Employment Security Appeals Referee

The State of Connecticut, Department of Labor (DOL) is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. In order to accomplish this in an ever-changing environment, we assist workers and employers to become competitive in the global economy.  We take a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of workers and employers, and the other agencies that serve them.  We ensure the supply of high-quality integrated services that serve the needs of our customers.

DOL's Appeals Division is comprised of the Referee Section and the Board of Review. The Employment Security Appeals Division is an autonomous, quasi-judicial agency housed in the Department of Labor. It primarily hears and decides appeals arising from decisions of the Administrator of the Connecticut Unemployment Compensation Act, from which it is statutorily independent.

DOL has multiple current opportunities for Employment Security Appeals Referees with the Middletown Appeals Office in Middletown, CT. These positions receive on-the-job training in quasi-judicial work conducting hearings and rendering decisions on unemployment insurance appeals and other assigned matters within the jurisdiction of the department. 

These opportunities are available to permanent agency employees only, who meet all of the Minimum Qualifications outlined below, and are contingent on final approval by DAS and OPM.

These are full time, 40 hours per week, first shift positions.    

Questions about these positions should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  DOL.HR@CT.gov.

These positions are competitive.

Please be advised these are promotional opportunities for employees in the Department of Labor.  The selected employees will be promoted by reclassification in his or her position.  This is NOT A VACANCY and, therefore, merit system and reemployment rules do not apply.

Selected candidates must have valid driver's license. May be required to travel.

In the Department of Labor, Employment Security Appeals Division this class receives on-the-job training in quasi-judicial work conducting hearings and rendering decisions on unemployment insurance appeals and other assigned matters within the jurisdiction of the department.

Performs quasi-judicial work conducting hearings and rendering decisions involving single party or other less complex unemployment insurance appeals; explains hearing procedures and answers appellants questions; reviews determinations, reports and records prior to hearing; elicits pertinent sworn testimony from interested parties; rules on admissibility of evidence, exhibits and documents; facilitates hearing by maintaining order and adherence to proper procedure; writes decisions on cases drawing upon facts in hearing record and pertinent laws; researches, interprets and applies statutory laws, regulations and decisional law to evidence presented; rules upon and answers in writing requests for reconsideration or modification of decisions or reopening of cases; reviews cases appealed to Board of Review to ensure no further proceedings at Referee level are necessary; responds to general and technical inquiries regarding appellate procedure and Connecticut unemployment insurance law; may be assigned to perform work for Employment Security Board of Review including conducting legal research, rendering advice and drafting decisions; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of relevant state laws, rules and regulations; some knowledge of Connecticut Employment Security Division appeals process, procedures and operations; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; organizational skills; ability to research, comprehend, interpret and apply laws, regulations and legal decisions; ability to reach sound decisions based on findings of facts, evidence and applicable laws, regulations and rulings; ability to work independently; ability to utilize available technology to review case histories, research relevant laws and Board precedents and draft decisions; ability to maintain judicial demeanor; ability to handle stressful situations.

Eight (8) years of experience performing technical work in Unemployment Insurance, Job Service or Employment and Training programs.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been conducting hearings and rendering decisions on unemployment insurance.

Note: For state employees this is interpreted at the level of a Labor Department Adjudications Specialist.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling six (6) months of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree.
2. A Master’s degree in public administration, law or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. A law degree (Juris Doctor) from an accredited law school may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.