Employment Security Appeals Referee
Hybrid
Recruitment #260601-3312SH-001
Location Middletown, CT
Waterbury, CT
Date Opened 7/1/2026 2:00:00 PM Salary $91,319 - $115,754/year Job Type Open to Agency Employees Close Date 7/10/2026 11:59:00 PM
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Introduction
Are you a current DOL employee seeking your next opportunity? If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply!
At the State of Connecticut, Department of Labor (DOL) is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. The Employment Security Appeals Division is an autonomous, quasi-judicial agency housed in the Department of Labor. Its primary function is to hear and decide appeals arising from decisions made by Connecticut's Unemployment Compensation Department, from which it is statutorily independent, and other assigned matters within the jurisdiction of the department. The DOL's Appeals Division is comprised of the Referee Section and the Board of Review.
The Department of Labor has current opportunities for Employment Security Appeals Referees in the Middletown Appeals Office and Waterbury Appeals Office.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- LOCATION: Middletown and Waterbury
- SHIFT: First (full time)
- SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Hybrid Schedule
- NOTE: This position is open to current DOL employees only. Please see selection plan for additional details.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU- As a current agency employee you will receive the same excellent benefits you are accustom to.
- Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
ABOUT US
DOL is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. In order to accomplish this ever-changing environment, we assist workers and employers to become competitive in the global economy. We take a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of workers and employers, and other agencies that serve them. We ensure the supply of high-integrated services that serve the needs of our customers.
Selection Plan
In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to at Pamela.Rochette@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Labor, Employment Security Appeals Division this class receives on-the-job training in quasi-judicial work conducting hearings and rendering decisions on unemployment insurance appeals and other assigned matters within the jurisdiction of the department.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Performs quasi-judicial work conducting hearings and rendering decisions involving single party or other less complex unemployment insurance appeals;
- Explains hearing procedures and answers appellants questions;
- Reviews determinations, reports and records prior to hearing;
- Elicits pertinent sworn testimony from interested parties;
- Rules on admissibility of evidence, exhibits and documents;
- Facilitates hearing by maintaining order and adherence to proper procedure;
- Writes decisions on cases drawing upon facts in hearing record and pertinent laws;
- Researches, interprets and applies statutory laws, regulations and decisional law to evidence presented;
- Rules upon and answers in writing requests for reconsideration or modification of decisions or reopening of cases;
- Reviews cases appealed to Board of Review to ensure no further proceedings at Referee level are necessary;
- Responds to general and technical inquiries regarding appellate procedure and Connecticut unemployment insurance law;
- May be assigned to perform work for Employment Security Board of Review including conducting legal research, rendering advice and drafting decisions;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of
relevant state laws, rules and regulations;
Connecticut Employment Security Division appeals process, procedures and operations;
Skills
interpersonal skills;
oral and written communication skills;
organizational skills;
Ability to
research, comprehend, interpret and apply laws, regulations and legal decisions;
reach sound decisions based on findings of facts, evidence and applicable laws, regulations and rulings;
work independently;
utilize available technology to review case histories, research relevant laws and Board precedents and draft decisions;
maintain judicial demeanor;
handle stressful situations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Eight (8) years of experience performing technical work in Unemployment Insurance, Job Service or Employment and Training programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been conducting hearings and rendering decisions on unemployment insurance.
NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Labor Department Adjudication Specialist.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
- College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
- A Master's degree in public administration, law or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
- A law degree (Juris Doctor) from an accredited law school may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience using ReEmployCT.
- Experience constructing and evaluating legal arguments.
- Experience with independently managing time, in a high production office environment, while meeting prescribed deadlines that may conflict and adhering to production and quality standards.
- Experience with legal writing.
- Experience conducting hearings in an impartial manner.
- Experience with Unemployment Insurance law.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
Click on a link below to apply for this position:
Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online