Workers' Compensation Judge

As a Workers’ Compensation Judge with the Workers' Compensation Office of Adjudication (WCOA) Reading Office, you will be responsible for handling disputes about Workers' Compensation claims. This role offers the chance to help people navigate adjudication processes and to exercise sound legal judgment in deciding factually and legally complex cases. Your work will help maintain public trust in the Workers’ Compensation system by facilitating fair and balanced resolutions. Apply now to share your expertise with an agency that values integrity, precision, and service to the public.

This position adjudicates contested claims for issues litigated between employees, employers, and insurance carriers under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Work relies on informed legal judgment, careful review of evidence, and clear communication throughout the adjudication process. As a Workers' Compensation Judge, you will perform the following duties:

• Hold Hearings: Manages a caseload of hundreds of petitions; conduct impartial, orderly administrative hearings both in-person and virtually; ensure promptness, efficiency, and the protection of due process rights for all parties
• Analyze Evidence and Testimony: Extensively review hearing testimony, evidence of record, written arguments of attorneys, and applicable case law
• Conduct Legal Research: Use legal research databases and other primary and secondary sources to determine the validity of legal positions
• Issue Decisions: Write final decisions based on your analysis and application of evidence, testimony, applicable laws, and legal precedent
• Oversee Clerical Staff: Provide direction to secretaries and other staff members who help schedule and reschedule hearings, communicate with parties, and process case documents
• Support Collaborative Resolutions: Advise unrepresented litigants about their rights and all required procedures, review settlement agreements, and utilize alternative dispute resolution

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. May vary based on operational needs.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, after successful completion of the required training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Reading. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Five years of Workers' Compensation practice before administrative agencies, or equivalent experience.

Special Requirements:

• You must be an attorney in good standing before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.  
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans: 

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.