UI Legal Officer II

Introduction The Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Unemployment Insurance, is seeking qualified and motivated individuals to fill the full-time, permanent position of Unemployment Insurance Legal Officer II. This position will serve as a staff attorney within the Unemployment Insurance Legal Services & Collection Unit. This recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies within the Division. An eligible list of candidates will be maintained for one year following the closing date of the announcement. The Unemployment Insurance Legal Officer II plays a vital role in assisting Marylanders as they navigate the state's unemployment insurance system. The position helps ensure that claims, legal matters, and disputes are handled fairly, accurately, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and established procedures. Through legal guidance and support, this role contributes to the effective administration of unemployment insurance services and helps protect the rights of individuals involved in the process. The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Spanish-speaking candidateare strongly encouraged to apply.

GRADE STD0021

Main Purpose of Job The primary purpose of the position is to advocate on behalf of the Unemployment Insurance Division as an attorney at various State Circuit and District Courts, U.S. Bankruptcy Courts, and administrative hearings (UI tax appeals) before the Lower Appeals Division and the Board of Appeals within the Maryland Department of Labor. POSITION DUTIES The position duties including, but are not limited to: 1) litigation in court to collect unpaid unemployment insurance taxes from employers throughout the State; 2) litigation in court to collect improperly paid unemployment benefits received by individual claimants; 3) to advocate for the Agency’s position in administrative appeal hearings before the Lower Appeals Division and the Board of Appeals; 4) to review and process Public Information Act requests and subpoenas received by UI while adhering to confidentiality laws and regulations; 5) to author and issue review determination decisions on covered employment, on assessments, etc.; 6) to perform legal research, assistance, and advice to the Policy Unit and Contributions Division on a variety of legal and tax issues. This position reports directly to the Chief of Legal Services & Collection. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: A Juris Doctor degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law. Experience: Two years of experience in the practice of law. This experience must have required the appearance in court on behalf of clients or have involved the interpretation or enforcement of the Maryland Unemployment Insurance law. Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in General Attorney classifications or General Attorney specialty codes in the Legal and Kindred field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required education. SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must be members of the Maryland Bar. Candidates must be admitted to or eligible for admission to the Federal Bar. Candidates must possess a Certificate of Good Standing from the Maryland Court of Appeals. DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidate will have prior experience in litigation that involves collection and/or writing legal briefs or legal memos. Experience and possess strong attention to detail, strong verbal and written communication skills Experience working with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word) and Google applications (Gmail, Google Docs, etc.) LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS 1. Candidates must be a member of the Maryland Bar. 2. Candidates must be admitted to or eligible for admission to the Federal Bar. 3. Candidates must possess a Certificate of Good Standing from the Maryland Court of Appeals. 4. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland before completion of the probation period. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Personnel employed in this classification will have access to federal tax information and must undergo a state and FBI criminal background check as a condition of employment. All candidates are subject to a background check against files maintained by the Division of Unemployment Insurance (MD Labor/DUI) to determine whether any monies are owed to MD Labor/DUI as a result of unemployment insurance overpayment/fraud. Any unpaid debt may have an impact on whether or not a candidate is offered employment. BENEFITS This is a full-time, permanent position and eligible for full State benefits, which include: Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking Paid holidays 12-13 per year Generous paid leave package (annual, sick, personal and compensatory leave) State Pension (\"defined benefit\" plan) Tax-deferred supplemental retirement savings plans (401(k) and 457) Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic prescriptions, and free preventative health services Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare State Employees Credit Union FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS U.S. Military Veterans may qualify for additional bonus points towards certification. Any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing a U.S. Military form DD 214 verifying honorable discharge from service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Permanent State employees do not need to submit proof of Veterans’ status. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Maryland