08/23/1996 07350

WORKERS' COMPENSATION JUDGE

DEFINITION: This is quasi-judicial work in the adjudication of Workers' Compensation matters, including Occupational Disease matters.

An employee in this class hears and decides disputed Workers' Compensation matters and renders decisions in accordance with Commonwealth laws. Employees serve as the final arbiter of the facts in disputed Workers' Compensation matters. Work involves reviewing petitions, clarifying issues, administering oaths, taking testimony under oath, taking documentary evidence, ruling on the admissibility of evidence, judging the credibility of witnesses, ruling on objections, motions, and applications, and setting briefing schedules to control the timeliness of decisions. Supervision over clerical staff is exercised through the assignment and review of work and includes training, employee development, performance evaluation and responsibility for discipline. Work is performed within a broad framework of laws, regulations, and policies and is subject to general evaluation by a judge manager through conferences and an evaluation of decisions.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts quasi-judicial hearings in disputed Workers' Compensation matters and renders decisions based on the evidence presented in accordance with governing laws and regulations.

Reviews petitions, clarifies issues, administers oaths, takes testimony under oath, takes documentary evidence, rules on the admissibility of evidence, judges the credibility of witnesses, rules on objections, motions, and applications, and sets briefing schedules to control the timeliness of decisions.

Evaluates and analyzes all evidence, researches and applies both statutory and case laws, makes credibility determinations, reviews briefs and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law provided by the parties and writes reasoned decisions including findings of fact, conclusions of law and awards and/or orders.

Supervises stenographers and other clerical employees by assigning work, determining work priority, setting goals, reviewing and evaluating employee work performance, receiving grievances and complaints and resolving or recommending resolution, approving leave, scheduling personnel, and insuring the training of staff.

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

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act and other applicable laws and the Special Rules of Administrative Practices and Procedures before Judges.

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

Knowledge of the applicable case law as interpreted by the Commonwealth Court and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania pertaining to Pennsylvania's Workmen's Compensation and Occupational Disease laws.

Ability to control the hearing process while insuring a fair and impartial hearing.

Ability to identify issues, analyze and appraise evidence and make credibility determinations.

Ability to apply both statutory and case law to the facts.

Ability to write reasoned decisions in a clear and concise manner as set forth in the Workers' Compensation Act and as interpreted by the courts.

Ability to plan, organize, and assign work, and evaluate the performance and prepare Employee Performance Evaluation Reports of subordinate staff.

Ability to read and learn to apply the provisions of collective bargaining contracts applicable to the work performed by the unit.

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

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of Workers' Compensation practice before administrative agencies, or equivalent experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Be an attorney in good standing before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.