WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARD

WORKER ADVOCATE DIVISION

-Anticipated Vacancy-

Opening Date: April 17, 2024

Closing Date:  May 1, 2024

Job Class Code: 2017
Grade: 27
Salary: $56,153.60 - $76,377.60
Position Number: 029000053

This is professional services work providing advocacy and legal services to injured workers.  Responsibilities include advising, consulting, and representing workers before administrative bodies; developing evidence and testimony for case presentation; and assisting in preparation of appellate briefs to the Law Court.  Work is performed under limited supervision.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• Represents injured workers in administrative hearings in order to provide legal services and representation.
• Analyzes case information and documents facts, reports, and other documentation in order to advocate for injured workers.
• Counsels and advises injured workers to protect their legal rights.
• Explains laws, legal rights, options, timelines, and risks and advantages of pursuing claims in order to ensure injured works are knowledgeable of their rights.
• Confers and negotiates with insurance adjusters, private attorneys, employers, health care and service providers, and other third parties in order to represent and protect the rights of injured workers.
• Writes legal memoranda and briefs in connection with litigation and administrative proceedings in order to prepare for proceedings.
• Explains laws, decisions, rules, policies, and procedures of Workers’ Compensation Board to injured workers.
• Determines scope of investigation on injured workers’ claims in order to ensure comprehensive services in an efficient timeframe.
• Negotiates resolutions and/or compromise of claims in order to reduce litigation claims in administrative system.
• Provides legal advice and assistance to injured workers in obtaining appropriate rehabilitation, return to work, and employment security services in order to ensure appropriate representation and to protect injured workers’ rights.
• Takes depositions of treating and examining physicians and other involved parties in order to ensure documentation of workers’ injuries.
• Assists in preparation of cases for appellate review to the Law Court in order to ensure a thorough presentation of workers’ injuries.
• Reviews and drafts findings in mediation or administrative hearing proceedings under the jurisdiction of the Workers’ Compensation Board in order to ensure findings conform to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Coordinates the execution of legal services with senior legal staff in order to ensure common understanding and interpretation of the law.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of state and federal laws, administrative laws, rules, and case law affecting Workers’ Compensation Board programs and services.
• Knowledge of basic legal concepts of due process, administrative law, constitutional law, torts, and contracts.
• Knowledge of legal documents, court procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of medical and legal terminology and practices in workers’ compensation.
• Knowledge of legal research techniques.
• Knowledge of trial techniques.
• Knowledge of interviewing and investigative techniques and practices.
• Ability to research, analyze, and organize legal facts and principles.
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to write clearly and effectively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to negotiate mediation agreements, lump sum settlements, or other voluntary resolutions.
• Ability to prepare and maintain complex cases and large caseloads.
• Ability to handle difficult and adversarial situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of client information and communications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Admission to the practice of law in the State of Maine and current registration with the Board of Overseers of the Maine Bar – OR –
• Eligibility for admission to practice law in the State of Maine with the provision that admittance to the practice of law in the State of Maine and registration with the Board of Overseers of the Bar occurs within twelve (12) months of the date of hire.

Preference will be given to those who submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample to be considered for an interview.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of XX% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.