Deputy Director of Appeals - Columbia

About Us Business is booming in South Carolina! Are you ready to be a part of developing and connecting the next generation of workers in this state? Year after year, experts pick our state as one of the best in the country for doing business. Just last year, South Carolina announced more than 8,000 new jobs and $9.12 billion in capital investment. Entrepreneurs are flocking to cities like Greenville, Charleston, Columbia, and Rock Hill to start and grow their businesses.

And our hospitality industry is primed to take off as travelers from around the world continue to discover the beauty and accessibility of South Carolina’s mountains and coast. Here at the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), we are laser-focused on connecting every jobseeker who comes through our doors with their next great career opportunity! Are you looking for a meaningful position at an agency brimming with optimism and camaraderie that also offers job security, affordable health insurance, great retirement benefits, and work-life balance?

If so, continue reading to discover your chance to make a difference at DEW! Job Description Do you have experience in unemployment insurance or legal and the ability to manage a team? Join our team at DEW! Our Deputy Director of Appeals serves within the Appellate division. Appeals provides independent reviews of unemployment benefits eligibility determinations. This is accomplished through administrative hearings and ensuring agency actions comply with state and federal rules governing unemployment.

This role manages the Higher Authority Appeals department, ensuring Federal appeals standards are met. They evaluate daily operations, develop process improvements, oversee decision quality, design training for staff, and provide feedback. This position collaborates with the Director of Appeals to develop strategic plans and may serve as a special examiner for labor disputes cases. An ideal candidate will have knowledge of UI benefits, tax laws, federal rules of evidence, administrative procedures, and related laws.

They must work effectively with public, employers, professionals, and employees, act as a liaison, prepare monthly reports, evaluate employee performance, implement policy, manage effectively, conduct administrative hearings, and apply SC Code and regulations. Key Responsibilities Directly supervise and evaluate HAA writers and Appellate Division administrative staff. Regularly conduct training sessions on appeals procedures, federal and state law, and agency policies.

Conduct monthly reviews of proposals written by HAA writers and documents detailed findings. Collaborate with the Director to conduct quarterly internal reviews of Lower Authority Appeals (LAA) cases. Serves as liaison between the Appellate Division and Appellate Panel. Monitor Appellate Division performance in federal DOL metrics and collaborate with the Director to ensure HAA exceeds DOL acceptable levels. Serve as the first level of public inquiry escalation for HAA and LAA issues.

Communicate concerns discovered during the appeals process related to UI law, policies, and procedures. Work with the Director to address and remediate issues raised by the Appellate Panel and implement necessary updates. Manage staff development, training, and employee evaluations. May conduct Lower Authority Appeals unemployment insurance hearings and draft proposed decisions for cases appealed to Higher Authority Appeals.

If you’re ready to take on this challenge and help support South Carolina’s workforce system, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you! Examples of Duties Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience in unemployment insurance, legal or quasi-judicial areas, or a Juris Doctor degree with one (1) year of supervisory experience. Knowledge of UI benefits and tax laws, federal rules of evidence, administrative procedures, and other related law.

Qualifications Juris Doctor and 3 years management experience. Advanced Microsoft Office Suite abilities. Supplemental Information Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.