BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities to review records, conduct hearings, determine the issues, and render decisions on program and/or fiscal eligibility issues that were previously adjudicated at a lower level.

Typical functions:

• Conducts hearings and determines the validity of claims in accordance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, including the Administrative Procedures Act, Unemployment Insurance Act, U.S. Department of Labor standards, and other relevant laws, court decisions, and other established precedents.

• Renders decisions that are binding as law affirming or denying previous rulings based on testimony, claim records, applicable provisions of law and established precedents.

• Independently analyzes findings of fact in cases under review, establishes findings of fact on new evidence presented, and researches case law to determine conclusions of law; may remand cases to prior adjudicative level for further evidentiary investigation.

• Questions witnesses and rules on objections, motions, and admissability of evidence; reviews documentary evidence and determines elements of a complete case record; affords due process to each party.

• Independently researches laws, regulations, policies and precedent decisions to prepare for appeal hearings.

• Ensures that the subpoenas are issued for the scheduled hearing; counsels parties; and administers oath to prepare for formal hearings.

• Schedules or directs the scheduling of the docket of cases to be heard and notifies all parties concerned.

• Conducts parole release, parole revocation, tentative release and administrative transfer hearings.

• Prepares final decision or directs the preparation of transcripts; keeps records on all cases and transmits the transcripts of selected cases to appropriate parties.

The Administrative Hearing Officer job family consists of two levels which are distinguished by the level of responsibility assigned, the complexity of assigned cases, and the expertise required for completing assigned work.

This is the basic level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibility for completing assigned work in a training capacity and receive closer supervision while becoming familiar with the laws, rules and regulations related to the cases under their review.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations regarding the specific program assigned; of procedures used in administrative hearings; of due process and the rules of evidence; and of decision and report writing. Ability is required to determine complex issues and make independent decisions; to interpret liability, eligibility, and qualification requirements for benefits; to organize data and prepare written legal decisions; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in a professional position involving legal work as a primary duty, claims eligibility determination, social work or personnel administration; or a juris doctorate degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

At this level incumbents are assigned responsibilities for performing advanced level work involving complex administrative hearings and related matters. This includes handling cases involving two or more parties who are often represented by attorneys, serving as experts in specific areas of adjudicative responsibility, and other comparable responsibilities involving a full range of administrative and adjudicative functions and decisions. Responsibilities will include determining precedent setting cases, analyzing new laws, rules, and regulation to determine the impact on the adjudicative process and training entry level incumbents.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level I plus demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and apply various laws, rules, and regulations concerning the specific programs assigned.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus one year of experience in adjudicative or legal work.