STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Staff Attorney 2

Recruitment #201019-0088AR-001

Introduction

Are you looking to take your legal career to the next level? Come join our hardworking team. We encourage you to apply today!

The Board of Review is seeking a Staff Attorney 2. This position will include both telework and in-office work, with the telework rules subject to change. The selected candidate will be provided with a laptop and necessary equipment; however you will need to provide a wireless internet signal at your home while teleworking. You will not be compensated for the use of your wireless signal or other materials you may use while teleworking. This position is 40 hours per week, first shift, Monday through Friday, with flexible hours. 

Who We Are:  

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 other agencies that serve them. We ensure the supply of high-quality integrated services that serve the needs of our customers.  

The Employment Security Appeals Division is an autonomous, quasi-judicial agency housed in the Department of Labor. Its primary function is to hear and decide appeals arising from decisions made by Connecticut's Unemployment Compensation Department, from which it is statutorily independent. The appeals division is comprised of the referee section, which conducts de novo evidentiary hearings, and the higher authority Board of Review, which conducts appellate review of referee decisions.   

This specific position will be responsible for:

  • Reviewing records of referee hearings, conducting research and drafting decisions for the board of review;  Advising and providing substantive training to the referees and /or board members on unemployment compensation matters and other matters within the agency’s jurisdiction; 
  • Conducting hearings on behalf of the board of review; 
  • Serving as a hearing officer, mentor and mediator in contested case hearings on complaints filed under the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act;  
  • Training, advising and mentoring appeals division staff hearing Paid Family and Medical Leave appeals; 
  • Advising and providing substantive training to the referees and/or board members on unemployment compensation matters and other matters within the agency's jurisdiction;
  • Travel may be required.

We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off, including 12 paid holidays per calendar year!  

Make an impact!

Selection Plan

This position is non-examined.  Open to the public.

Please ensure that your application is complete and have included a resume within the "Resume Tab" of your application.

This posting MAY require completion of additional referral questions (RQ’s) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. Please regularly check your email for notifications. You must reply by the deadline indicated on the notification or you will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position.  Applicants invited to interview may be required to answer additional questions and/or submit additional documentation which supports their qualifications for this position. These documents may include; cover letters, college transcripts, verification of degree completion, foreign education reports from a recognized USA accrediting service, proof of licensure, performance appraisals, employment /supervisory references, etc. 

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
 
Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Jennifer Neumann at Jennifer.Neumann@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the legal work of the agency.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs advanced and complex legal work of an agency; researches, interprets, analyzes and applies complex and conflicting laws and regulations, case law and legal principles; acts as hearing officer or represents agency in formal administrative and public proceedings on a full range of cases involving complex legal and technical issues; negotiates and drafts settlement agreements; drafts advisory opinions, rulings, decisions, recommendations, findings, legislation, statutes, regulations, publications and other related legal documents; assists in the preparation and presentation of trials and appeals; consults with the Office of the Attorney General on legal issues; researches complex legal issues; conducts investigations and enforcement proceedings; prepares comprehensive reports for use in administrative and court proceedings; prepares pleadings and other court papers; interprets and applies complex or conflicting laws and regulations, case law and legal principles; participates in the conduct of various educational activities; provides legal guidance when duly authorized; provides input into policy formation; may testify at or monitor legislative proceedings; may represent agency in court when authorized; reviews court decisions, new and proposed laws and regulations to determine impact on agency operations; prepares and maintains precedent manuals; reviews legal and other related documents for legal sufficiency; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of legal principles, practices and procedures in Connecticut; considerable knowledge of legal research techniques; considerable knowledge of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act; considerable knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and legislation; considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; knowledge of the rules of evidence; knowledge of criminal and constitutional law and legislative process; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statutes; considerable ability to comprehend, analyze and organize technical data and coordinate elements of legal cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

STAFF ATTORNEY 2: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of law.
STAFF ATTORNEY 3: Three (3) years of experience in the practice of law at the level of Staff Attorney 2 in the same state agency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to those that have:
  • Experience performing legal research and writing  
  • Experience working in a high volume, production environment    
  • Experience with administrative and/or judicial proceedings  
  • Experience in the practice of unemployment compensation benefit appeals and/or employment law

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut.
2. May be required to travel.

Conclusion

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.