Licensing
Services HEARING OFFICER (DPS)
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 suspensions 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.
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 both formal
and informal 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.
This
is the leadership level of the job family where incumbents are assigned
responsibility for directly supervising subordinate employees and work related
to hearings, interviews and appeals concerning suspensions and revocations of
driving privileges. Incumbents may also
have the responsibility for conducting more complex or difficult hearings and
interviews.
Knowledge,
Skills and Abilities required at this level include those
identified in Level I plus knowledge of supervisory techniques and
practices. Ability to supervise the
work of others.
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 leadership 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.