11/01/1995 46471

HEARING EXAMINER, CORRECTIONS

DEFINITION: This is quasi-judicial work of adjudicating reporting acts of misconduct by inmates in correctional institutions and facilities.

An employee in this class is responsible for conducting administrative fact finding hearings on reports issued on inmates for alleged commission of misconduct,
including criminal acts. Work involves hearing testimony and obtaining evidence, insuring timely determination as to inmate's guilt or innocence based on interpretation of rules, regulations, administrative decisions, legal precedence, court decisions, and criminal procedures, and imposing discipline according to established guidelines. Work is performed with considerable independence but is subject to review upon completion by the agency Chief Counsel.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts quasi-judicial hearings for inmates charged with violations of agency, institution, and facility policies, rules, and regulations.

Schedules hearings and in consultation with institution/facility officials coordinates appearances of charged inmates, charging staff employees, inmate advisor, and production of evidence, depositions, exhibits, and records.

Researches existing policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, administrative decisions, legal precedence, court decisions, and criminal procedures, pertaining to cases heard.

Hears testimony from both sides, examines evidence, and makes finding of facts as to the inmate's guilt or innocence.

Determines relevance and admissibility of testimony of witnesses and other evidence.

Exercises control necessary for an orderly hearing process.

Consults with Office of Chief Counsel to answer legal questions relative to the hearing process.

Writes summaries of hearings and records rationale for decisions.

Determines and imposes discipline according to established guidelines, which is designed to protect the security interests of the institution/facility and to correct inmate's behavior.

Consults with institution/facility officials to answer questions regarding hearing methods and procedures when requested.

Keeps records and compiles statistics relating to misconduct charges, hearings, and dispositions.

Assists in evaluating the effectiveness of the hearing examiner program and recommends procedural improvements.

Assists in the training and implementation of the hearing examiner program at other locations in the correctional system.

Performs related work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of modern correctional principles and practices.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior of persons with criminal and delinquent background.

Ability to analyze and appraise testimony, evidence, administrative documents, and records to obtain a clear concept of the issues involved.

Ability to research and interpret policies, rules, regulations, administrative decisions, precedence, and court decisions relating to inmate due process.

Ability to learn the principles and techniques of conducting quasi-judicial hearings.

Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in determining relevance of evidential material and information.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to gain confidence and cooperation of parties involved in a hearing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with associates.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of experience in legal work, social work, education, security, or administrative work that involves interviewing, and analysis and interpretation of data, one year of which must be in an adult correctional institution; and a bachelor's degree;

                                                                                                                                    or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes one year of experience in working in an adult correctional institution.