01/02/2003 07310

APPEALS REFEREE

DEFINITION: This is quasi-judicial work in the adjudication of unemployment compensation appeal cases.

An employee in this class schedules and conducts quasi-judicial hearings and renders decisions in accordance with the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law, and related state and federal statues and regulations. The Appeals Referee is responsible for the proper conduct of hearings and disposition of appeals. Duties include administering oaths, hearing testimony, and obtaining evidence necessary to render written decisions. Duties may also involve researching cases and preparing decisions for consideration of the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review. Supervision is exercised over hearing stenographers and clerical employees. Work performed is subject to review by an Appeal Referee Program Manager for conformance with established laws, policies and procedures, and overall program effectiveness. Decisions on appeals are subject to review by the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts quasi-judicial hearings on a variety of cases involving original appeals in a single and multi-issue cases as assigned by an Appeals Referee Program Manager.

Administers oaths, instructs parties as to their rights, and explains rules on the admissibility of evidence as provided by law.

Issues subpoenas when necessary for the attendance of witnesses of the production of necessary books, papers, documents, or other evidence.

Conducts the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review remand hearings in connection with further appeals filed with the Board from referee decisions.

Performs research and prepares decisions for consideration of the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review.

Schedules and conducts pre-hearing conferences for the determination of issues and the selection of token cases to be heard as representative decisions.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with associates, interested parties, agency staff, and the general public.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law, related provisions of the federal Social Security Act and other related state and federal rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to the state unemployment compensation and employment security programs.

Knowledge of state and federal court decisions and decisions of the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review in the field of unemployment compensation.

Knowledge of the principles of procedures and evidence to be followed in the conduct of quasi-judicial hearings.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of legal research.

Knowledge of occupation, occupational requirements, and labor, industrial, and agricultural conditions in Pennsylvania.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

Knowledge of current labor agreement provisions which affect the supervision of employees, the assignment of work, handling of grievances, and evaluation of work performance.

Skill in analyzing and appraising testimony, evidence, legal and administrative documents and records to obtain a clear concept of issues involved.

Ability to perform legal research.

Ability to apply legal and administrative decisions, precedents and rulings to existing situations.

Ability to supervise a staff of hearing stenographers and clerical employees.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, interested parties, agency staff, and the general public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Graduation from an approved school of law and certification of admission to the bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and one year of experience in the practice of labor law;

                                                                                                                                                        or

Four years of experience in the determination of unemployment compensation claims, including adjustments, overpayments, and appeals supplemented by 6 college level credits in English composition or other related English courses;

                                                                                                                                                        or

Four years of professional experience which involves the application of taxing or benefit-paying provisions of the Unemployment Compensation Law in order to determine compliance, to improve Unemployment Compensation program operations, or to train others in the application of the law supplemented by 6 college level credits in English composition or other related English courses;

                                                                                                                                                        or

An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 6 college level credits in English composition or other related English courses.