Hearings Officer (Austin)

The Texas Workforce Commission is looking for attorneys or law school graduates, to serve as Hearing Officers for unemployment hearings.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas.

You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

This job requires a working knowledge of court proceedings which includes taking testimony, entering exhibits and writing decisions - based on law, policy and precedents. The ideal candidate must have the ability to maintain a reliable and consistent work schedule; and be available for weekly meetings and group collaboration via Microsoft Teams and other applications during regular business hours. This position is located at 101 E 15th St, Austin, Texas.

Who We Are

The Appeals Department holds hearings for first level appeals - from an original determination - in disputed claims for unemployment insurance benefits. The Texas Unemployment Compensation Act is governing law for these hearings. Upon request the Appeals Department may also be called upon to hold other special hearings. The hearings are mandated by state law and are to be held in a fair and impartial manner.

What You’ll Do

The Hearing Officer I conducts formal hearings on appeals involving claims for unemployment insurance for the Appeals Department across the state. Hearing Officers perform routine (journey-level) work and work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

You Will Be Trusted To

• After gaining a working knowledge of the laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for appeal hearings, a new hearing officer will conduct telephone hearings on entitlement to UI Benefits - in accordance with Federal and Texas Law and procedures.
• You’ll regularly confer with agency personnel to obtain additional information bearing on appeals and to clarify future implications of decisions; question witnesses and rule on exceptions, motions, and admissibility of evidence; and adjudicate benefit eligibility issues raised in appeals filed by claimants or employers.
• You will also render decisions affirming, modifying, or reversing previous rulings based on testimony, claims records, applicable provisions of laws, and established precedents.
• Perform related duties as needed.
  
  

You Are a Great Fit With

• The ideal candidate will have good organizational skills, pay strong attention to details, and the ability to handle multiple priorities while meeting strict deadlines.
• Experience in holding Unemployment Insurance Appeal Hearings.
• Experience as a Licensed Attorney in any US Court.
• Experience operating Computers and Office Software.
  
  

You Qualify With

• Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association.
• Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association will still be required if substituting experience for education.
• Two years of full-time experience as a hearings officer conducting Unemployment Insurance benefits entitlement hearings in Texas or another state will satisfy the minimum qualifications.
• Two years of full-time in-service experience classified as an Unemployment Insurance Claims Examiner I or above, an
  
  

Unemployment Insurance Specialist I or above, an Unemployment Insurance Customer Service Representative I or above, an Accounts Examiner I or above, an Investigator I or above, or a Claims Processor I or above, with regular status, will satisfy the minimum qualifications.

When Should You Apply/Other Things To Know

• Apply now. It’s a great job for new law school graduates, attorneys licensed in other states, and experienced attorneys licensed in Texas. We expect a lot of applicants for this posting.
• Candidates chosen to interview should be familiar with Teams prior to their scheduled interview time.
  
  

What You’ll Earn

• TWC is a Family-Friendly Certified Workplace.
• The salary is $4,700.00/ month.
• Benefits include medical insurance, sick leave and vacation leave. Also, new State of Texas employees are eligible for a retirement benefit that includes a 401K savings plan.
• Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.
  
  

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: https://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 on Taleo.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.