Chief Administrative Law Judge

the South Dakota State Government • Statewide, SD

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Social Services seeks an attorney to serve as Chief Administrative Law Judge. The role conducts administrative hearings for all programs and oversees the Office of Administrative Hearings within the Department. The agency’s legal work spans child protection, foster care and adoption; Medicaid and behavioral health; food and nutrition support; income and work programs; child support; and professional licensing.

This is a full-time position with the Department of Social Services. The position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. Applicants must attach a resume and apply online; emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted. The State does not sponsor work visas. Hired applicants must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9; the State uses E-Verify for employment eligibility verification.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the South Dakota Bar, or eligibility for admission with the ability to obtain admission within six months of the start date.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• High standards of ethical conduct.
• Ability to understand litigation practice and strategies.
• Sound judgment and ability to make decisions and take prompt, decisive action.
• Ability to analyze information, issues, situations, practices, and precedents and arrive at logical interpretations.
• Ability to work independently while accepting guidance and soliciting input.
• Ability to seek, collect, and evaluate information to learn more about issues or events.
• Ability to plan and organize work, adjust to multiple demands, prioritize tasks, and meet schedules and deadlines.
• Must attach a resume and apply online; emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
• Must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9 upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of experience in administrative law, regulatory matters, or litigation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct administrative appeal hearings respectfully and effectively, including ruling on the admissibility of evidence, ensuring a complete and accurate record, and providing a fair hearing process.
• Research, analyze, and interpret questions of law presented in hearings.
• Ensure hearing notices and other hearing documents are properly drafted.
• Prepare and issue high-quality hearing decisions in a timely manner.
• Manage staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance options, including a $0 premium employee health insurance option.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance and other insurance options.
• Participation in the SDRS Retirement System, including Class A retirement, and supplemental retirement plans.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Supportive work environment that values work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree