Agency Information: Kansas Department of Labor
The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) assists in the prevention of economic insecurity through unemployment insurance and workers compensation, by providing a fair and efficient venue to exercise employer and employee rights, and by helping employers promote a safe work environment for their employees. This facilitates compliance with labor laws while enabling advancement of the economic well-being of the citizens of Kansas.
At KDOL, our employees are our most valuable resource. We encourage our employees to grow and advance by participating in job shadow/training opportunities within KDOL. We value work-life balance and offer flexible schedules and telework opportunities.
As a quickly growing agency, we are always looking for passionate, talented and creative people to join our team. If you’re looking for a challenge that will lead you to the next level of your career, you’ve found the right place. Come grow with us!
Learn more @ dol.ks.gov
About the Position
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Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
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FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
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Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
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Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00 pm
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Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
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Veterans and/or Disability Preference Eligible: Yes. See below for description.
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Office Location: Onsite: Topeka, KS
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Application Due: Thursday, August 06, 2026
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Compensation: Set by statute: K.S.A. 44-555c(c) Each board member shall receive an annual salary in an amount equal to the salary prescribed by law for a district judge, except that the member who is the chairperson of the workers compensation board shall receive an annual salary in an amount equal to the salary prescribed for a district judge designated as chief judge of a district court of Kansas.
Employment Benefits
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First day of employment coverage under the State’s comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage and dental plan.
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Additional voluntary options including vision, hospital indemnity, accident and critical illness insurance plans and flexible spending accounts.
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Retirement and deferred compensation programs
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Sick & Vacation leave
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Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
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Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
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Employee discounts with the STAR Program
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We celebrate employee appreciation and host socializing events
Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…
Position Summary & Responsibilities: Workers Compensation Appeals Board Member
The Workers Compensation Appeals Board is seeking a highly qualified legal professional to serve as a Board Member responsible for reviewing and adjudicating appeals arising under the Kansas Workers Compensation Act. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the fair, consistent, and legally sound resolution of complex workers compensation disputes.
Board Members review and adjudicate appeals from decisions issued by Administrative Law Judges. Duties include examining evidentiary records, pleadings, motions, transcripts, exhibits, and applicable legal authority to determine appropriate appellate outcomes.
Responsibilities also include conducting independent legal analysis involving statutory interpretation, evidentiary standards, procedural compliance, and case-specific legal issues. Board Members draft, review, and issue written orders, opinions, and decisions that clearly articulate findings, legal reasoning, and conclusions.
The position requires application of Kansas statutes, administrative regulations, case law, and established precedent to ensure consistent, legally defensible outcomes. Decisions must be issued in a timely manner consistent with statutory requirements and agency expectations.
Strong legal writing skills are essential. Successful candidates must be able to produce clear, concise, and well-reasoned written decisions that effectively explain how legal conclusions are reached and supported by the record and applicable law.
Additional responsibilities include conducting advanced legal research related to workers compensation law, administrative law, procedural matters, and emerging legal developments; reviewing appellate court decisions and legislative changes affecting workers compensation adjudication; and developing legally sound analyses and opinions that may provide guidance in future matters.
Board Members are expected to maintain subject matter expertise in workers compensation law and administrative adjudication while contributing to the integrity and consistency of the appellate process.
Minimum Requirements:
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Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
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Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
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Active license to practice law in the State of Kansas and in good standing with the Kansas Supreme Court.
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7 years actively practicing law as a lawyer, judge of a court of record or full time teacher of law in an accredited law school and with at least 5 years experience practicing law in the area of workers compensation.
Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Demonstrated experience in legal writing, including the preparation of appellate opinions, legal memoranda, orders, decisions, or other formal legal documents.
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Experience conducting complex legal research and analysis and exercising sound legal judgment.
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Experience interpreting and applying statutes, administrative regulations, case law, and legal precedent.
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Experience evaluating evidentiary records and analyzing complex legal and factual issues.
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Ability to manage a high-volume caseload, prioritize competing responsibilities, and meet established deadlines.
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Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders while maintaining objectivity, impartiality, and professionalism in decision-making.
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Experience maintaining records, tracking deadlines, and managing multiple assignments with attention to detail.
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Ability to research information, prepare correspondence and documentation, and follow established procedures.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Proficiency with standard office software, including email, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
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Ability to interact professionally with internal staff, employers, and external stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
- Pre-Employment background screening
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State of Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate. The successful applicant (even non-residents) must obtain a valid Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's website within 10 days of the date the applicant has been offered the employment position. A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual's account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact (785) 296-3199. Visit the Tax Clearance site for more information on and where to obtain this Kansas Department of Revenue document.
Contact Information
Office of Human Resources
[email protected]
Mailing Address: 401 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603
Job Application Process
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First Sign in or register as a New User.
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Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
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Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
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Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
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Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
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Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
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Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
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Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"
Required Documents for this Application to be Complete
Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page
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Résumé
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DD FM 214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”
Preference Eligibility:
How to Claim Veterans Preference
Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference
How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference
PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency. These should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be scanned and emailed to [email protected], or can be mailed/delivered in person to:
ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Docking State Office Building
915 SW Harrison St Suite 260
Topeka, KS 66612
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.
