08/23/1996 07351

WORKERS' COMPENSATION JUDGE MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is responsible administrative and 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 includes supervising, and evaluating the performance of Judges engaged in the hearing and adjudication of Workers' Compensation claims in an assigned geographical area and monitoring Judges' compliance with the provisions
of the Codes of Conduct established for Workers' Compensation Judges and other applicable codes and regulations. Work also involves insuring the efficient and effective administration of an assigned region containing a number of Judge's offices. Work involves providing training and guidance to Judges and adjusting complaints and rendering decisions or recommendations on formal grievances. Work is performed within the framework of existing laws, regulations, and policies but considerable latitude exists for individual discretion. Work is subject to general evaluation by the Director of Workers' Compensation through conferences and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Supervises and evaluates the performance of a group of Workers' Compensation Judges.

Conducts quasi-judicial hearings on Workers' Compensation matters and renders decisions based on documentary evidence and testimony in accordance with governing laws and regulations.

Provides training and orientation to Judges, approves and disapproves leave, responds to grievances, prepares performance ratings, and provides discipline as necessary.

Monitors compliance of assigned Judges with the provisions of the Code of Conduct for the Workers' Compensation Judges and other applicable codes and regulations.

Studies and analyzes administrative operations and problems, prepares detailed and comprehensive reports of findings and recommendations, and implements procedural or policy changes.

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 law, 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.

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 Workers' Compensation Act and other applicable laws and the Special Rules of Administrative Practices and Procedures before Referees.

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

Knowledge of the applicable Pennsylvania case law as interpreted by the Commonwealth Court and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

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

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

Ability to perform legal research.

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

Ability to provide training and guidance to subordinate clerical and professional staff.

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

Ability to apply the provisions of collective bargaining contracts to the employees in the work unit.

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

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.

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.