Department Information

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• MotivateMe employee wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Access to participate in employer-supported employee affinity spaces
• RTD EcoPass Commuter Program

• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information go to https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs

Description of Job

The salary range for this posting is:
$24.43 - $31.50 Hourly
$1,954.62 - $2,520.00 Biweekly
$4,235.00 - $5,460.00 Monthly
$50,820.00 - $65,520.00 Annually

About the Division:

This position is part of the Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC). The Pre-Hearing Unit provides a forum for pre-hearing conferences, settlement conferences, arbitrations, and settlement advisement hearings before a Pre-Hearing Administrative Law Judge (PALJ). The work unit fulfills the Division’s statutory mandate to provide these services pursuant to §§8-43-205, 206, 206.5 and 207.5 C.R.S.

The work unit also provides a forum for PALJs to review and decide procedural motions filed with the Division pursuant to the Workers’ Compensation Rules of Procedure (WCRP).

The work unit is also responsible for certifying and approving all settlement agreements on behalf of the Division Director.

About the position:

This position is responsible for assisting with managing the electronic docket and case management system, the processing of priority motions and the scheduling of pre-hearing and settlement conferences; arbitration hearings; and settlement advisement hearings. In addition this position applies WCRPs and unit policy guidelines to provide unit customers with information concerning procedures. This position must interact with the public, the Office of Administrative Courts (OAC) and other staff to ensure the goals of the unit, division and department are met.

Schedules pre-hearing and settlement conferences; schedules pro se advisement hearings; schedules arbitration hearings. Entering the necessary information to schedule the event into both Coco (The WC database) and the Access database; ensures public-facing calendar is updated to reflect accurate availability.

Responds to customers by applying WCRPs and unit policy; Responds to emergency conference requests as they arise/screens requests to ensure emergency criteria is met; Processes daily docket; assures all information for each conference is available to PALJs. Reviews submissions for accuracy/completeness and compliance with WCRPs and policies; and rejects or returns documents to parties for required changes or recommendations for changes; educates stakeholders on proper filing procedures. Performs preliminary research to avoid conflicts of interest. Must assist parties with identifying and selecting available times for conferences.

Prepare documents for the PALJ’s daily dockets which involves organizing the scheduled hearings and preparing documents applicable to each hearing or conference. Timely distributes required documents to PALJs. Maintain the docket and web based calendar. Act as liaison with the Office of Administrative Courts. Work closely with the Chief ALJ to ensure that the needs of the judges are met and their work flow is distributed to meet the unit's needs.

Provides internal and external customer service. Responds to phone calls and emails from internal and external customers regarding general information about the workers’ compensation system; and prehearing unit policies and procedures. Refers customers to appropriate internal and external resources. Applies WCRPs and unit policy to provide highest quality service. Considers various factors and applies judgment to manage the inquiries being made as well as the PALJs’ dockets. Returns calls and follows up on messages.

Process incoming written motions and outgoing orders. Screens motions to ensure parties listed are accurate, attorneys have entered appearances and that the certificate of service is correctly completed. Reviews the content of incoming motions to determine if legal issues are properly before the prehearing unit or if the motion should be distributed to another work unit or external agency. Reviews OAC file management system to ensure motion is not pending before OAC. Enters the motions into appropriate Coco screens upon delivery to the unit. Applies document tickling system to motions to monitor appropriate response time. Matches responses to motions and distributes to the correct PALJs when the motion is ripe (ready) for a decision.

This position also functions as a designee clerk for the purpose of approving motions to withdraw representation of parties filed by attorneys, but this duty could expand to other types of motions.

Reviews orders entered by PALJs to determine appropriate actions to be taken and enter outcomes into Coco; and communicates with OAC when applicable. Completes certificate of service and serves orders to the correct parties. Also responds to inquiries about the status of motions. Follows internal process for calendaring/tracking all motions, and recognizes when procedures need to be updated.

Approves and files settlement agreements into appropriate electronic filing systems upon delivery to the unit. Applies document tickling system when appropriate. Analyzes, reviews and certifies all represented settlement requests on behalf of the DOWC Director, either by order approval or denial with signature authority given by the DOWC Director. Completes certificate of service and sends approved orders to parties. Answers phone and email inquiries concerning settlement status on pending or completed documents.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing legal research.

• Prior Legal Support experience.

• Prior experience performing similar duties as a State of Colorado classified employee.

Competencies:

• Understanding of legal documentation

• Time Management and task prioritization
• Organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer service
• Conflict resolution
• Work well independently and as part of a team

• Ability to perform online research

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a Colorado resident at time of application.

• You must pass a thorough background check prior to employment which will include the E-Verify process.

Supplemental Information

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.