Hearing Officer III Famli Lead/ADV (Remote)

Maryland's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program makes sure all workers in Maryland have paid time off for medical and family reasons. FAMLI is a social insurance system covering 2.6 million workers and 180,000 employers, delivered as a digitally native, public-facing service. We're in the early stages of building something as big and as far-reaching as unemployment insurance or a new health department. We know that delivering services primarily through a website, over the Internet, is a new way of doing business in government. The Adjudication Domain is responsible for providing a fair and impartial process for reviewing determinations made by the FAMLI Division, and conducting hearings and mediations related to complaints. Our Hearing Officers conduct hearings, review evidence, and issue legally sound decisions while safeguarding due process. The Adjudication Domain is committed to delivering timely, accessible, and high-quality service to workers, employers, and the public while upholding the integrity of the FAMLI program. Hearing Officers conduct administrative hearings and issue written decisions. They are responsible for managing hearings efficiently, developing a complete and accurate record, and applying the law in an impartial manner. Hearing Officers contribute to the overall quality and consistency of Adjudication decisions and support the unit's commitment to integrity, efficiency, and fairness.

**This is a Remote position.

Grade
STD0022

Location Of Position:

100 S. Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Main Purpose of Job
A Hearing Officer III FAMLI Lead/Advanced is the lead or advanced level of work conducting administrative hearings and preparing decisions in the FAMLI Appeals Division, Maryland Department of Labor. Employees performing the Lead level of work, assign, review and approve the work of and train lower-level Hearing Officers FAMLI. Employees performing the Advanced level of work, are responsible for more complex cases.

Position Duties:
Duties of this position include but are not limited to:
Hearing Officer III

50% - Administrative Hearings & Decision Writing

• Conducts impartial administrative hearings related to the eligibility, benefits, and contribution liability under the FAMLI program. Troubleshoots common, uncommon, and complex issues.
• Reviews all pertinent facts surrounding the hearing.
• Reviews case materials, relevant statutes, and evidence prior to the hearing.
• Follows prescribed legal procedures and ensures that due process is maintained throughout hearings.
• Evaluates testimony and applies statutes, case law, and program regulations accurately.
• Prepares timely, legally sound, and clearly written proposed decisions.
• Collaborates effectively with Clerks, administrators, and other team members in the Hearings Unit.
• Ensures confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive information.
• Remains adaptable to new technologies and new processes as they are introduced.
• Assists with appeals pre-review and intake to resolve and dispense of cases when possible.
• Performs research in preparation for the administrative hearings.
• Issues pre-hearing orders, subpoenas, administers oaths, examines witnesses and receives documentary evidence.
• Instructs the parties of their rights.
• Conducts pre-hearing conferences to limit issues, combine parties and representation, accept stipulations, determine order of presentation and to address other aspects of the hearing.

30% - Quality Assurance & Training

• Stays up to date on changes in administrative law, as well as FAMLI policies, procedures and regulations.
• Assists in training new team members and training existing staff on changes in the law, regulations, and or appeals procedures.
• Reviews decisions written by more junior hearing officers for quality and accuracy before they are issued as final orders.

15% Complex Case Adjudication
Conduct hearings for complex cases and make final decisions or recommendations on their resolution, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and policies.

5% Other

• Participates in trainings, team meetings and feedback sessions.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: A Juris Doctor degree or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.

Experience: Four years of legal experience involving civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings.

Notes:

• Candidates may substitute one year of experience administering paid leave programs for one year of the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in judge advocate classification or judge advocate specialty codes in the general attorney field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Desired Or preferred Qualifications
Hearing Officer III Lead/Advanced:

• Experience supervising other attorneys or hearing officers is preferred.
• Experience conducting mediation or alternative dispute resolution is preferred.
• Experience in paid leave, unemployment insurance, workers compensation, or any other benefits administration program is preferred.
• Experience setting up new government programs is preferred.

Licenses, Registrations and Certifications

• Candidates for Positions in This Classification Must Have Membership in The Bar of Any State or Federal Jurisdiction at The Time of Hire and Must Become a Member of The Maryland Bar Within 12 Months of Hire.
• Employees in This Classification May Be Assigned Duties Which Require the Operation of A Motor Vehicle. Employees Assigned Such Duties Will Be Required to Possess a Motor Vehicle Operator's License Valid in The State of Maryland.

Special Requirements:
All Candidates Are Subject to A Background Check Against Files Maintained by The Division of Unemployment Insurance (labor/dui) to Determine Whether Any Monies Are Owed to Labor/dui as A Result of Unemployment Insurance Overpayment/fraud. Any Unpaid Debt May Have an Impact on Whether or Not a Candidate Is Offered Employment.

Selection Process:
Please Make Sure that You Provide Enough Information on Your Application to Show that You Meet the Qualifications for This Recruitment. All Information Concerning Your Qualifications Must Be Submitted by The Closing Date. Unfortunately, We Won't Consider Information Submitted After This Date. Successful Candidates Will Be Ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and Placed on The Eligible (employment) List for At Least One Year.

Please Note: A Resume May Be Attached as Supplemental Information; However, only The Information Provided in The Application Will Be Reviewed and Considered in The Evaluation Process.

All Information Concerning the Qualifications, Including Any Required Documentation (diploma, Transcript, Certificate, Etc.), Must Be Submitted and Received by The Closing Date. Information Submitted After This Date Will Not Be Considered.

For Positions that Require Bachelor/master's Degree Etc.:
Educational Credentials from Foreign Countries Must Be Evaluated by An Approved Education Review Service. This Evaluation Must Be Submitted Prior to Hire. for Further Information, You May Call International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. (302) 737-8715 or World Education Services Inc. 1-800-932- 3897 or (202) 331-2925.

Examination Process

The Assessment May Consist of A Rating of Your Education, Training, and Experience Related to The Requirements of The Position. It Is Important that You Provide Complete and Accurate Information on Your Application. Please Report All Experience and Education that Is Related to This Position. the Examination for This Recruitment Will Be an Evaluation and Rating of The Information Provided on Your Application. Therefore, It Is Essential that The Application Is Filled out Completely and Accurately, Listing All Relevant Education and Experience, Addressing the Specific Qualifications Shown Above and Submitting Any Required Documentation (diploma, Transcript, Certification, License, Etc.). Please Include Clear, Detailed and Specific Information on Your Application Regarding Experience Qualifications Related to The Minimum Qualifications, Desired, And/or Selective Qualifications of The Position.