Hearings/Appeals Referee

Jobs in this family are responsible for conducting administrative hearings involving employers, unemployment claimants, and businesses concerning possible liabilities for employer contributions.

Typical functions

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

  • Schedule and conduct pre-hearing conferences and adjudicatory and/or administrative hearings.
  • Issue subpoenas and compose and file legal documents.
  • Conduct research; review facts and testimony.
  • Render decisions and devise hearing recommendations.
  • Explain issues and applicable laws to all parties.

The work assigned to positions in this series ranges from assisting in conducting adjudicatory and administrative hearings to the management and oversight of quasi-judicial policies and procedures.

Associate Hearings/Appeals Referee

This is a first-level professional position responsible for conducting adjudicatory or administrative hearings. An employee is responsible for establishing hearing dates and issuing subpoenas, reviewing facts and testimony presented in hearings, and conducting pre-hearing conferences. Duties may include determining the facts surrounding unemployment benefit cases; making determinations as to ability to work; researching and composing documents rendering the recommendation or decision for each hearing; ruling on objections to ensure a just and impartial hearing; explaining the issues and applicable laws to all involved parties; and ensuring time standards are met.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

Knowledge of federal and state laws and rules and regulations pertaining to administrative hearing review. Knowledge of the general provisions and philosophy of relevant program areas and regulatory functions. Knowledge of the principles and practices in conducting quasi-judicial hearings and legal proceedings. Ability to rule on motions and objections and to communicate and substantiate decisions. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 4 or more years of professional experience in the programs subject to the administrative hearing review. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G8

Hearings/Appeals Referee

This is a second-level professional position that independently conducts adjudicatory or administrative hearings. Position incumbents are accountable for reviewing testimony, establishing hearing dates and issuing subpoenas, conferring on complex cases, and conducting eligibility hearings. Also responsible for researching, composing, and signing documents and rendering the decision or recommendations for a hearing. Work involves ruling on motions and objections to ensure a just and impartial hearing, explaining the issues and applicable laws to involved parties. Confers with supervisor on complex cases; ensures time standards are met.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous level: Ability to impartially evaluate evidence, question witnesses, and control proceedings. Ability to work effectively and tactfully.

Typical qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree and 0-2 years of professional experience in the programs subject to the administrative hearings review. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G10

Senior Hearings/Appeals Referee

This is a third-level professional position with substantial expertise and high level of responsibilities. An employee in this position may conduct complex adjudicatory or administrative hearings. Duties may include establishing hearing dates and issuing subpoenas; conducting pre-hearing conferences; reviewing all testimony presented in hearings; determining facts surrounding alleged violations of laws, rule infractions, or complex eligibility cases; ruling on motions and objections to ensure a just and impartial hearing; and explaining the issues and applicable laws to involved parties.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Ability to evaluate decisions prepared by others and offer constructive criticism.

Typical qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree and 2-3 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G11

Hearings/Appeals Referee Manager

This is a managerial level position accountable for overseeing and coordinating quasi-judicial functions concerning the handling of hearings or appeals. Responsibilities may include advising agency officials concerning the application of state laws to factual situations; developing policies and procedures; recommending improvements to administrative hearings procedures; and reviewing opinions for hearings/appeals referees.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Ability to analyze and evaluate relevant policies and legal precedent and formulate recommendations. Ability to develop, implement, and administer program goals and objectives. Ability to provide leadership and supervision to professional and vocational-level staff.

Typical qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree and 4 or more years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G13

General Structure

Annual Semi-Monthly
Range Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
G1 $34,992.00 $38,928.00 $1,458.00 $1,622.00
G2 $34,992.00 $43,104.00 $1,458.00 $1,796.00
G3 $34,992.00 $46,848.00 $1,458.00 $1,952.00
G4 $34,992.00 $50,880.00 $1,458.00 $2,120.00
G5 $34,992.00 $55,368.00 $1,458.00 $2,307.00
G6 $34,992.00 $59,856.00 $1,458.00 $2,494.00
G7 $34,992.00 $65,232.00 $1,458.00 $2,718.00
G8 $34,992.00 $70,920.00 $1,458.00 $2,955.00
G9 $34,992.00 $77,784.00 $1,458.00 $3,241.00
G10 $41,208.00 $83,784.00 $1,717.00 $3,491.00
G11 $45,984.00 $91,104.00 $1,916.00 $3,796.00
G12 $46,464.00 $99,000.00 $1,936.00 $4,125.00
G13 $51,552.00 $112,176.00 $2,148.00 $4,674.00
G14 $52,080.00 $121,824.00 $2,170.00 $5,076.00
G15 $59,064.00 $132,432.00 $2,461.00 $5,518.00
G16 $72,336.00 $146,448.00 $3,014.00 $6,102.00