Workers Compensation Administrative Law Judge

Closing Date: 19th October, 2026

Description:

Position Summary & Responsibilities: Workers Compensation Administrative Law Judge (Topeka)

The Kansas Department of Labor is actively searching for an Administrative Law Judge in the Workers Compensation division to hear and decide contested workers' compensation claims and serve as the trier of fact. ALJs conduct judicial-type administrative hearings, ensure the orderly presentation of evidence, and issue timely, well-reasoned decisions in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, and case law.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hear and decide disputed workers' compensation claims for assigned counties
• Conduct and preside over judicial-type administrative hearings, including pre-hearing settlement conferences, preliminary hearings, motion hearings, and regular hearings
• Rule on objections and determine the admissibility of evidence presented by claimants, employers, insurance carriers, and, when applicable, the Workers Compensation Fund
• Analyze comprehensive case records, including live testimony, hearing transcripts, depositions of physicians, experts, and lay witnesses, as well as stipulations and documentary exhibits
• Prepare written awards and orders by applying relevant statutes, administrative rules, and legal precedents
• Issue decisions from preliminary hearings within five (5) days of the hearing
• Issue decisions from regular hearings within thirty (30) days following full submission of the case by the parties

Minimum Requirements:
Pursuant to K.S.A. 44-551(d), applicants must meet the following requirements to be certified by the Director for consideration by the Nominating Committee:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in the State of Kansas
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing law
• At least one (1) year of substantive legal experience in workers' compensation law

Post-Offer, Pre-Employment Requirements:
Pre-employment background screeningState of Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate (https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/default.aspx). The successful applicant (even non-residents) must obtain a valid Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's website within 10 days of the date the applicant has been offered the employment position. A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual's account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact (785) 296-3199. Visit the Tax Clearance site for more information on and where to obtain this Kansas Department of Revenue document.

KDOL Recruiter Contact Information
Email: KDOL.HumanResources@ks.gov
Mailing Address: 401 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603

Job Application Process

First Sign in or register as a New User.

Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and submit when it is complete.

Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

• Résumé
• DD FM 214 (if you are claiming Veteran's Preference)

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”

Preference Eligibility:
How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference (https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center/veterans)

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference (https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs/disability-hiring-preference)

Please Note: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency. These should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

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