Administrative Law Judge

This position is located in the Department of Employment Services, Labor Standards Bureau, Office of Hearings and Adjudication (OHA). The mission DOES is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities. OHA conducts formal administrative hearings to determine entitlement to the payment of compensation benefits to employees injured while at work. The employees are employed by the Government of the District of Columbia and by private employers. Written decisions are issued as hearings, which are presided over by Administrative Law Judges. The incumbent serves as an Administrative Law Judge, responsible for conducting administrative hearings on controversial cases in an adversary setting, wherein effective presentation, exposition, cross-examination and argument are presented by counsel and must be controlled by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

Duties and Responsibilities

Write Compensation Orders and Recommended Compensation Orders in accordance with the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act. D.C. Code, 1981, § 1-1501 et seq., in claims filed pursuant to the Workers' Compensation Act of 1979, as amended, D.C. Code, as amended, §36-301etseq. Handles all aspects of a case from assignment to issuance of the final decision. Verifies that the case is ready for hearing, determines a hearing date, and ensures that a timely notice of hearing is sent to the parties involved. Handles any and all pre-hearing matters which may arise and dispose of all pre-hearing motions in a timely matter. Participates in pre-trial status conferences either in person or by telephone, or at the request of a party, if determined to be necessary and attorneys, representatives of private industry, claimants, and petitioners are involved in these conferences. Reviews documents to be introduced into evidence for possible objections during conferences. Rules on the issues raised during the conferences and issues an order delineating the decisions made; after the parties are afforded an opportunity to stipulate certain facts, to decide on the issues that can be narrowed and clarified, and after the procedure for the orderly presentation of the case has been established.

Presides over formal hearings that are adversarial in nature, open to the public and steno graphically recorded. All parties present before the bar are afforded the opportunity to present relevant testimonial and documentary evidence, and to conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts of the matter. Ensures the orderly development of the hearing record and shall rule on the admissibility of evidence presented. Determines additional information is necessary for a fair and impartial resolution of the claim, if prior to the closing of the record in the formal hearing. Orders either a continuance of the hearing for the further development of the facts or allow the submission of post-hearing evidence into the record. Drafts either a Recommended Compensation Order or a Compensation Order containing findings of fact and conclusions of law, pursuant to the established format of the Office and in conformance with the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act, D.C. Code, 1981, § 1-1509(e), after the close of the hearing record.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licensure and Certifications

An Administrative Law Judge shall possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited School of Law AND shall have been duly licensed and authorized to practice law in the District of Columbia.

Work Conditions/Environment

The work is typically performed in a normal office setting.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: CS-0935-14

Duration of Appointment: Career Service – Regular

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability, and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.