Workers’ Compensation Judge
Job Class: Workers’ Compensation Judge
Working Title: Compensation Judge
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 03/15/2021
Closing Date: 04/19/2021
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Office of Administrative Hearings
Division/Unit: Workers’ Compensation Division
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, ability to work a flexible schedule
Days of Work: Monday – Friday
Travel Required: Yes
Salary Range: $77.92/hourly; $162,692/annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 221–Professional/Commissioner’s
Connect 700 Program Eligible: Yes
Job Summary
Job Summary
The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is seeking applicants to serve as a Workers Compensation Judge. We are hiring up to three (3) Workers’ Compensation Judges; the judges will be based at either OAH office – St Paul or Duluth.
OAH renders justice through fair, timely and impartial administrative hearings and high-quality dispute resolution services. Each year, 10,000 new workers’ compensation cases are filed at OAH, involving 7,500 workers and their employees, insurers and medical providers.
Core Responsibilities:
Serve as a workers’ compensation judge.
Act in accordance with the Code of Judicial Conduct and applicable statutory codes of ethics.
Research, understand, interpret, apply and explain relevant law in complex legal and factual settings.
Conduct fair and impartial hearings in complex, adversarial cases in accordance with governing laws and rules.
Resolve issues of law and fact based upon the application of sound, supported legal reasoning to facts based upon evidence in the hearing record.
Engage in clear, respectful oral communication.
Prepare clear, concise and easily understandable written decisions and orders.
Establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and respectful relationships with diverse people.
Maintain license to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSTING: Applicants MUST
Complete the online application available at http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Upload a cover letter and resume that:
Describes the nature of your law practice
Lists any awards or other recognitions you received
Describes any pro bono legal activities
Lists current and past memberships/activities in law and/or professional associations
Describes any specialized training in workers’ compensation laws, alternative dispute resolution, and intercultural competency
Describes any teaching you have done in law school, continuing legal education, or other professional education programs
Lists any articles or publications you have written after law school
Lists any significant community activities
Submit a writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages).
All documents required MUST be received no later than the close of this posting.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
Current licensure in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
Demonstrated knowledge of workers’ compensation laws.
Demonstrated legal writing skills.
Intercultural competency. Ability to relate and communicate effectively with individuals who do not share the same culture, ethnicity, language or other common experiences.
Ability to work well as part of a team.
Ability to uphold judicial temperament, which requires compassion, decisiveness, open-mindedness, courtesy, patience, freedom from bias, and commitment to equal justice under the law.
Preferred Qualifications
Litigation experience
Mediator or arbitrator experience
Experience as a judge in an administrative setting
Demonstrated commitment to community and public service
Additional Requirements
It is the policy of the Office of Administrative Hearings that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
Criminal History Check
Employment Reference Check
Court Records Check
Application Details
Why Work For Us
GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.
COMPETITVE SALARY! Salaries of workers’ compensation judges are equal to 98.52% of the salary of district court judges.
PUBLIC SERVICE! Contribute to ensuring the effective resolution of disputed claims for workers’ compensation benefits by providing high-quality hearings and dispute resolution services across Minnesota.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the bottom of the page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.
For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about the position, contact Jill Melzarek at jill.s.melzarek@state.mn.us or 651-361-7834.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance you need. To request an accommodation for an interview, please contact Jill Melzarek at jill.s.melzarek@state.mn.us or 651-361-7834.