ADJUDICATION LEGAL ASSOCIATE

NOTICE: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date. If you are a current or temporary State of Idaho employee you MUST apply through your internal Luma account.

The mission of the Idaho Industrial Commission is to fairly administer the Idaho Workers' Compensation Law.

The Idaho Industrial Commission has an opening for two full-time Legal Associates.

The Adjudication Legal Associate manages the legal case files and provides direct support for the assigned workers’ compensation/unemployment insurance Referees. This position is the initial contact for the Referee and serves as a liaison between the Commission and parties to a case to explain program regulations, requirements, policies and procedures, and services, while maintaining the Judicial Code of Ethics requirements. This position functions with considerable independence by doing legal research, electronic filing, case management, analyzing and creating legal documents, and utilizing information to make recommendations to Referees. The position requires extensive knowledge of department programs, objectives and rules.

This position has great benefits including:

• Participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems: PERSI
• An opportunity for Student Loan Forgiveness
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Paid parental leave
• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Sick and vacation leave that accrue as soon as you start
• Optional 401K, and optional 457
• Basic life insurance for employee and family
• Wellness programs
• Training opportunities

Example of Duties:

Critical Thinking Skills

Ability to analyze, compare and contrast information on legal documents filed. Act accordingly and make determinations on the documents filed. Drafts additional legal documents based on determinations to make recommendations to Referees. Gathers and accurately enters information daily into an electronic case file management system. Ensures that all legal documents are processed within legal timelines and departmental standards in compliance with filing requirements. This leads to the movement and final outcome of the legal process, ensuring the Referee’s are apprised of case actions and comply with the Judicial Rules.

Calendaring

Independently maintains schedules for workers’ compensation hearings, telephone conferences, and Referee appointments. Contacts court reporters, secures alternate rooms for hearings and meetings, and maintaining electronic equipment. Schedules Crime Victims’ Compensation Program hearings and Change of Physician telephone hearings for the assigned Referee. Utilizes multiple different software programs for scheduling such as: Webex, Zoom, interoffice virtual conferencing equipment and Cisco Meet Me.

Record Management

Reviews incoming filings and makes daily entries of documents to manage the Referee’s cases in litigated workers’ compensation/unemployment insurance cases. Opens and creates new files for the assigned Referee. Ability to independently manage caseload and determine time sensitive documents and manage time accordingly. Ability to anticipate Referee needs by composing and transcribe pleadings and correspondence to be served to applicable attorneys, claimants, employers and sureties. Ensures all outgoing documents are proofed for grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, organization, clarity, and content. Generates case files and (or) reports from information entered into the electronic computer systems.

Decision Making Skills

Through legal research, determines whether a file is ready to be closed based on the final decision issued by the Commission or whether additional review by the Referee or Legal Supervisor is necessary. Investigates legal filings to determine allocation to the appropriate department, Referee or Legal Supervisor.

Communication Skills

Ability to provide verbal and written communication for workers’ compensation/unemployment insurance cases accurately and concisely. Answers complex questions from interested parties by explaining practices and procedures. Anticipates conflict, identifies future problems and takes proactive measures to prevent further conflict. Communicates with constituents and/or attorneys as required while maintaining ex parte communication with the assigned Referee and Commissioners.

Appeals

Prepares and gathers documents in accordance with the Idaho Supreme Court Appellate Rules. Adheres to strict guidelines when preparing documents, collecting fees, and when communicating with involved parties. Responsible for monitoring assigned workers’ compensation/unemployment insurance cases for pleadings and appeal timelines. Ensures case files are served to all appropriate parties pursuant to the Appellate Rules.

Position Requirements

Essential

• One year experience with legal and administrative procedures and familiarity with legal terminology, or one year Worker’s Compensation experience.
• Experience coordinating activities requiring complex arrangements and prioritization
• Good knowledge of effective English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar
• Experience with office support functions to include word processing, filing, composing business and legal documents, reception, gathering and compiling data
• Experience independently handling complaints and upset individuals in a business setting
• Experience reviewing documents and files for accuracy and completeness
• Experience creating, organizing, maintaining, and archiving legal documents and files
• Experience interpreting, applying, and explaining complex information such as regulations, policies, or services
• Typing/keyboarding 50 net words per minute

Desirable

• Some experience performing a liaison role between interested parties
• Some experience reviewing case files and contracting appropriate parties to obtain necessary information
• Ability to answer a business telephone using knowledge of business telephone procedures and etiquette

Supplemental Information:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.