LICENSING SERVICES HEARING OFFICER (DPS), G30

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions within this job family are assigned responsibilities related to conducting hearings, interviews and appeals concerning suspensions and revocations of driving privileges and actions taken under financial responsibility laws.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• Conducts informal hearings with individuals upon accumulation of a specified number of points as a result of traffic violations or other incidents; explains laws and regulations concerning the points system; assists subject in determining the cause of the problem; offers suggestions for correcting the problem, including the defensive driving course and other training; provides information on the consequences of further violations, including suspension of driving privileges; completes record of interview and other forms and documents, as required.
• Conducts mandatory hearings as a result of revocations under the Implied Consent Law, Driving Under the Influence and other alcohol-related incidents; determines extent of intoxicating substance use in relation to the safe operation of a vehicle; provides information on substance abuse programs, support groups and alternatives to using and driving; makes referrals to other agencies, as appropriate; informs individuals of penalties for future violations; completes affidavit of fact, hearing/interview record and other required documents.
• Conducts other interviews and hearings, both formal and informal, as required, concerning all aspects of driver's license suspensions, revocations and restrictions, modifications to allow driving to and from work and in the course of employment, temporary licenses and other issues; interviews individuals concerning actions taken under financial responsibility laws; reviews and analyzes accident reports and other information; renders final decision as to appropriate actions to take based on the circumstances of individual cases; issues set aside or stay orders, modification orders and temporary licenses and completes other forms and documents, as required.
• Participates in appeals filed in district courts on agency decisions concerning suspensions, revocations and other actions; assists District Attorneys in reviewing and preparing the legal case concerning the action taken by the agency; assists in preparing appeals to the supreme court on cases where final judgments by lower courts are considered to be in error; provides expert testimony on case files and applicable provisions of law.
• Makes recommendations on changes to driver’s license laws, financial responsibility laws and other statutes affecting driving privileges; administers laws and programs related to driver improvement and defensive driving schools, accident prevention programs, nonresident violators, juvenile illegal substance use and commercial driver’s licenses.
• Responds to phone inquiries from violators, attorneys, court clerks and others; provides information about specific laws and procedures; issues stay orders pending a hearing or investigation, if appropriate.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

The Licensing Services Hearing Officer job family has two levels which are distinguished based on the type and complexity of work and the responsibility assigned for the supervision of others.

Level I:                                                Code:  G30A                             Salary Band:  J

This is the career level of this job family where incumbents are assigned work at the full performance level and are responsible for independently performing duties associated with hearings, interviews and appeals concerning suspensions and revocations of driving privileges.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of state laws concerning driving privileges, financial responsibility, vehicle accidents and vehicle registration; of counseling and interviewing techniques; of procedures for conducting administrative hearings; of court procedures related to driver’s license and motor vehicle cases; of community resources for various behavioral or substance abuse problems; of the principles of traffic safety; and of principles and techniques of report writing.  Ability to conduct standard interviews and hearings; to make appropriate judgments in individual cases; to collect and evaluate information; prepare reports concerning interviews and hearings; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of the statutory requirement of Title 47 O.S. Section 2-106:  "Shall be a citizen of the state of Oklahoma and a graduate of an accredited high school" and have four years of experience in driver education or safety, driver's license examining or experience in adjusting suspensions or revocations of driving privileges or actions taken under financial responsibility laws*; or a bachelor’s degree in safety.

NOTE:  Qualifying experience in adjusting driving privileges or financial responsibility actions must include at least two of the following areas:  Driver Improvement - Medical, Child Support, Implied Consent, Reinstatement or Bail Bond; or Financial Responsibility - Insurance Cancellation, Reinstatement, Bail Bond, Compulsory Insurance, Accident or Judgment.

Level II:                                               Code:  G30B                             Salary Band:  K

This is the specialist level in which incumbents are assigned responsibility for  work related to hearings, interviews and appeals concerning suspensions and revocations of driving privileges.  Incumbents will be responsible for conducting more complex or difficult hearings and interviews specifically including implied consent hearings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level I plus the ability to conduct complex hearings involving the interpretation and application of implied consent statutes and case law.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus two years of experience in driver education or safety, driver's license examining or experience in adjusting suspensions or revocations of driving privileges or actions taken under financial responsibility laws.

 Level III:                                             Code:   G30C                            Salary Band:  L

In addition to the responsibilities of Level II, at this level employees are assigned responsibilities involving the direction or management of a major program, unit or function which is of moderate size and scope or perform professional level work involving program supervision, development, coordination, or implementation with responsibility for a major phase of a program which is large in size and scope.  Responsibilities may include serving as an operating program manager assigned administrative, staff, or program responsibilities, performing functions in the areas of program management and development, providing guidance for operations and services, performing program planning, development and evaluation activities, and organizing and coordinating program services and activities.  Incumbents will be expected to perform assigned duties at all levels of complexity and will provide guidance, supervision and training to assigned staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus ability to plan, direct, and review the work of others; to analyze complex situations and make responsible decisions; and to coordinate the work of organizational units.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus three years of experience in driver education or safety, driver’s license examining or experience in adjusting suspensions or revocations of driving privileges or actions taken under financial responsibility laws.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be willing and able to complete all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Applicants are required to complete a course of training as prescribed by the Commissioner within six months of appointment.

Latest revision date:  12-12-11