Appeals Officer (Attorney 2)
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Appeals Officer (Attorney 2)
Salary
$77,379.00 - $117,497.00 Annually
Location
Dauphin County, PA
Job Type
Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number
N-2026-48542
Department
Department of Community & Economic Development
Division
CE Off Open Rcds
Opening Date
04/29/2026
Closing Date
5/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
07120
Position Number
50642779
Union
Non Union
Bargaining Unit
A3
Pay Group
ST09
Bureau / Division Code
00247006
Bureau / Division
Office of Open Records
Worksite Address
Forum Place, Suite 605
Worksite Address
555 Walnut Street
City
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17101
Contact Name
DCED HR Office
Contact Email
RA-DCHRACTIONS@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Do you have a sharp legal mind paired with a passion for government accountability? The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) is seeking an experienced and motivated Attorney 2 to take on the role of an Appeals Officer and join our mission-driven team. Here, you will conduct a wide range of professional legal duties while ensuring that the Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) remains a cornerstone of the Commonwealth. If you thrive in an environment where your independent judgment is valued and your dedicated efforts make a genuine difference, this may be the position for you!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As an Appeals Officer, you will be specifically responsible for adjudicating administrative appeals filed pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). Duties will include performing intensive legal research and writing involving complex legal issues which have a significant impact on the public's right to access government records. You will confer with private citizens and agency representatives regarding administrative appeals, including answering procedural inquiries, clarifying the arguments presented, and developing factual records. Additionally, you will respond to legal-related inquiries from agencies, public officials or employees, and private citizens regarding the RTKL, as well as assess potential impacts of proposed legislation, rules, and regulations involving the RTKL. A comprehensive working knowledge of common law and state and federal laws, regarding general administrative and regulatory functions of state government is essential for this position.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 4 days per week. You will initially be required to report to the office 2 days per week during the in-office training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $77,379.00 (before taxes).
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Two years of professional legal experience and graduation from an accredited school of law ;or
An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Post Employment Requirement:
You must be certified for admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and must maintain membership on a continuous basis during employment.
Additional Requirements:
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
At least one year of professional experience in a judicial or quasi-judicial capacity, including roles such as judicial clerk or administrative hearing officer.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/hrmoa/resources/generative-ai-hiring-guidance) for additional information.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Post-employment Requirement: Are you admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania?
Yes, you must submit a copy of your certificate
No, but I am licensed to practice in a state with reciprocity. You must submit your license number and expiration
No, but I have completed all preparatory steps and application to become a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. You must submit proof of completion of the preparatory steps and application to become a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
No
02
If you answered "Yes", please provide your certification number and expiration date.
03
Have you graduated from an accredited school of law? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org ("www.naces.org"target=_blank") and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
04
How many years of full-time professional legal experience do you possess?
2 years or more
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None
05
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
06
Have you completed any post-graduate coursework in law? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org ("www.naces.org"target=_blank") and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
07
Preferred Qualification:Do you have at least one year of professional experience in a judicial or quasi-judicial capacity, including roles such as judicial clerk or administrative hearing officer?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
