Fair Hearings Officer

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) is recruiting a Fair Hearings Officer to work in their Hartford office. This role involves conducting hearings and rendering decisions on appeals of departmental decisions and other matters designated by statute. The position is full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, with a hybrid work schedule. Candidates must be current DSS employees with at least six months of full-time service. The State of Connecticut offers professional growth, development opportunities, a healthy work/life balance, and is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer.

Requirements

Current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service.
Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations.
Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of public assistance and human service programs.
Considerable skill in conducting interviews to obtain information necessary for rendering proper decisions.
Skills interpersonal skills.
Skills oral and written communication skills.
Ability to present findings and conclusions in written reports.
Ability to analyze and evaluate conflicting information and evidence.
Seven (7) years of professional or technical experience in a social services program area.
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in a lead, advanced working or consultative capacity conducting hearings and rendering decisions.
College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree.
A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience interpreting complex state and federal laws, statues and regulations related to public and medical assistance program serviced by DSS
Experience reviewing and assessing matters governed under the state Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.
Experience determining eligibility for public assistance, medical assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, medical services and Child Support Programs serviced by DSS.
Experience writing detailed, complex reports or case summaries.
Experience utilizing Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, TEAMs and Adobe Acrobat software.

Responsibilities

Reviews requests for fair hearings made in accordance with statutory provisions.
Conducts hearings utilizing teleconference technology or in person.
Examines and admits to record all testimony, documents and other evidence on behalf of appellant.
Questions witnesses and departmental employees appearing on behalf of agency with regard to decision being appealed.
Prepares and renders written decisions on matters being appealed.
Maintains records of testimony for use by Superior Court in event of further appeals.
Prepares reports of hearings held.
Recommends modification of procedures when appropriate.
Participates in staff conferences.
Performs related duties as required.