JOB TITLE: HUMAN SERVICES HEARINGS OFFICER SUPERVISOR

JOB CODE: 48721

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 and supervisory work in the hearing and adjudication of appeals associated with DHS and PDA programs, benefits, and services.

An employee in this job supervises, 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 assigning and reviewing examinations of appeal case records and documents, confirming scheduled appeal hearing dates and locations with involved parties, and taking and recording testimony during the appeal hearing process. Work includes providing guidance and assistance to subordinate staff in determining the relevance of testimony, evidence, and the findings of fact pertaining to cases; directing the research of laws, rules, policies, and program regulations; assisting with the arrangements of pre-hearing conferences; and reviewing adjudications and orders for conformance with the governing mandates, jurisdiction, or authority. Work is reviewed upon completion by a regional manager for overall program effectiveness and conformity to established laws, policies, and procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work is differentiated from the lower-level job by the responsibility for supervising Human Services Hearings Officers.

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.)

• Supervises staff engaged in conducting hearings for the adjudication of appeals initiated by appellants, individuals acting on behalf of an appellant, nursing homes, doctors, other professional organizations, or practitioners aggrieved by DHS and PDA decisions, actions, or policies.

• Oversees pre-hearing conferences and hearings on various issues for appellants of other commonwealth agency programs and services with interagency agreements, such as Act 534, Administrative Disqualification Hearings (ADH), Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); and for precedent-setting cases.

• Provides formal and informal training to assigned staff on the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures affecting the adjudicatory process for issues within the jurisdiction of the bureau.

• Confers with staff and interested parties regarding the interpretation of program regulations and issues pertinent to an appeal.

• Directs the preparation, compilation, and maintenance of required correspondence and documentation.

• Supervises and participates in the research and interpretation of laws, statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to appeal cases.

• 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 the laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing public assistance programs.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of adjudicative hearings.

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

• Ability to preside over adjudicative hearings.

• Ability to conduct legal research and analyze pertinent information relevant to the issues of a case.

• Ability to apply interviewing practices and techniques.

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

• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality in accordance with bureau and departmental policy.

• 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 a Human Services Hearings Officer (commonwealth title);

or

• Four years of professional interviewing, investigative, or legal work experience which includes one year of experience presiding over adjudicative hearings; and a bachelor's degree;

or

• One year of professional interviewing, investigative, or legal work experience presiding over adjudicative hearings; and graduation from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes one year of professional interviewing, investigative, or legal work experience presiding over adjudicative hearings.