Title: Deputy Commissioner

State Role Title: Deputy Commissioner

Hiring Range: The Deputy Commissioner has a starting salary of $142,055.

Pay Band: UG

Agency: VA Workers' Compensation Comm

Location: FAIRFAX REGIONAL OFFICE

Agency Website: https://workcomp.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Are you ready for the next step in your legal career, to use your workers’ compensation knowledge and experience to adjudicate disputed cases as a neutral judge rather than advocate for a client?  Do you also believe in the benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution and helping parties amicably resolve their disputes themselves?  Are you interested in public service and making a difference in the lives of others?  If so, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is the place for you!

Winner of the Top Workplace Award three years in a row, we are a mostly telework organization, where work-life balance is prioritized and colleagues and leaders support each other.  In addition to their regular assigned duties, Deputy Commissioners have numerous opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the country through participation in organizations such as the National Association of Workers' Compensation Judiciary (NAWCJ), the Southern Association of Workers' Compensation Administrators (SAWCA) and the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC).

Job Duties

Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is currently seeking a qualified Deputy Commissioner for the Harrisonburg Regional Office. Deputy Commissioners serve injured workers, employers, and related industries by faithfully carrying out the requirements of the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act. As Deputy Commissioner, you will schedule and preside over workers' compensation evidentiary, on-the-record and show cause hearings. Specific responsibilities include reviewing testimony and documentary evidence introduced at hearings including pleadings and medical reports; reviewing prior opinions of precedential value to adjudicate pending claims; and writing opinions making findings of facts and conclusions of law. 

You will also rule on discovery and other pre-hearing issues and conduct pre-hearing conferences when appropriate. Additional responsibilities include examining files before taking testimony to expedite hearings and resolve insurance questions or notice problems; reviewing and responding to mail, telephone inquiries, and other questions; and serving as a mediator conducting both formal and informal mediation of disputed issues and settlements.

The successful candidates will serve as a Deputy Commissioner/Mediator and will be responsible for conducting hearings and mediations primarily at docket locations served by the Harrisonburg Regional Office, but may be assigned to conduct hearings and mediations at other locations in the Commonwealth as needed; occasional overnight travel required.  Must past criminal background check and complete Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment.

Telework Structure

Our agency is currently using a hybrid model for teleworking. Our positions at this time are not 100% teleworking. All candidates would be expected to report to our Headquarters/Regional Office as requested and to hearing locations as assigned. Telework scheduling is at the discretion of the Chief Deputy Commissioner based on the business needs of the department.  Upon hire, candidates should expect to have all training and orientation conducted at the Headquarters Office.

Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission Overview:

Led by a Senior Leadership team consisting of three Commissioners, an Executive Director and a Chief Deputy Commissioner. Our mission is to serve injured workers, victims of crimes, employers, and related industries by providing exceptional services, resolving disputes, and faithfully executing the duties entrusted to us by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our vision is to lead the nation as the most effective and innovative state agency.  VWC employees demonstrate seven core values: innovation, respect, accountability, reliability, impartiality, integrity, and effectiveness.

We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified state agency that supports Veterans and Members of the Reserves and/or National Guard.  If you are a Veteran or Spouse of a Veteran or Active Military Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.  Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we encourage diversity within our workforce.  Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission does not provide sponsorship for employment.


VWC is the recipient of the following recent awards:

• 2024 Top Workplace Richmond Region
• 2024 Top USA Workplace
• 2023 Top Award for Mid-Sized Companies
• 2023 Doers Award

Minimum Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in the active practice of law.
• Must be a member of the Virginia State Bar in good standing.
  
  

Additional Considerations

• Significant experience in workers' compensation litigation and experience as a mediator, judge, or hearing officer.
• Mediator certification and experience, if not certified, the incumbent will be required to attend and complete mediator certification training.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Amy Habel

Phone: 804-205-3571

Email: HR.recruiting@workcomp.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.