Chief Unemployment Insurance Appeals Referee

The Chief Unemployment Insurance Appeals Referee oversees and manages appeals operations, ensuring compliance with federal and state Unemployment Insurance laws and regulations. This role involves conducting complex appeals hearings, supervising staff, and ensuring consistent application of laws and procedures.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of a staff of subordinate referees as well as that of the clerical staff; schedules cases for hearings, monitor appeals operations on a daily basis.
   
• Communicates and interprets applicable laws, rules and regulations to subordinate referees; provides referee training.
   
• Reviews hearing decisions of subordinate referees to ensure compliance and correct application of federal and State Unemployment Insurance laws, rules and regulations.
   
• Conducts the most complex Unemployment Insurance appeals cases in accordance with applicable law; administers oaths and affirmations; issues subpoenas; hears testimony; receives and reviews evidence and rules on its admissibility; regulates and controls the hearing; makes tape recordings of hearings; researches and reviews applicable federal and State laws and precedent cases; renders written case decisions.
   
• Compiles and/or oversees preparation of statistical reports as required.
   
• Maintains precedent manual for use by other referees in analyzing cases.
   
• Periodically reviews all phases of unit operations practices to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
   
• Responds to inquiries and complaints from the general public; coordinates decisions with other sections to resolve problems.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Chief Unemployment Insurance Appeals Referee
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Juris Doctor.
2. Three years experience in quasi judicial proceedings.
3. Three years experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
4. Six months experience in legal research which includes researching statutes, regulations, case law and background information.
5. Six months experience in drafting legal documents and writing legal briefs which includes presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
6. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.