Workers’ Compensation Judge

Job Description and Duties

This is a re-post. If you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application is on file and will be considered.

Under the general direction of the Supervising Administrative Law Judge, the Administrative Law Judge is assigned to hear and decide judicial matters arising under the Labor Code and California Code of Regulations relating to workers' compensation and related laws and does other related work within the Division of Workers' Compensation.

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3.

To be considered for this Administrative Law Judge job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam:

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located at:

1515 Clay St.
Oakland, CA 94612

The incumbent works in an air-conditioned office building with natural and artificial lighting as well as temperature control. In addition, the incumbent will perform work in private offices or court rooms. The position is required to work extensively on computers as necessary for drafting documents, conducting research, drafting email communication, and other purposes.

Special Requirements

The Administrative Law Judge must adhere to the California Code of Judicial Ethics and be a member of the State Bar of California

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

1. Knowledge of principles and provisions of the Labor Code and regulations pertaining to workers' compensation insurance and safety.

2. Knowledge of leading court decisions on the subject of California Workers' Compensation Law.

3. Knowledge of how to conduct court proceedings.

4. Knowledge of rules of evidence governing such proceedings, and laws relating to serving notices, taking depositions, and issuing subpoenas.

5. Knowledge of medical, physiological, anatomical, and occupational terminology in relation to cases of industrial injury.

6. Knowledge of the purpose and organization of the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board and Division of Workers” Compensation.

7. Knowledge of procedures before the Workers' compensation Appeals Board.

8. Knowledge of legal research methods and performing such research.

9. Knowledge of the underlying philosophy of workers' compensation legislation.

10. Knowledge of the California Code of Judicial Ethics.

1. Excellent listening skills to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2. Excellent writing skills understanding written sentences and paragraphs, spelling and grammar.

3. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.

4. Decision making skills and problem resolution skills.

5. Using logic and reason to identify the strengths, and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

6. Bringing others together and reconciling differences.

7. Excellent organizational skills to be able to prioritize work and ensure that decisions are issued timely.

8. Manage a busy and contentious environment.

9. Interacting with multiple staff members and members of the community.

10. Patience.

1. Experience performing legal research.

2. Experience participating in hearings in a manner that will obtain all pertinent evidence and secure the confidence and respect of all parties.

3. Experience analyzing and appraising legal problems, and applying legal principles and precedents to a particular set of facts.

4. Experience making accurate summaries of evidence and preparing appropriate findings, awards, orders, and other legal documents relating to compensation litigation.

5. Experience analyzing situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action.

6. Experience communicating effectively at a level required to perform the essential functions of the job.

7. Experience with computer programs including Microsoft office.

8. Ability to work in a busy office environment for an eight hour work day.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Paid Sick and Vacation
• 11 Paid State Holidays
• Alternate/Modified Work Schedule
• 401(k), 457 and Roth IRA Plans
• Retirement (CalPERS)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Medical and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• Pre-Tax Parking Program

Additional Information

Preference will be given to persons with State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) or Surplus status. Applicants must attach a copy of their most recently dated letter that specifies their designation as either SROA or surplus candidate as proof.

Qualified candidates must have eligibility in State employment, be in a reachable rank on an employment list for this classification, be currently in this classification, or have transfer eligibility to this classification

If you do not hear from us in 4-6 weeks, you may assume the position has been filled by another applicant. Please note that all additional vacancies that become available may be added to this advertisement.

Please note that the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS) does not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application, please contact the Personnel, Recruitment, & Hiring Unit at (800) 564-0771.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: DIR Applicant Survey

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.