Hearings Officer I (Arlington)
Would you like to find challenging attorney work that makes a real difference to the citizens and businesses of Texas?
Put your law degree to work as an administrative decision-maker, conducting unemployment insurance hearings for the Appeal Tribunal (AT) at the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Hearings Officers in the AT are effectively administrative law judges, but with less procedural and evidential formality to enforce. The job involves performing entry-level legal work conducting fact-finding hearings to resolve disputes, primarily in unemployment insurance cases, and rendering timely decisions. Occasionally, hearings involve other programs administered by the Agency. The AT's resolution of administrative disputes is a fundamental part of TWC's overall mission to support the workforce of Texas.
Our hearings are not subject to the formal rules of evidence or procedure, so no previous experience is required. We provide training in hearing skills before any hearings are conducted. The training includes information and resources needed to facilitate the hearing and also in drafting decisions that conform to existing Law, the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act, Commission rules and Commission precedent. After training, guidance is available from experienced supervising attorneys and peers.
Within the confines of due process and Commission policy, Hearings Officers are expected to employ initiative and independent judgment. Successful Hearings Officers are self-motivated, set high standards for themselves, enjoy interacting with many kinds of people, and maintain a calm demeanor under occasional stress.
Benefits to working for TWC include:
- Competitive starting salary: $3,696.35/month
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance - Currently, the state pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents. Eligible part-time employees get a 50% state contribution for themselves and 25% for their dependents. Employees pay the remainder of the premium by paycheck deduction before taxes are withheld.
- Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance
- 8 hours sick leave per month
- 8 hours vacation leave per month with potential to earn more with longevity
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
- Additional benefits for active employees: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.
The AT has an established career ladder. Set work schedules promote work/life balance not available to many administrative decision-makers. Also, TWC's state membership in the National Association of Unemployment Insurance Appeals Professionals (NAUIAP) allows opportunity for professional development, including access to NAUIAP's small but growing library of continuing legal education (CLE) materials.
LOCATION:
The position is located in Arlington, TX.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience and/or knowledge of the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act
- Experience conducting informal, administrative hearings
- Experience and/or knowledge of legal principles and proceedings related to TWC
- Experience and/or knowledge in employment law and/or working with government agencies
- Demonstrated ability to efficiently identify and summarize relevant facts, apply logical analysis, and draft legal documents in a timely fashion
- Ability to interpret and apply laws and use legal reference materials
- Ability to work in a team environment, multi-task, work well under pressure while meeting deadlines
- Effective communication skills
- Excellent typing skills, of at least 50 words per minute
- Meticulous eye for detail
- Experience using Microsoft Word
- Experience using in house proprietary software
- Ability to adapt and willingness to learn
WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
- Responsible professional position
- Direct impact on citizens and businesses of Texas
- Benefits of training and mentoring
- Healthy work/life balance
- Excellent benefits through the State of Texas
- Opportunity for advancement
- Benefits of TWC's membership in NAUIAP, including CLE
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association.
Applicant can substitute two years of full-time experience as a Hearings Officer in Texas or equivalent position in another state conducting administrative unemployment hearings to satisfy the minimum qualifications.
Duty requires up to 5% travel (within the state of Texas) and the ability to lift 15 pounds. A writing sample and skills exercise may be administered at the time of interview. Applications should be accurate, complete, concise, and targeted for this position. TWC may use all available information, including past unemployment claims, to evaluate an applicant's suitability for the position. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or submit by email to HRHelpDesk@twc.state.tx.us.
A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.
At this time, TWC is not considering applications from persons who require immediate or future sponsorship for an employment visa to maintain work authorization eligibility.