand future economic slowdowns and natural disasters.

In collaboration with our partners, we salute our nation’s veterans and are honored to have the opportunity to support them and their family members by encouraging them to apply at Florida Commerce for positions that fit their skill sets.

Florida Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. (TTY/TDD 1-800-955-8771 or the Florida Relay Service – 711.)

Let our mission become yours. To find out more about us, click on the link: http://www.floridajobs.org/

The Work You Will Do:

The SPECIAL DEPUTY is a member of the RA SOUTH FLORIDA APPEALS team of the Division of WORKFORCE SERVICES. A Special Deputy functions as a hearing officer conducting administrative hearings on disputed Reemployment Assistance (unemployment compensation) claims based on appeals filed by claimants and employers concerning the eligibility or disqualifications of benefits, overpayments, fraud, reemployment assistance tax, employer liability and benefit charges to employers.

The Difference You Will Make:

You will assist in helping Floridians obtain wage replacement benefits for qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. Your knowledge and skills will be utilized to help our citizens.

Florida Commerce is a fast-paced work environment in which critical thinking and prioritizing are a must.

How You Will Grow:

Florida Commerce encourages its employees to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. Trainings are made available throughout the year and on request with our Office of Human Resources Training and with our Division of Workforce Training Unit. In accordance with our Vision and Mission, the employee:

• Furthers Florida’s economic vision by providing support that enhances the economy and develops, safe, and healthy communities.
• Meets customer/client expectations with an emphasis on responsiveness, quality, quantity, and timeliness of work.
• Provides information clearly, accurately, and succinctly; and also exhibits good listening skills.
• Works collaboratively to optimize the effectiveness of Florida Commerce’s available resources and tools.
• Uses knowledge acquired through education, training, or experience to complete tasks.

These expectations are for all our employees, and you will be expected to model these as a leader. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience.

Where You Will Work:

FORT LAUDERDALE:

Only 30 miles north of Miami, the City of Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its extensive canal system. Fort Lauderdale is eighth largest city in Florida and boast 300 days of sunshine, over 300 miles of waterfront and 24-miles of golden beaches. Fort Lauderdale is also home to Port Everglades which is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and is a hub for international business, tourism and many other diverse industries. One of the best places in Florida for families to relocate to, Broward County has the sixth largest public-school system in the nation and is home to some reputable institutions including Broward College, Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University. With a myriad of businesses, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions available for residence and tourist Fort Lauderdale has a little something for everybody.

WORKING FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS BENEFITS!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:

$42,776.81 - $48,140.46 annually

Your Specific Responsibilities:

A Special Deputy is an Administrative Hearing Officer pursuant to Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. The Special Deputy conducts administrative hearings on disputed reemployment assistance (RA) claims based on appeals filed by claimants and employers concerning the payment or denial of benefits. The Special Deputy also resolves issues such as overpayment and repayment of benefits, fraud, and charges to employers. In pre-hearing, hearing and post hearing actions, the Special Deputy must adhere to the statutory requirements of Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, Chapter 443, Florida Statutes, Chapter 73B, Florida Administrative Code, the Florida Evidence Code, Federal Performance criteria, and relevant Federal Regulations. The Special Deputy formal written decision constitutes final agency action.

APPEALS HEARINGS ACTIVITIES: The hearings are conducted at established locations within the geographic area served by the appeals office and may be conducted in person, by telephone, or a combination thereof. The hearings are formal evidentiary hearings conducted pursuant to Section 120.57, Florida Statutes. Among other things, the Special Deputy is required to: take all evidence under oath or affirmation, determine the order of testimony, develop the hearing record, control disruptive parties, rule on objections to evidence, and rule on all oral or written motions filed with the Special Deputy during the hearing. Regardless of whether a party is represented by counsel or duly authorized agent, the Special Deputy is responsible for ensuring that a complete record is made of the facts and circumstances surrounding the issues involved. The Special Deputy is responsible for ruling on claimant representatives’ requests for representation fees.

DECISION WRITING ACTIVITIES: The Special Deputy must issue a written decision on each case, using proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure in composing decisions. Decisions must be prepared in a timely manner to meet federal time lapse standards. In formulating the decision, the Special Deputy must analyze the evidence entered in the record at the hearing. The Findings of Fact as set forth in the decision are binding on further appeal, if based upon competent, substantial evidence in the record. In analyzing the evidence, the Special Deputy must rule on the competency and sufficiency of the evidence, resolve disputed issues of material fact, and ensure that all relevant findings are included. The Special Deputy must make credibility determinations clear in the decision as needed to resolve conflicting witness testimony. The Special Deputy must accept or reject proposed findings of fact submitted by a party pursuant to Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. The Special Deputy is required to analyze the facts according to the statutory provision on appeal and any applicable rules in the Florida administrative Code and apply interpretations issued by administrative and appellate reviewing authorities (Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission and all Appellate Courts). If a party files a brief, the Special Deputy must either accept or reject the case citations therein and specifically set forth the rationale for any rejection. If the Special Deputy is presented with a disputed issue of material fact, the decision must specifically set forth the dispute and the rationale by which it was resolved.

The ultimate decision sets forth the administrative action the agency must take. By statute, the adversely affected party or the Department of Commerce may file an appeal to a Special Deputy’s decision.

PREHEARING AND SCHEDULING ACTIVITIES: The Special Deputy is routinely required to review each assigned case file, determine the issue(s) involved and set the date, time and location for the hearing. The Special Deputy must schedule sufficient time in which to review all case materials, hold the hearing, write a decision, as well as to provide feedback to the Administrator regarding common issues identified in Adjudication determinations. The Special Deputy is responsible for ensuring that the case file is complete. The Special Deputy must rule on pre-hearing motions, such as motions to affect discovery, issue or quash subpoenas, motions for continuance, and any other pre-hearing motions filed by a party.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES: The Special Deputy must timely and accurately prepare required reports, such as time distribution, expense reimbursement, case status, and any other required reports. The Special Deputy must respond, either orally or in writing, to party requests concerning the status of cases, timely read and analyze decisions from higher level reviewing authorities and is responsible for learning and administering statutory and rule changes. The Special Deputy will read and follow all remand orders received from the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission and maintain familiarity with case precedent. The Special Deputy will participate in providing the input for local and statewide training programs.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Reemployment Assistance (unemployment compensation) law and rules, court rules, and applicable court cases.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill at legal research and conducting administrative hearings.
• Ability to evaluate legal issues; compose and prepare decisions; and conduct hearings under stress.

Qualifications:

As a condition of pre-employment eligibility, a Level 2 security background screening is required, which consists of fingerprinting and a check of local, state and national law enforcement records.

Minimum:

• Duties and responsibilities of this position must be performed at the official work site of the Department.

Preferred:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university
• Professional or nonprofessional experience in areas related to employment security, legal or administrative experience, or reemployment assistance policy may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the preferred college education.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.