Liability Administrative Law Judge

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD):

Our mission is to develop a premier workforce that will allow Indiana employers to flourish and entice businesses from outside our state to relocate to Indiana. Everyone at DWD will be required to think outside-the-box; to determine metrics that will allow for measurement and improvement and efficiencies to be made along the way. Cutting edge technologies will be utilized to help assess Indiana's employment future. If managed properly, Indiana's workforce will be second to none and completely prepared for the next phase of the state and country's economic growth.

Role Overview:

This is the position of Liability Administrative Law Judge(LALJ) within the Appeals Division of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The labeling of the position as a LALJ comes from the fact that employers are determined to have "liability" for the unemployment coverage for their workforce in the state of Indiana. The issues that a liability administrative law judge hear are defined by statute (IC 22-4-32) and include issues pertaining to:(1) the assessment of contributions, payment in lieu of contributions, surcharge, penalties, and interest; (2) which accounts, if any, benefits paid, or finally ordered to be paid, should be charged; (3) successorships, and related matters arising from a successorship, including but not limited to: (A) the transfer of accounts; (B) the determination of rates of contribution; and (C) determinations under IC 22-4-11.5; (4) claims for refunds of contributions or adjustments; and (5) the definition of employment under IC 22-4-8. The position is intended as a hybrid position, meaning that there is the expectation that the LALJ may maintain a full caseload that includes employer liability cases, benefit cases, and more complex complex cases, such as wage garnishment, tax intercept, and waiver of overpayment cases.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $85,020.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Receive and review electronic case files prior to scheduling hearings.
• Rule on any pre-hearing motions.
• Schedule and conduct pre-hearing conferences.
• Hold administrative hearings as an impartial judge pursuant to the Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and the USDOL Criteria Handbook.
• Maintain a full caseload that has a percentage of benefit and liability issues that are subject to fluctuation.
• Conduct in-person and telephone hearings with both represented and unrepresented parties.
• Obtain all necessary facts in the hearing to create a thorough record that can withstand judicial review at the Court of Appeals.
• Issue timely decisions consistent with Indiana law.
• Maintain knowledge of current, applicable law.
• Review and certify hearing transcripts, when necessary.
• Minimum travel may be required for in-person hearings or training.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• A Doctorate of Jurisprudence with 5+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney;
• Indiana Bar Admission license in good standing;
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules;
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
• Ability to successfully utilize a case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders;
• Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.