APPEALS EXAMINER 1

Code: 64684 State Competitive Range: P25 (FY 2027) Work week NL: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $79,843.57 - $117,227.97/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of a Supervising Appeals Examiner in the Appeals Tribunal, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, investigates facts and circumstances involving complex unemployment and disability insurance benefit issues; conducts quasi-judicial hearings to resolve unemployment and disability (state plan & DDU) insurance benefit disputes between workers and employers; may take the lead over professional staff responsible for adjudicating unemployment and disability insurance benefit appeals; recommends prospective solutions and settlements to supervisor based on the evidence and testimony presented, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, polies and procedures; prepares written decisions related to these matters.

Examples of work

Gathers information in preparation of hearing; researches laws, regulations, policies and precedent decisions. Investigates facts and circumstances involving the more complex unemployment and disability insurance benefit cases. Adjudicates unemployment and disability insurance benefit appeals. Conducts standard, telephone or mass hearings to adjudicate appeals involving disputed benefit claims, including appeals from determinations with respect to demands by a deputy for refunds of benefits and claims for regular unemployment compensation; disability under the State plan; disability benefits during unemployment claims; unemployment compensation for federal employees and ex-servicemen; temporary extended unemployment compensation; and combined wage claims; disaster unemployment assistance benefit claims; trade re-adjustment allowance benefit claims; and claims made under the Work Incentive Program. Schedules hearings; formally notifies all parties involved of the date and location of hearing. Swears in witnesses and takes testimony at formal hearings. Informs all parties of their rights and responsibilities under New Jersey law. Conducts hearings in a manner so as to give ample opportunity to each party to be heard on the issues under appeal; ensures fairness and equality. May hold informal pre-hearing conferences with appellants, attorneys, employers and other interested persons to answer questions and resolve issues Prepares written summaries and interrogatories to be used by hearing officers in other states for the conduct of non-resident hearings. Acts as a proxy for similar appellant bodies in other States by conducting hearings for the other states, involving New Jersey residents; makes a complete record of the hearings, and forwards the record of the hearing and all exhibits to that State body for their action. May issue subpoenas and other legal orders. Reviews evidence and hears testimony presented by all parties involved; recommends prospective solutions and settlements to supervisor based on the evidence and testimony presented, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Develops a record as to the facts and circumstances concerning the issues under appeal and giving each party an opportunity to present all relevant evidence. Responds to and initiates inquiries from appellants, attorneys, insurance representatives, doctors and other parties requesting information. Notifies claimants or enrollees of their right to appeal adverse decisions to the highest appellate level within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (Board of Review). Provides guidance to, trains, and may take the lead over professional staff responsible for adjudicating unemployment and disability insurance benefit appeals. In cases involving appeals by large numbers of claimants involved in complex cases, such as labor disputes where the contested issue is the same in all appeals, schedules a mass hearing for the appearance of a representative of a group of claimants, or employers, which are agreeable to all parties; conducts a mass hearing, adjudicates the matter at hand, and drafts a written decision based on the evidence presented, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, polies and procedures. Reviews applications to reopen appeal cases that have been decided, and drafts a written decision setting forth the allowance or denial of reopening. Rules upon applications for the adjournment of hearings, taking into account the protection of the legal rights of the parties concerned and of the State. Prepares detailed reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Requirements

NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of professional experience making determinations on eligibility in various phases of temporary wage replacement insurance in a public or private agency. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Admission to practice as an Attorney at Law in New Jersey or possession of a J.D. or L.L.H. degree; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the conduct of court proceedings and administrative or quasi-judicial hearing procedures. Knowledge of State and federal laws involving unemployment, disability insurance, and other compensatory programs administered by the department and their application to specific claim situations. Knowledge of the rules of evidence and elements of jurisdiction and limitations. Knowledge of interviewing methods and techniques. Knowledge of functional systems and terminology necessary to appropriately evaluate temporary disability claims. Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze information. Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret and apply the appropriate sections of Federal and State law, regulations and policies governing Unemployment-Disability Insurance and apply them to specific cases in accordance with established procedures. Ability to analyze case facts and circumstances, evaluate their importance in relation to state and federal laws, regulations, and policies, and to recommend clear, concise, and logical decisions based on the evidence and testimony presented. Ability to conduct fair and impartial hearings. Ability to take testimony in such manner as to preserve the legal rights of the parties concerned and of the State. Ability to apply investigative techniques and procedures, rules of evidence and basic court procedures. Ability to apply the principles of due process and its application to quasi-judicial hearings. Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods. Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret current business and industrial practices within the State of New Jersey. Ability to take the lead over professional staff responsible for adjudicating unemployment and disability insurance benefit appeals. Ability to train Appeal Examiner staff in the conduct of hearings. Ability to deal with distraught and argumentative individuals. Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and formal recommendations. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.