Cincinnati- BWC Attorney 1- 20067587

About the Organization

With roughly 1,500 employees in seven offices across Ohio, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is the state agency that cares for Ohio workers by promoting a culture of safety at work and at home and ensuring quality medical and pharmacy care is provided to injured workers. For Ohio employers, BWC provides insurance policies to cover workplace injuries and safety and wellness services to prevent injuries.

Culture: BWC is a dynamic organization that offers career opportunities across many disciplines and strives to maintain an inclusive workplace. Employees can participate in and lead employee work groups, participate in online forums, and learn how different perspectives can improve leadership skills.

Vision: To transform BWC into an agile organization driven by customer success.

Mission: To deliver consistently excellent experiences for each BWC customer every day.

Core Values: One Agency, Personal Connection, Innovative Leadership, Relentless Excellence.

BWC’s core hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm; daily start/end times may vary based on operational need. Most positions are on-site at one of BWC’s seven offices. Flex-time schedules allow start times as early as 7:00 am or as late as 8:30 am, subject to operational need and supervisor approval.

Contact: Jade B. – a84551@bwc.ohio.gov

Responsibilities

• Represent BWC at Ohio Industrial Commission hearings by presenting evidence, making legal arguments, and examining witnesses.
• Review claim files and hearing notices to identify key legal issues and determine the best approach for each case.
• Interpret Ohio Workers’ Compensation laws, rules, regulations, and BWC policy to guide case strategy and ensure accurate, compliant decision-making.
• Evaluate Industrial Commission decisions and determine whether appeals are appropriate; prepare and file appeals, motions, and supporting documentation.
• Provide clear, practical legal advice to internal BWC staff on claims, risk matters, and other issues affecting agency operations.
• Support BWC staff by researching statutes or case law relevant to ongoing matters.
• Respond to routine inquiries from external BWC customers with timely and accurate responses.
• Maintain case records and weekly reports; draft legal memoranda and opinions as needed.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and seminars to stay informed and support continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Ohio Bar per Section 4705.01 of the Revised Code.
• Must be able to provide own transportation and/or legally operate a state-owned vehicle (position may require travel).
• Probationary period: 12 months.

Skills & Characteristics

Knowledge of: law; public relations; human relations; BWC policies & procedures (developed after employment); Workers’ Compensation & Industrial Commission law (developed after employment); claims management & state insurance fund.

Skill in: use of personal computer.

Ability to: define problems; conduct legal research; collect data/evidence; establish facts & recommend appropriate legal recourse; review, edit & draft appeals & motions; prepare legal reports, memorandums & hearing summary sheets; handle difficult interactions with injured workers, employers & their representatives.

Compensation & Pay

Hourly wage range: $38.01 – $55.80.

New state employees start at step 1 of the pay range. Current state employees are placed at the appropriate step per applicable union contract and/or Ohio Revised Code. Employees advance one step per year until the highest step is reached. Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and longevity supplements (beginning after five years of state service) may also apply.

Schedule & Work Hours

• Employment type: Permanent – Full Time
• Standard hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday–Friday
• Flex-time available: start between 7:00 am and 8:30 am with supervisor approval
• On-site work at 135 Merchant St., Suite 100, Springdale, OH 45246

Benefits

Eligible full-time and part-time employees receive a comprehensive State of Ohio benefits package, including:

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after eligibility period
• Paid time off: vacation, personal leave, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
• Education and development opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, etc.)
• Public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

Benefits eligibility depends on several factors; the agency contact can provide specifics for this position.

Additional Information

• OCSEA Selection Rights: This position is filled per the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit applicants.
• Educational Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts detailing completed coursework must be attached for any educational achievements to be considered during screening.
• Background Check: Final applicant must sign a background check authorization and undergo a criminal background check; convictions do not automatically disqualify.
• Drug-Free Workplace: The State of Ohio prohibits recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis use; this position may be subject to additional restrictions per policy HR-39.
• ADA & EEO: The State of Ohio is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation per the ADA. For accommodation requests, contact BWC