Hearing Officer (Review Examiner II)

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Job Description - Hearing Officer (Review Examiner II) (250008AU)

Job Description

Description

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Hearings Officer . The ideal candidate will conduct Administrative Disqualification Hearings in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and issue fair, impartial decisions within established regulatory time frames.

DTA attracts people passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Structure and clearly explain procedures that govern hearings.
• Control testimony (including evidentiary rulings) and identify and mark exhibits.
• Maintain substance and appearance of impartiality and demonstrate patience and courtesy toward all parties.
• Assure the record is fully developed, and all issues adequately addressed.
• Render a written decision based on relevant regulations and standards within the time frames required by law.
• Conduct statewide telephonic, videoconference, and in-person hearings as assigned.
• Make and store digital recordings of hearings following established procedures.
• Establish jurisdiction and identify relevant issues.
• Summarize evidence and identify, mark, document, and store all exhibits.
• Make appropriate findings of material facts, apply law to facts, and reach reasonable legal conclusions based on relevant regulations and standards.
• Sign and submit error‑free, properly formatted decisions and issue clear, complete orders to the Department.
• Follow assigned procedures governing reschedules, continuances, reopenings, dismissals, and withdrawals.
• Confer with DTA management and other agency personnel to provide or exchange information and resolve problems.
• Render decisions within 30 days of the hearing date or 5 business days prior to the decision due date, whichever comes first.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to understand, explain, and apply the laws and rules governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, and opinions.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw appropriate conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to gather information through questioning individuals and examining records.
• Ability to make decisions and act quickly in stressful situations.
• Ability to determine the proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare general reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.
• Ability to prioritize work in order to complete all assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships and deal tactfully and respectfully with others.
• Ability to travel throughout the state using their own mode of transportation on a daily basis.
• Ability to use all necessary functions of a laptop computer to compose decisions and store information in an orderly manner.
• Ability to work remotely while maintaining productivity, accuracy, and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
• Knowledge of the state law governing administrative hearings.
• Knowledge of the legal procedures involved in conducting public and executive hearings.
• Knowledge of the laws and rules governing the presentation and admissibility of evidence.
• Knowledge of reference and related sources available for legal research.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Agency Mission:
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low‑income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low‑income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long‑term economic self‑sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every six people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.

NOTE: Selected candidates must complete a language proficiency examination which will test reading comprehension, conversational, and writing skills in English and the specified second language.

TO APPLY

Please upload both the Resume and Cover Letter for this position. First consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 14 days.

About The Department of Transitional Assistance

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low‑income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low‑income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long‑term economic self‑sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment support.

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full‑time, or equivalent part‑time, professional experience, the major duties of which included the adjudication, examination and/or review of claims, benefits and/or taxes; the practice of law; labor relations work; claims investigation or adjustment work; credit management or credit investigation work; or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions

• I. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in law may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.
• II. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in law may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.

Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non‑management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self‑select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title

Review Examiner II

Job

Administrative Services

Agency

Department of Transitional Assistance

Schedule

Full‑time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Number of Openings

2

Salary

77,289.16 - 113,024.34 Yearly

Confidential

No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule

Yes

Official Title : Review Examiner II

If you have Diversity, Aff....