Hearings Examiner - PFML

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Department of Labor - Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave

Job Class Code:0053
Grade: 26/Professional & Technical
Salary: $56,264.00-$78,998.40/Annually

Location:

Augusta/Hybrid Remote

Opening Date:
January 15,2026

Closing Date:
February 1, 2026

The Hearing Examiner is a key member of the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave team. Under the direction of the Senior Hearings Examiner, the person in this position will adjudicate appeals of decisions involving employer contributions, private plan substitutions, and benefit claims consistent with the requirements of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. Additionally, the position will review and adjudicate employer private plan substitution applications.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, evaluating and analyzing documentation forming the basis for the decision and issues on appeal; administering the hearing; making procedural and evidentiary rulings; and preparing and issuing final decisions conforming to laws, rules, policy, and procedure.

Primary Tasks

• Assess and evaluate all testimony and documents presented at the hearing in order to render a final decision on an issue or claim.
• Explain the appellate hearing process, duties of the hearing examiner, purpose of the hearing, and rights of the parties in order to ensure all parties know their rights and are able to fully participate in the hearing.
• Question parties testifying during the hearing in order to identify issues and clarify testimony.
• Issue formal written decision regarding issues on appeal which establishes facts, discusses and analyzes the evidence presented, and makes conclusions of law in order to advise all parties of the final decision.

Knowledge/Skills Required

• Ability to analyze facts, issues, and testimony, reach logical conclusions, and make sound decisions.
• Knowledge of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a variety of individuals sometimes under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to conduct hearings in a fair and impartial manner.
• Ability to prepare written decisions that are fair, balanced, and appropriately apply applicable laws, rules, and policies.

Minimum Qualifications:

An eight (8) year combination of training, experience, and/or education providing a working knowledge of the adjudication process relating to hearings.

Preference will be given to those applicants:

Preference may be given to applicants who hold degrees from American Bar Association accredited law schools.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Judith Shaw, Judith.

Shaw

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, and3+ 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%-95%of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 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 ($387.92 annual value).

• Retirement Plan
  – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (Maine
  
  PERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package,…