Appeals Referee

State of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Full Time

Email Address

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THE POSITION

Do you want to examine facts, construct clear and concise decisions, and help ensure that every person can exercise their right to appeal an unemployment compensation (UC) decision? Join the Department of Labor & Industry as an Appeals Referee and help shape fair outcomes for Pennsylvanians. This role places you at the center of hearing and deciding first level appeals and, when requested, serving as a hearing officer for second level appeals. Bring your commitment to fairness and take pride in meaningful work.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role focuses on hearing and deciding first level appeals while supporting fair and efficient case processing. It also includes conducting hearings, applying due process standards, and guiding staff who assist with appeals. As an Appeals Referee, you will perform the following duties:

Hearing Management: Conduct hearings by applying rules of evidence and guiding parties through the process
Evidence Evaluation: Analyze testimony and documents to resolve conflicts and determine credibility
Decision Writing: Prepare clear decisions that explain findings, cite laws, and apply regulations to facts
Policy Interpretation: Research legal standards and apply policies and procedures during hearings and appeals
Staff Guidance: Lead, support, and review work of staff involved in appeals processing
Office Coordination: Travel to various hearing locations and assist other offices when needed

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 are negotiable, with a thirty-minute lunch.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of the 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 Harrisburg. 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

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
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
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.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

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.

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.

Have you graduated from an approved school of law and have certification of admission to the bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

Do you possess one or more years of full-time experience in the practice of labor laws?

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

How many years of full-time experience do you possess in the determination of unemployment compensation claims, including adjustments, overpayments, and appeals?

4 years or more
3 but less than 4 years
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None

How many years of full-time experience do you possess 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?

4 years or more
3 but less than 4 years
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None

Have you completed 6 college level credits in English composition or other related English courses? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

How much graduate coursework have you completed in Public Administration, Personnel Management, Labor Relations, Industrial Management, Business Administration, Economics, or Law? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

30 credits or more
Less than 30 credits
None

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PRESIDES AS THE HEARING OFFICER

Presides as the hearing officer for pre-hearing conferences and quasi-judicial administrative hearings by resolving issues required for the scheduling of hearings; assuring compliance with due process for all involved parties; providing an opening statement and administering oaths; directing the examination and cross examination of witnesses; receiving and evaluating testimony and evidence; ruling on objections, requests and motions; receiving closing statements and/or briefs; and determining when to close the record.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience presiding as the hearing officer for pre-hearing conferences and quasi-judicial administrative hearings by resolving issues required for the scheduling of hearings; assuring compliance with due process for all involved parties; providing an opening statement and administering oaths; directing the examination and cross examination of witnesses; receiving and evaluating testimony and evidence; ruling on objections, requests and motions; receiving closing statements and/or briefs; and determining when to close the record.
B. I have experience as a legal or non-legal representative of parties to quasi-judicial administrative hearings conducting direct examination and cross examination of witnesses; introducing testimony and evidence; making requests, motions, and closing statements and preparing briefs.
C. I have experience issuing determinations or adjudications in the field of unemployment compensation with a state agency.
D. I have experience as an attorney in the area of labor law.
E. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of pre-hearing conferences or quasi-judicial administrative hearings you presided over.
The actual duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - PREPARES DECISIONS AND ORDERS

Prepares written decisions and orders reflecting the evaluation of evidence which includes making findings of fact legally sufficient to support ultimate decisions; explaining all legal issues present in the cases; stating the statutes or regulations under which the cases are decided; providing reasoning for decisions which represent the application of law to the set of facts; and providing a conclusion which resolves the issues and states the legal effect in the cases.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience preparing written decisions and orders reflecting the evaluation of evidence which includes making findings of fact legally sufficient to support ultimate decisions; explaining all legal issues present in the cases; stating the statutes or regulations under which the cases are decided; providing reasoning for decisions which represent the application of law to the set of facts; and providing a conclusion which resolves the issues and states the legal effect in the cases.
B. I have experience as a legal or non-legal representative of parties presenting facts and law, preparing written briefs, legal memorandums or in-depth motions or requests for judges or hearing officers' consideration.
C. I have experience as an attorney in the area of labor law.
D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The type(s) of correspondence you prepared
The actual duties you performed
Your level of responsibility

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - PROVIDES DIRECTION RELATED TO ASSIGNED CASES

Provides direction regarding the scheduling of pre-hearing conferences and quasi-judicial hearings; and responses to pre-hearing and post-hearing requests such as requests for rescheduling hearings and continuances, subpoenas, withdrawal of appeal, change of venue, participation by telephone and other pre-hearing and post-hearing requests and matters. Ensures hearing records and files meet acceptable standards and confidentiality is maintained, and manages assigned caseload within the regulatory and/or statutory timeframes.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience providing direction regarding the scheduling of pre-hearing conferences and quasi-judicial hearings; and responses to pre-hearing and post-hearing requests such as requests for rescheduling hearings and continuances, subpoenas, withdrawal of appeal, change of venue, participation by telephone and other pre-hearing and post-hearing requests and matters, and ensuring hearing records and files meet acceptable standards and confidentiality is maintained, and manages assigned caseload within the regulatory and/or statutory timeframes.
B. I have experience providing direction to others regarding how they manage their work in a professional or legal environment and ensuring documentation and confidentiality is maintained and deadlines are met.
C. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The topic(s) you provided assistance on
The type(s) of assistance you provided
The actual duties you performed

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - ANALYZING UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION CLAIMS OR APPEALS

Analyzes unemployment compensation claims or appeals to include eligibility, adjustments, overpayments, benefit paying provisions, and relief from charges.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience independently analyzing unemployment compensation claims or appeals including eligibility, adjustments, overpayments, benefit paying provisions, and relief from charges for a state agency, law firm or other organization. I have determined documents to establish facts, prepared arguments and applied unemployment compensation laws to facts.
B. I have experience as a part of a group or team analyzing unemployment compensation claims or appeals including eligibility, adjustments, overpayments, benefit paying provisions, and relief from charges for a state agency, law firm or other organization. I have determined documents to establish facts, prepared arguments and applied unemployment compensation laws to facts.
C. I have experience reviewing unemployment compensation claims or appeals documents submitted by someone else but I have NOT conducted any analysis of the claims or appeals.
D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The actual duties you performed related to analyzing unemployment compensation claims or appeals
Your level of responsibility

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - SUPERVISION Performs the full range of supervisory duties, such as employee discipline, hiring decisions, leave approval, completing employee performance reviews, conducting interviews, directing and reviewing the work of subordinates, assigning training, etc.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience performing the full range of supervisory duties, such as employee discipline, hiring decisions, leave approval, completing employee performance reviews, conducting interviews, directing and reviewing the work of subordinates, assigning training, etc.
B. I have experience as a lead worker. I have provided on the job training to newly hired staff, reviewed their work, served as a team or group leader, etc.; but I was not responsible for employee discipline or hiring decisions.
C. I have successfully completed education/training related to supervisory development courses, labor relations, human resource management, etc.; but I have had little opportunity to perform this level of work outside the academic environment.
D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The actual duties you performed related to supervision
Your level of responsibility

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.