Division of Workers’ Compensation Administrative Law Judge Annual Salary: $145,286
Location: 1736 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, MO
Why you will love this position: The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is seeking a qualified and experienced attorney to join our Adjudication team in the role of a Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge! The selected individual will be responsible for presiding over workers’ compensation hearings and making decisions on disputes related to workers' compensation claims in accordance with Missouri laws, regulations, and procedures. The ideal candidate will have strong legal and administrative expertise, with a commitment to ensuring fair, impartial, and timely adjudication of claims. Apply today and facilitate the adjudication process with us!
What you will do: - Preside over workers' compensation hearings, including reviewing and admitting evidence, ruling on motions, and making legal determinations.
- Render timely and legally sound decisions in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements that are clear, well-reasoned, and in compliance with applicable statutes, regulations and case law.
- Conduct conference, prehearing, mediation and dismissal settings.
- Approve settlements in accordance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Approve and/or deny requests for settings in accordance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Review, analyze and research relevant statutes, regulations and case law.
- Collaborate with other administrative law judges, the Division Director, and the Chief Administrative Law Judge to ensure consistent application of the law.
- Actively manage a caseload and ensure timely settings, rulings and decisions.
- Maintain thorough and accurate case files and records.
- Uphold the Judicial Code of Conduct per 8 CSR 50-2.060.
- Meet or exceed the Performance Standards for Administrative Law Judges set forth in 8 CSR 50-2.060.
- Work 40 hours per week in-person in the assigned office location or at venues within an assigned adjudication region, with the possibility of occasionally being assigned to offices or venues across the state as directed by the Chief Administrative Law Judge or Division Director.
- Actively engage with other judges, legal staff, and management to ensure the proper functioning of the workers' compensation adjudication process.
- Participate in presentations to various stakeholder groups.
- Perform other duties required by statute, regulation, or as assigned by the Chief Administrative Law Judge or Division Director.
All you need for success:Qualifications - Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Member of the Missouri Bar and in good standing or the ability to be admitted within a reasonable time frame.
- At least five (5) years of legal experience, preferably in administrative law, workers' compensation law, or a related field.
- Strong analytical, writing, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage a caseload and work efficiently under deadlines with unbiased judgement.
- Must be able to work 40 hours per week in-person in assigned office location.
- Ability to travel to all adjudication offices to assist with hearings as required.
Desired Attributes - Five years of Workers' Compensation practice before administrative agencies, or equivalent experience
- Knowledge of Missouri’s workers' compensation law, regulations and adjudication process.
- Knowledge of other administrative functions of the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation.
- Excellent legal research skills.
- Familiarity with medical terminology and treatment modalities.
- Extensive alternative dispute resolution and mediation abilities.
- High level of professionalism and good judgment.
- Ability to maintain high ethical standards.
- Trustworthy of confidential information.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledgeable of various communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Webex, and Zoom.
- Strong technological skills.
- Flexibility and strong interpersonal skills.
- Experience with conducting assessments to determine if improvements are needed.
- Shows initiative to enhance organizational goals and improve operational efficiencies.
The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .