Labor Department Adjudication Specialist

The State of Connecticut, Department of Labor(DOL) is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. In order to accomplish this 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 other agencies that serve them. We ensure the supply of high-quality integrated services that serve the needs of our customers.

The Adjudications unit has multiple openings for Adjudications Specialist.  

The duties include:

• Conduct unemployment hearings via mail and by phone to determine unemployment eligibility in accordance with regulations and statutes (includes follow up calls and rebuttal requests to both claimants and employers). 
• Write and issue decisions on non-monetary eligibility issues based upon findings of adjudications process. 
• Field incoming phone calls from parties (claimants and employers) to answer any questions related to Adjudications. 
• Adjudicate all late file requests submitted by claimants. 
• Open incoming mail and scan and index those documents into EDMS. 
• Answer and respond to emails from other UI units. 
• Index electronically received documents from EDMS into case file. 
• Review and analyze all incoming UC-61a documents (Separation Verification) to determine if adjudications is needed.   

These are full-time, first shift, Monday through Friday positions.  These positions will be assigned to one of the three Adjudications offices (Bridgeport, Middletown or Central Office). Candidates should indicate which of those 3 offices they would be willing to work in.  Also, while teleworking will be available, staff will be required to report to the office.  For Bridgeport and Central Office, staff would be required to report 1-2 days per week and Middletown 2-3 days per week. 

Please be advised this is a promotional opportunity for employees in the Department of Labor.  The selected employee 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.

In the Department of Labor this class is accountable for performing the most complex tasks in the rendering of non-monetary determinations of eligibility for Unemployment Insurance.

Conducts hearings in person and via teleconferencing to determine eligibility for unemployment insurance in accordance with regulations and statutes; elicits relevant data from one or more interested parties which include claimants, employers, attorneys, public officials and professional employer representatives; ensures all due process rights are afforded to parties to hearing; determines pertinent facts in case through testimony of parties and presentation of relevant evidentiary submissions; researches and analyzes unemployment insurance statutes and regulations, precedent decisions of Employment Security Board of Review, court decisions and labor and employment laws relevant to issues being adjudicated; applies appropriate statutes, regulations, precedent decisions and/or case law to facts of case in order to reach logical and legally sound eligibility decisions; writes and issues an eligibility determination based upon findings of hearings process; adjudicates claimant compliance with continuing eligibility requirements; conducts hearings or fact finding to develop facts underlying cases of possible fraud; advises claimants of rights with regard to appeal and provides general assistance in filing of an appeal; represents Administrator in Appeals Division proceedings; may conduct hearings and make or participate in rendering of master decisions involving a number of similarly situated individuals; may provide training and/or advice to employees of lower grade in regard to issues, issue recognition, laws, regulations and precedent decisions; may perform all Job Center basic services as required; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal Unemployment Insurance and Labor Laws, statutes, regulations, precedents; knowledge of Job Service, Unemployment Insurance and Employment and Training functions, policies and procedures; knowledge of employment problems and practices; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; analytical skills.

Seven (7) years of technical level experience performing Job Service, Unemployment Insurance or Employment and Training functions.

One (1) year as a Labor Department Associate Community Services Representative performing basic fact finding examination in Unemployment Insurance.

College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

Preference will be given to those who are bi-lingual in Spanish.

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

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.