JOB TITLE: HUMAN SERVICES HEARINGS OFFICER

JOB CODE: 48711

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Human Services Hearings Officer job series describes work in the adjudication of Department of Human Services (DHS) and Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) appeal cases.

DEFINITION: This is professional, quasi-judicial work in the adjudication of appeals associated with DHS and PDA programs, benefits, and services.

An employee in this job conducts and adjudicates quasi-judicial appeal hearings regarding departmental decisions and actions impacting individuals or entities applying for or receiving program services and benefits. Work involves administering oaths, hearing testimony, and reviewing evidence; determining jurisdiction and timeliness; researching and interpreting case law, policies, and regulations and determining their applicability to cases; determining findings of fact; and writing adjudications. Work includes scheduling and conducting pre-hearing conferences, issuing subpoenas, ruling on pre and post hearing motions, and providing guidance and instruction to legal assistants and other support staff. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of a Human Services Hearing Officer Supervisor, who reviews the work prior to the issuance of the adjudications for conformance with established laws, policies, and appeal procedures and deadlines.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Conducts a variety of quasi-judicial hearings for the adjudication and disposition of single and multi-issue appeals initiated by applicants or current recipients of services or benefits, nursing homes, doctors, other professional agencies, organizations, and practitioners aggrieved by DHS, PDA, Office of State Inspector General, DHS Medical Providers, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other programs with interagency agreements.

• Conducts pre-hearing conferences to define issues prior to a full hearing on the merits.

• Administers oaths, instructs parties as to their rights and explains rules on the admissibility of evidence as provided by law, examines witnesses, and issues subpoenas requiring the appearance of witnesses and the production of records and documents.

• Conducts remanded hearings ordered by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services and the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.

• Confers with parties regarding program regulation interpretation and issues pertinent to the appeal.

• Researches, analyzes, and interprets laws, statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and determines their applicability to the evidence of case records.

• Determines findings of fact, writes adjudications and orders.

• Confirms hearing dates, locations, recording and interpreting services, and participating parties.

• Reviews hearing transcriptions, hearing exhibits, and pertinent departmental regulations and law.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Travels to attend hearings, trainings, and meetings.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of interviewing techniques to gather information.

• Knowledge of general adjudication and appeal procedures.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to research, read, interpret, apply, and analyze laws, policies, standards, and procedures.

• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.

• Ability to provide guidance and instruction to legal assistant staff.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience as an Income Maintenance Casework Supervisor (commonwealth title);

or

• Three years of professional interviewing, investigative, or legal work experience which includes one year of experience conducting formal reviews of determinations subject to an appeal or adjudication process; and a bachelor's degree;

or

• Graduation from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.