JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF HEARINGS AND APPEALS, DHS

JOB CODE: 48860

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional and administrative work directing the operations and adjudications of the Hearings and Appeals program for the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA).

The employee in this job plans and directs the statewide administration of hearings for appeals associated with DHS and PDA decisions and actions impacting individuals or entities applying for or receiving program services. Work involves developing policies, procedures, and guidelines for conducting appeal hearings; directing the implementation of new or revised policies and procedures; reviewing case records and appeals determinations; and serving as the “Official in Charge” to ensure Final Administrative Action Orders are complete, accurate, and timely. Work includes supervising professional and technical staff and serving as the final signatory authority for hearing officers. Work is performed independently within a broad framework of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and is reviewed by the deputy secretary through conferences, reports, and program accomplishments for program effectiveness.

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.)

• Directs the development and implementation of administrative and judicial policies, procedures, and guidelines to provide fair and equitable treatment of aggrieved employees, clients, program applicants, and service providers in DHS and PDA.

• Reviews case findings and documents, and revises final orders based on laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Presides as an Administrative Law Judge at hearings, conducts legal research, and writes final adjudications.

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

• Assesses and analyzes ethical compliance requirements with the bureau’s activities, as it relates to the Rules of Professional Responsibility and the Pennsylvania Judicial Code.

• Prepares written and oral testimony in response to pending legislation that may impact the hearings and appeals process and advises senior management as necessary.

• Directs the certification process of the bureau’s final appeal records in preparation for the Commonwealth Court (Court) and serves as the final signatory when the record is ready for the Court.

• Presides over hearings for the Retired Employee Health Program (REHP) and makes decisions related to enrollment, eligibility, and medical and prescription drug coverage.

• Serves as the DHS Administrative Law Liaison for all matters directly impacting appeals, including federal, state, and local branches of government, community stakeholders, and legal entities.

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

• Conducts supervisory, management, and leadership development training.

• Administers special projects and develops internal review processes for appeals that do not require a full administrative hearing.

• Reviews and evaluates bureau objectives, standards, and policies.

• Prepares and reviews bureau budget allocations to ensure fiscal integrity.

• Organizes, approves, and drafts statistical, narrative, and efficiency reports.

• Travels to attend hearings, meetings, and trainings.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

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

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of legal office functions and operations.

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

• Knowledge of court and administrative proceedings and documentation.

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

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of program planning, evaluation, and administration.

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

• Knowledge of the principles and methods used in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

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

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

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

• Ability to apply interviewing practices and techniques.

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

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• 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 and Appeals Manager (commonwealth title);

or

• Seven years of professional interviewing, investigative, or legal work experience which includes two years of professional supervisory experience and graduation from an accredited school of law;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of supervisory experience in a legal office.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Possession of a certification of current license and active admission in good standing to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.