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Chief Deputy Workers' Compensation Commissioner

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Chief Deputy Workers' Compensation Commissioner

Salary

$98,009.60 - $139,568.00 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01449

Agency

427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing

Opening Date

01/06/2026

Closing Date

1/25/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Aaron Baack - [email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, solution-oriented, and enthusiastic professional to join our regulatory department and serve as theChief Deputy Workers' Compensation Commissioner(Public Service Manager 2)for our Workers Compensation Division at our central office campus near Valley Junction in Des Moines, Iowa. ALaw license to practice law in the State of Iowa is required.

Who We Are

DIAL is a multifaceted regulatory agency charged with protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Iowans, and is comprised of eight core operational divisions: Administration, Administrative Hearings, Building & Construction, Health & Safety, Investigations, OSHA, Professional Licensing, and Workers’ Compensation.

DIAL’s mission isAchieve Compliance through Education, Regulation, and Due Process for a Safe and Healthy Iowa.Our goal is to be an effective, efficient and approachable regulatory agency. To accomplish our mission, the individual selected for this position will assist the department by providing leadership, vision, structure, and accountability to the Workers’ Compensation division.

Reporting to the Workers’ Compensation Commissioner, this position ensures effective and efficient service delivery across all operational aspects for the division.

Serving as theChief Deputy Workers' Compensation Commissioneryou will provide high-level leadership, and adjudicative oversight for the Workers’ Compensation Division by managing all hearing operations, supervising judicial and professional staff, and ensuring the timely, accurate, and consistent delivery of legally sound decisions. You will schedule and oversee hearing logistics; administer oaths; rule on motions and objections; conduct hearings by examining witnesses and evaluating evidentiary submissions; and ensure a complete and accurate record of proceedings. You will perform extensive legal research and analysis, interpret and apply statutes and administrative rules, and issue well-reasoned proposed and final decisions and supported by findings of fact and conclusions of law.

What We’re Seeking

The successful candidate for this fast-paced and critical position is a motivated, organized, and detailed leader:

+ Demonstrated leader with team-building abilities

+ Works collaboratively with a diverse group of people and leads a team of talented professionals and staff

+ Detail-oriented and is highly responsive to colleagues and stakeholders

+ Displays high standards of professional and ethical conduct

+ Commits to providing a high-quality service

+ Possesses a high level of organization skills and is process-driven

+ Must possess a valid license to practice law in the state of Iowa

What You’ll Do

You will be an integral member Workers’ Compensation team, providing direct leadership to the division in supporting the agency’s operations by:

+ Lead and oversee all adjudicative functions by conducting hearings, filing on motions, assessing evidence, and issuing high-quality proposed and final decisions.

+ Supervise and develop division staff, including 11 Deputies, professional staff, and support personnel, ensuring strong performance, consistent legal reasoning, and equitable workload distribution.

+ Manage hearing operations, including scheduling, logistics, and maintaining accurate records to ensure timely and efficient case processing.

+ Review decisions and monitor quality control to ensure legal accuracy, clarity, and consistency with statutes, rules, and division policies.

+ Conduct complex legal research and analysis, drafting legal memoranda, rulings, reports, and guidance for leadership and oversight entities.

+ Lead policy, procedural, and training initiatives, including drafting hearing manuals developing training materials, and implementing process improvements.

+ Collaborate with the Commissioner and agency leadership to assess division efficiency, implement improvements, and support strategic planning.

+ Represent the division on interagency committees and stakeholder groups, collaborating with state and federal partners and providing expert presentations.

+ Oversee budget and resource management, including staffing needs, technology improvements, case management systems, and long-term resource planning.

Background check required.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

This is a non-merit position. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to six years of full-time management-level work in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.

2) Ten years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.

3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Six years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and

b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

4) All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. Four years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and

b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and

c. A combination of a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Service Manager 1 or comparable specific management-level position.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/PublicServiceManager2-00786-60786-80786.pdf)

Additional Qualification Requirements

Law licenseto practice law in the State of Iowa is required.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you have an Iowa law license to practice law in the State of Iowa?

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+ No

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing

Address

6200 Park Avenue; Suite 1

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website

https://dia.iowa.gov/

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