JOB TITLE: HUMAN SERVICES HEARINGS AND APPEALS MANAGER

JOB CODE: 48731

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 administrative work directing operations within a Bureau of Hearings and Appeals (BHA) regional office.

An employee in this job plans and manages the administration of appeal hearings associated with DHS and PDA decisions and actions impacting individuals or entities applying for or receiving program services. Work involves supervising Human Services Hearings Officers, Human Services Hearings Officer Supervisors, Attorney Examiners, and other administrative or clerical staff. Work includes assisting in the development of policies, procedures, and guidelines; ensuring proper implementation of new or revised policies and procedures; reviewing the hearing record and completed adjudications; determining assignments of hearings and appeals cases; and directing an effective process to ensure Final Administrative Action Orders are complete, accurate, and timely. Employees in this job may serve as the “Official in Charge” in the absence of the director. Work is performed within the broad framework of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and is reviewed by the director for effectiveness through conferences, reports, and program accomplishments.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work is differentiated from the lower-level job by the responsibility for supervising Human Services Hearings Officer Supervisors, Attorney Examiners, or employees performing work of comparable scope and complexity.

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.)

• Plans and manages the hearings and appeals program within an assigned region.

• Directs staff conducting adjudicative hearings.

• Assists the director in developing and implementing bureau policies, procedures, and guidelines.

• Reviews case adjudications and orders completed by Attorney Examiners, Human Services Hearings Officers, and Human Services Hearings Officer Supervisors.

• Exercises signatory authority on administrative hearings and appeals decisions and orders except those requiring the director’s signature.

• Conducts regional meetings and drafts reports.

• Presides as an Administrative Law Judge at hearings.

• Provides guidance and assistance to staff in complex hearings and appeals.

• Expedites the hearing and disposition of appeal cases as required by law.

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

• 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, meetings, and trainings.

• 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 apply the principles and practices of resource management and budgeting.

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

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

• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of professional staff.

• Ability to apply the principles and methods used in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• 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)

• Two years of experience as a Human Services Hearings Officer Supervisor or Attorney Examiner (commonwealth titles);

or

• Six years of professional interviewing, investigative, or legal work experience which includes two years of experience presiding over adjudicative hearings; and a bachelor’s degree;

or

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