Workers Compensation Hearing Officer 1/2 (07-3043, 07-3059) - State of Alaska

What You Will Be Doing:
Workers' Compensation Hearing Officers are responsible for serving as designated chairs on Alaska Workers' Compensation Board hearing panels. They work under the general direction of the Chief of Adjudications and have the authority to preside over formal hearings, control procedures, make rulings on evidence admissibility, and apply and interpret relevant statutes and regulations. In addition, they analyze legal issues, evaluate both lay and expert testimony, and deliberate with other panel members to decide claims and petitions. The officers then draft decisions and orders that are satisfactory to the majority of the panel and legally sufficient to survive appellate review. They also hold pre-hearings, conduct mediations, and evaluate settlement agreements.
 
This is a flexibly staffed position which means that it can be filled at either the 1 or 2 level, depending on the applicant's training and experience. If the position is filled at the lower level, the employee will be assigned increasingly complex cases to develop their skills and knowledge to perform at the higher level. Once the employee hired at the lower level demonstrates proficiency at the higher level and meets the minimum qualifications, they will be promoted to the higher range.

Our Organization, Mission and Culture:
The Workers’ Compensation system operates similarly to a court system, with the intent to ensure the quick, efficient, fair, and predictable delivery of indemnity and medical benefits to injured workers at a reasonable cost to employers. This position plays a critical role in resolving disputes.

The Benefits of Joining Our Team:
Workers' Compensation is a fascinating and intricate area of the law. The Division's hearing officer positions are highly rewarding and fulfilling, providing opportunities for professional growth and development.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:
Our office is located in the midtown area, conveniently close to various restaurants and shops. We offer ample free parking, and the building is solely occupied by Department of Labor and Workforce Development employees.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, Government regulations, Executive orders, agency rules, Government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.
• Integrity/Honesty: Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Shows consistency in words and actions. Models high standards of ethics.
• Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
• Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.